Getting hit in the rear end while driving can shake you up more than you'd expect. Your car takes a hard hit, your body jolts forward, and suddenly you're dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance calls.
Most people think these accidents are minor fender benders, but that's not what happens in reality. Rear-end collisions cause serious injuries and long-term problems that change how you live your life.
If you've been hit from behind and got hurt or damaged your vehicle, you have the right to file a claim against the driver who hit you. Learning how these claims work helps you recover what you deserve. Here's what you need to know after a rear-end crash,
What are Rear-End Accidents?
A rear-end accident happens when one vehicle hits the back of another. These collisions occur on highways, city streets, parking lots, and traffic lights. The impact pushes the front car forward suddenly, stressing everyone inside. The real danger is that people in the front vehicle don't see the collision coming and can't protect themselves from the impact.
How Common are Rear-End Accidents?
These accidents are one of the most frequent types of traffic crashes. National data shows that rear-end collisions made up roughly 29 percent of all car accidents recently, injuring and killing thousands every year. In one year alone, there were over 2,346 fatal rear-end accidents nationwide. State records show these crashes consistently rank as the most dangerous collision type, with tens of thousands of people hurt each year.
What are the Common Causes of Rear-end Crashes?
Most rear-end accidents are caused by driver error. Drivers who cause these crashes aren't paying attention or are moving too fast to stop. Common problems include texting while driving, speeding, and tailgating too closely to the car ahead. Other causes are drowsy driving, impaired driving, making improper lane changes, and driving aggressively.
Some drivers make illegal turns without checking traffic behind them. Rain and slippery roads make stopping harder, but driver behavior is the main cause of these accidents.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Accident?
The driver who hit your car from behind is usually the one who has to pay. This area operates under an at-fault system, which means whoever caused the accident pays for everything. Sometimes, rear-end crashes involve multiple cars piling up. When that happens, figuring out who's responsible gets messier, and sometimes more than one driver has to pay.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Rear-End Accident Claim?
You can get two types of rear-end accident claims: economic and non-economic.
How much your claim is worth depends on how bad your injuries are and how they change your future.
How Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Rear-End Crash
Appointing a professional car accident lawyer can help you get complete support during a rear-end accident claim. You expect them to help you in the following manner:
Conclusion
Rear-end accidents wreck your body and weaken you financially. You shouldn't have to pay when someone else's carelessness caused this. Knowing your rights and how claims work puts you in a position to recover what you lost and move on.
Takeaways
