Raleigh Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer | Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A.

What Compensation Can You Get for Being Rear-Ended?

If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, the at-fault driver may owe you compensation for your medical bills and other crash-related losses. Depending on the circumstances, you may demand money for:

Medical expenses you incur for the treatment of your crash-related injuries

Incidental costs you incur, such as travel expenses for travel to medical appointments

The value of any lost wages or benefits you incur from missed time at work

The projected loss in future earning capacity, if you suffer a permanent injury that prevents you from resuming your career

The intangible cost of the pain, suffering, and lost quality of life you endure

The costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle or other property

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

Many people assume that the trailing driver is automatically at fault in any rear-end collision. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain a safe following distance and remain alert for changes in traffic conditions such as a vehicle ahead stopping or slowing to turn. In most rear-end collisions, the trailing driver is found at fault.

However, there are situations in which others may be partially or entirely at fault for a rear-end crash:

The front driver– The driver in front may be at fault if they get hit from behind after an unexpected stop in an active traffic lane, an unsafe lane merger, or an unexpected reversal.
Other road users– Another road user such as a person on foot may be at fault if they dart into traffic without warning, forcing the lead driver to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
Manufacturers– The manufacturer of a vehicle component such as brakes may be at fault if defects in the component contribute to the accident.
Local governments– A local government agency or highway contractor might be financially liable if poor local road conditions or an improperly designed road work zone contributed to a rear-end collision.

Common Injuries from Rear-End Car Accidents

The injuries that occur in a rear-end collision vary significantly depending on the size of the vehicles involved, the speed upon impact, whether occupants were wearing seatbelts, and other factors. Even a relatively minor, low-speed rear-end crash can result in painful injuries such as neck sprain or whiplash.

The abrupt impact that accompanies many rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries as vehicle occupants are thrown forward, potentially hitting dashboards, seatbacks, and other hard surfaces. Some common injuries that occur in rear-end car accidents include:

Head and neck injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions and whiplash
Facial injuries and dental trauma
Scarring and disfigurement
Back and shoulder injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Partial or total paralysis
Seatbelt and airbag injuries
Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
Dislocated or fractured bones
Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
Amputation and loss of limb
Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
Thermal, chemical, and friction burns
Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Other emotional and psychological injuries

What Is a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision involves the front end of one vehicle colliding with the rear end of the vehicle ahead of it. Rear-end crashes are the most common type of multi-vehicle accident.

In many cases, rear-end collisions occur when the driver of the lead vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. In other cases, rear-end accidents occur due to chain reaction collisions in dense traffic.

Some of the most common causes of rear-end car accidents include:

Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone while driving, sending text messages, interacting with passengers, or adjusting manual controls while driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, and certain prescription or over-the-counter medications
Reckless driving, such as speeding, tailgating, or driving too fast for traffic conditions
Driver errors, such as failing to yield, making unsafe turns, or running red lights
Vehicle defects, such as faulty tires, brakes, airbags, or steering systems
Poor road conditions, such as large potholes or missing traffic signage

Rear-End Accident Statistics

The following rear-end car accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) illustrate just how serious these wrecks can be:

Rear-end car accidents are by far the most common type of motor vehicle collision, representing close to one-third of all vehicle accidents and 45 percent of all two-vehicle accidents in a recent year.
Of the 2,194,000 rear-end accidents to occur in a recent year in the U.S., 595,000 of them resulted in reported injuries. Rear-end collisions accounted for 31 percent of all crashes involving injuries.
Additionally, 2,346 rear-end crashes that year resulted in traffic fatalities, representing 7.1 percent of all fatal crashes that year.

Call Our Raleigh Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a rear-end crash in Raleigh, the car accident lawyers at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. are ready to put our resources and legal knowledge to work for you. Learn how we can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Contact our firm today for your free initial case review.

Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC