Rear end are a common type of auto accident that can have disastrous long-term effects on your health. Even a minor rear end accident can lead to whiplash, resulting in ongoing pain and discomfort that lasts for years. If the person that ran into you was not paying attention, was driving too fast or acting negligent in any way, you may be able to collect damages due to your injuries.
I help clients in situations similar to yours to pursue legal action against negligent individuals and companies. I know how to pursue a successful car accident case, getting you the compensation you need to cover your medical care, lost work and pain and suffering resulting from your injuries.
Causes Of Rear End Collisions
You can be obeying all the traffic rules and driving responsibly, but that does not always protect you and your passengers. Other drivers can cause a rear end accident so easily. It only takes one moment of inattention from another driver to permanently change your life.
Some common causes for rear end collisions include:
Speeding
The faster an automobile goes, the more difficult it becomes to stop and maneuver when traffic conditions change. Speed limits are in place specifically to keep drivers moving at a safe speed for the road conditions, but some drivers fail to observe these limits – leading to accidents and preventable injuries.
Tailgating
One of the established rules of driving is to leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow you to stop before causing an accident. Unfortunately, many drivers seem happy to ignore this rule. If you were hit by someone following too closely, you may be able to collect damages based on your injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a real problem on the roads of Albany and Upstate New York. Whether the other driver was talking on the phone, texting or checking Facebook, it all counts as distracted driving. When you are rear ended by a distracted driver, you have every right to pursue legal action.
Drunk Driving
If a drunk driver runs into the back of your car, he or she will likely face severe penalties due to driving while intoxicated. You should know that you can also sue for the injuries caused by the accident, collecting damages above and beyond whatever the criminal penalties are.
Common Injuries Resulting From Rear End Collisions
Like all car accidents, rear end collisions can do severe and lasting damage to the human body. Some common injuries resulting from rear end collisions include:
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Damage to extremities – legs, arms, hands, knees
- Airbag injuries
What To Do If You Are Rear Ended By Another Driver
If you are hit by another driver, what you will do next will depend on your injuries. If you seem to be OK, you can exchange insurance and identity information with the other driver. You can also take pictures of the accident scene, which could come in useful in your case. Even if you are not in pain, you should still go see a doctor to verify you are OK. Your doctor will document any injuries, which can also be helpful in your case.
If you are hurt in the accident, getting medical attention should always be your top priority.
Following medical attention, you should contact an Albany car accident attorney to discuss what happened. I have helped numerous clients to understand their legal options and to prove fault in car accident cases, and I can do the same for you. I will investigate what happened, talk with witnesses and verify who was at fault.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Please contact me for a free consultation about your accident. Let me help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.