Birmingham Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Misconceptions about rear-end accidents are numerous. Many people are under the assumption that rear-end collisions are simply minor accidents or “fender benders.” Others assume that the second vehicle or the one that hits another from behind is automatically at fault in all instances.

The reality is that none of these things are always necessarily true. Rear-end accidents can lead to very serious accidents, and there are actually instances when the driver that’s hit from behind is actually found to be at fault.

If you have been hurt in a rear-end collision, you need to make sure that you consult with experienced rear-end accident lawyers in Alabama. To schedule your free consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the dedicated car crash attorneys at Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton, LLP today.

The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions are those that involve the front end of a vehicle striking the rear end of another vehicle. Drivers are always required to maintain a safe distance behind vehicles in front of them, even if the road conditions are poor. Due to this fact, drivers that hit other vehicles from behind are often at fault. Still, there are instances when the driver in front can be liable for the accident.

Here are some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions:

Tailgating

If a driver fails to leave the required amount of space in front of them, it is referred to as tailgating. It prevents such a driver from being able to stop safely in case of an emergency and may lead to a rear-end collision.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes more than just texting while driving. It also includes looking at the GPS, eating, looking at the radio, or other panels. A driver that’s looking at something in the vehicle as opposed to the road ahead can cause a rear-end collision.

Drowsy Driving

If a driver is fatigued while behind the wheel, his/her focus isn’t always on the road. Similarly, a driver that closes his/her eyes even for a couple of seconds can easily cause a rear-end accident.

Driving While Impaired

Alcohol and drugs often slow a person’s reaction time and may distort perception. A person that’s driving while impaired might actually not realize that another vehicle is so close, or he/she may simply not see a vehicle that’s in front of him/her.

Speeding

Speeding, just like tailgating usually means that drivers lack sufficient time to stop before they crash into the vehicle that’s in front of them.

Stopping Suddenly

Vehicles in front sometimes stop suddenly. It can be due to any of the reasons listed above, which are considered negligence, or for no reason at all. If that’s the case, the vehicle in front could be found at fault for the accident.

A rear-end collision that causes injuries should always be investigated to determine how the accident occurred as well as who is responsible. If you believe that the rear-end accident you were involved in was the result of the negligent actions of another driver, please get in touch with Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton, LLP today for your free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

Major Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents

Here are some of the most common major injuries that may result from a rear-end accident:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a very common injury in rear-end accidents. It usually occurs when the body stays stationary but the neck moves back and forth in rapid succession. It can become even more serious if the driver whose vehicle is struck from behind is caught unaware and doesn’t have the opportunity to brace for impact.

Back Injuries

Any accident can cause serious back problems even if it does not involve high speeds. The force of the impact causes compression of the spine and the discs in the lower back, which can lead to slipped or ruptured discs. The injuries can be even worse if the rear-end accident happens at high speeds.

Airbag Injuries

Airbags typically deploy only if the vehicle is traveling at a speed of over 20 miles per hour. If an airbag deploys, it can lead to broken bones or even burns to the face.

Paralysis

If the brain or spinal cord sustains a very serious injury in a rear-end collision, there’s a possibility of the victim suffering from either partial or complete paralysis.

Facial Disfigurement

The face may also hit objects inside the vehicle in a rear-end accident. If such injuries are very serious, it may result in permanent facial scarring and disfigurement.

Head and Brain Injuries

It is very easy for the head to bang into the dashboard, steering wheel, or any other part of the vehicle during a rear-end collision. Victims of rear-end accidents should always seek immediate medical attention immediately they suspect a brain or head injury.

No matter the type of injury that you sustained in a rear-end collision, you must always seek medical attention within the shortest time possible. Doing that will not only ensure that you receive the right type of treatment but will also start the documentation process for your personal injury claim.

What is the Time Limit for Filing an Injury Claim?

Like every other state in America, Alabama has a statute of limitations regarding filing an injury claim following a rear-end accident. The statute of limitation refers to the amount of time you have within which to file your personal injury claim. Claims filed after the expiry of the statute of limitations are typically thrown out by the courts, which means that you will be barred from recovering compensation for your accident.

The statute of limitations in Alabama for injury claims involving rear-end accidents is 2 years. It is, however, important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your legal team has sufficient time to build a strong case to ensure maximum compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover in Rear-End Injury Claims?

You are entitled to certain compensation in Alabama if you are involved in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence. The most common types of compensation following a rear-end accident include:

• Damage to your vehicle
• Past and future lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical expenses

If the liable party acted with gross recklessness or negligence, the victim can be awarded punitive damages too, which are intended to punish the at-fault party.

How Can a Rear-End Accident Lawyer Help?

If it was just a minor car accident involving just minor damage to the vehicles, you might not require a lawyer to help with the claim. If there were serious injuries or questions regarding fault, however, it can be a good idea to speak to a rear-end accident lawyer. While working on the case, the lawyer will:

• Gathering evidence to establish another driver’s fault, which includes hiring accident reconstruction professionals
• Taking over all negotiations and communications with the insurance company on your behalf
• Ensuring that all court paperwork is properly filed and on time
• Calculating the full amount of your losses so that you can claim all the compensation that you are entitled to receive
• Performing all the legwork relating to your case so that you have the time to focus on your recovery

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you shouldn’t attempt to handle your personal injury claim on your own. Our Alabama rear-end accident lawyers at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton will fight hard to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

Allow us to handle your claim so that you can focus better on getting better. Get in touch with us today for your free consultation.