Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience, no matter how it happens. Rear-end accidents are very common, and they can be especially jarring if you were stopped at an intersection before being hit.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in a rear-end collision, you don’t need to face your financial burdens alone. You can receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property loss, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the crash.
The personal injury lawyers at Kiley Law Group are here to help guide you through the claims process and protect your legal rights after a rear-end accident. Call us today at 888-572-7189 for a free consultation and case review to learn your options.
Common Causes of Rear-end Car Accidents
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents seen on MA roads. Various risky behaviors and environmental hazards can increase the chances of these accidents occurring.
Distracted driving
We all know the risks involved when driving while distracted, and the laws keep changing in order to address these dangers. In 2020, the State of Massachusetts enacted traffic laws making it illegal to use an electric device without hands-free mode enabled.
Unfortunately, distracted driving is a dangerous practice that continues to put millions of drivers at risk. It could include anything from texting or talking on the phone or even adjusting the dials on the radio or GPS.
When drivers are distracted behind the wheel, they are less aware of what is going on around them. Response time is reduced, and it is more difficult to react to changes in traffic and avoid rear-end collisions.
Aggressive driving
While everyone on the road has somewhere to go, it seems as if some drivers are more in a rush than others. Rather than being content to follow the rules of the road, including the speed limit, some drivers are aggressive and pose an increased risk to others.
Another sign of an impatient or aggressive driver is the following distance. A recommended following distance exists to allow drivers the time necessary to come to a stop without hitting the other vehicle. When drivers are not following these safety precautions, they are more likely to cause a rear-end collision.
Mechanical problems
While many rear-end accidents are caused by negligent driving, sometimes a mechanical failure is to blame. Car manufacturing companies are responsible for ensuring the vehicles and parts they use meet safety and quality standards before being sold. Despite the standards in place in the automotive industry, there are safety recalls for unsafe parts each year.
If a car has faulty brakes or tires, this can make it difficult or impossible for a driver to safely come to a stop and avoid a crash. Some rear-end collisions also happen because the vehicle in front had malfunctioning brake lights, making it hard for the other driver to know the vehicle ahead was slowing down.
Weather conditions
Each year, when the weather starts to turn, residents throughout Massachusetts know that we may be in for another season of cold, snowy weather. There are practical steps drivers can take to prepare for winter driving, including changing to winter tires and taking more precautions than usual.
Even when precautions are taken, though, slippery or icy roads can make it nearly impossible to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. A driver who hits a patch of ice before an intersection or stop sign might slide into the car in front, causing damage and pain for all involved.
Common Damages Caused by Rear-End Collisions
In addition to the stress and inconvenience, motor vehicle crashes can often cause extensive damages. The cost of medical expenses and necessary repairs can add up and become overwhelming. A free consultation with one of our lawyers can help to identify the compensation you are able to receive.
Physical Injuries
Many rear-end collisions happen when one car is stopped and another vehicle crashes into it from behind. In some cases, the driver and passengers may not have seen the vehicle and had no chance to brace for impact.
Rear-end collisions can be the cause of various injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Muscle tear or sprain
- Broken bones
Certain injuries, like a laceration or broken bone, are often easy to notice. Sometimes, though, the injuries you suffered after an accident are not as obvious. You might initially think you are okay after a crash, but the negative effects of the accident can take days or weeks to appear.
After a rear-end collision, make sure to see a doctor right away. The sooner you receive medical attention and begin treatment, the sooner you will be on the path to recovery. Seeing a doctor soon after an accident and documenting any visits can help you later on when you file your claim.
Property damage
Even a seemingly minor rear-end accident can cause more damage than expected. After an initial visual inspection, you might think your car is okay, but sometimes the damage is hidden or not immediately visible.
Some types of property damage that can be caused by a rear-end collision include:
- Suspension damage
- Alignment issues
- Exhaust system damage
- Frame damage
In order to know the extent of damage to your vehicle, it is important to get a professional assessment. This can help your lawyer ensure you receive the compensation needed for your property damage.
How Insurance Companies Work
Paying your car insurance bill each month is a routine part of life. Of course, even though you pay to have insurance coverage, you hope to never be in a situation to need it. When you do get into an accident, though, you don’t expect any problems – after all, this is what you have been paying for all these years.
It’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses. Just like any good business, they are always looking for ways to cut costs and increase profit margins. One way they can do this is by increasing the cost of coverage. Another common method of theirs is reducing or denying claims.
These practices can make it difficult for car accident victims to receive the compensation they deserve – even though they may have sufficient insurance coverage for a personal injury. If you have been hurt in a car accident in Massachusetts, don’t deal with the insurance company until you have consulted with a car accident attorney.
Work With One of Our Massachusetts Accident Lawyers Today
After being involved in a rear-end collision, you shouldn’t need to navigate the legal process on your own. When you work with a personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group, you will have a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side to fight your claim for you.
While you focus on your recovery and your family, your lawyer will do the rest to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after your accident. You can also have peace of mind knowing your case is getting the needed attention and is being handled the right way.
If you aren’t sure what next steps to take after a crash, a no-obligation, free consultation can help. Contact us today to see how a personal injury lawyer with Kiley Law Group can help you get back on your feet after rear-end collisions.
