Rear-end collisions rank among the most common types of traffic accidents in the United States. Annually, there are over 2 million reported rear-end crashes, resulting in at least 170,000 fatalities and over 500,000 serious injuries that often have long-lasting effects. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 80% of rear-end collisions are preventable. However, despite the presence of strict traffic regulations, these types of accidents continue to occur.
If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in a severe crash, it is crucial to take immediate action by contacting a qualified Galveston rear-end collision lawyer. State and federal laws enable victims of negligence-related accidents to seek financial compensation for their injuries. To do so, victims must establish that, more likely than not, the defendant was negligent in some way. Those who fail to fulfill their duty of care towards other Galveston residents and road users are responsible for the damages they cause. Allow a seasoned car accident lawyer from our firm to assist you in pursuing legal action.
The Severity of Rear-End Collisions
Imagine peacefully sitting in your car amidst traffic or in a parking lot when suddenly you hear and feel a loud crash from behind. Your car is propelled forward, causing your head to collide with the steering wheel, resulting in neck whiplash, or even ejecting you through the windshield. Injured and in a state of shock, you slowly come to the realization that you have been involved in a car accident. When a vehicle approaching from behind collides with the rear of your car, it is classified as a rear-end crash.
While many rear-end collisions are not severe, there are instances where they can be catastrophic. If the vehicle approaching from behind is traveling at high speed, the likelihood of a fatal crash significantly increases. Additionally, if the vehicle behind is a commercial truck, its substantial size and weight alone can cause permanent damage to the front vehicle. Serious injuries associated with rear-end collisions include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spine injuries
- Fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Nerve damage
In the worst-case scenario, occupants of the smaller vehicle may bear the brunt of the impact, leading to permanent disability or death.
Less severe injuries resulting from rear-end crashes include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Ankle and knee injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Facial abrasions
- Wrist injuries
While some of these soft tissue injuries can be treated at home and may not require medical intervention, survivors of rear-end collisions should seek further medical evaluation, especially when uncertain about the extent of their injuries. Certain injuries may not be immediately apparent following the accident and necessitate thorough evaluation by well-trained medical professionals. Failure to seek immediate medical attention, followed by a worsening of injuries, can make it difficult for your lawyer to prove that the injuries and damages sustained are a direct result of the rear-end accident.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer serving Galveston, call (832) 449-8230
How Back-End Crashes Typically Occur in Galveston
When considering whether to file a personal injury claim for compensation following a rear-end collision, it is essential to understand the circumstances of the accident. This understanding not only helps determine liability but also ensures the possibility of receiving maximum compensation by targeting the party with the highest potential for substantial settlement. For instance, a commercial truck driver may be directly at fault for operating a poorly maintained vehicle. However, since individual drivers often have limited personal insurance coverage, seeking significant compensation directly from them may prove challenging. In such cases, your rear-end crash attorney can explore the insurance policy of the trucking company to pursue maximum monetary compensation for your tangible and intangible losses, including:
- Lost wages
- Loss of income-earning ability
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Property repair costs
Despite the incorporation of automated safety systems in modern vehicles to prevent rear-end collisions, such accidents continue to occur. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies several common causes of rear-end collisions in the United States, including:
- Driving too closely (tailgating)
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Vehicle malfunctions such as brake failure
- Road rage/aggressive driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Poor driver training
- Poor visibility due to bad weather conditions
- Sudden stops due to panic or to avoid hitting something
Galveston Rear-end Collision Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Contact a Galveston Rear-End Collision Attorney Today
While most rear-end collisions occur at lower speeds, they can still lead to significant damages. Both vehicles may lose control, posing risks to passengers, as well as other road users like motorcyclists and pedestrians. In some cases, multiple crashes can occur, resulting in additional property damage and injuries to multiple individuals. However, with the assistance of a skilled Galveston rear-end collision lawyer, you can seek the compensation you deserve for the physical and emotional harm you have experienced. If you require legal guidance to learn more about rear-end accident compensation, please call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form