TEXT US NOWRear-End Collision Lawyers in Seattle
Rear-end collisions happen out of the blue. You may be sitting at an intersection or driving along the highway when you have to hit the brakes, but the driver behind you doesn’t notice you’ve stopped and smashes into the back of your car. Suddenly, your vehicle is significantly damaged, and you’re dealing with potentially serious injuries that could take you out of work for weeks or longer.
When this tragedy strikes, it can be confusing to know what to do next. Insurance companies are often less than willing to pay for your expensive medical care. Our caring lawyers at Elsener Law Firm, PLLC can help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
How Badly Can You Get Hurt in a Rear-End Collision?
While all car accidents are unexpected, there are many cases where victims can see what’s going to happen a few seconds before impact. In that time, they can try to take evasive action or brace themselves. Victims in rear-end accidents generally don’t have that opportunity because the impact comes from behind. The impact can lead to severe injuries as the momentum of the rear car travels through the typically stationary front car. Some of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Back and spine injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Bruises and lacerations
- Skull and facial injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Damage to internal organs
What Role Does Tailgating Play in Rear-End Collisions?
Tailgating is when a driver fails to leave a safe stopping distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Because it reduces the time a driver has to react to anything that happens with the car in front of them, it dramatically increases the likelihood of a rear-end crash. So why do people do it? Some common causes of tailgating include:
- Impatience
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Intoxication
- Aggressive driving
The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends using the three-second rule for maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. To use the three-second rule, note when the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object, such as a fence post or telephone pole, then count the seconds until your car passes the same point. If it is less than three seconds, you should provide more room to help prevent rear-end collisions. An even larger gap is recommended when there are visibility issues, bad road conditions, or if the vehicle in front of you is a semi or a motorcycle.
Can I Recover Damages for a Rear-End Crash?
Yes, you have the right to seek compensation from the liable party for your losses. Your damages can be economic, such as medical bills, property replacement expenses, and lost wages. They can also be non-economic, including the losses caused by your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement. A skilled car accident attorney can calculate the total value of your losses to ensure that you receive a settlement that covers all the damages you’ve experienced.
Because Washington is a pure comparative fault state, an individual in an accident can file a claim for damages as long as they are not fully liable for the crash. In a rear-end collision, the driver of the rear vehicle is usually considered liable for the accident. However, some circumstances could cause the driver of the front vehicle to share responsibility for the accident, such as having burnt-out tail lights or backing up at an intersection. If liability is split, then your settlement amount will be reduced by the percentage of liability assigned to you.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Rear-End Collision Case?
Insurance companies may act like your friend, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. They are for-profit businesses that are interested in maintaining their bottom line, not providing full compensation to accident victims. They will often push rear-end collision victims to take a settlement that is well below their actual losses, and if that doesn’t work, they will push the narrative that the victim was somehow at fault for the crash.
At Elsner Law Firm, we believe you deserve to get the maximum compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered from your rear-end collision. We will fight back against the insurance companies and provide you with the solid legal representation you need. Contact us today to set up a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you: 206-447-1425.
