Posted on Friday, February 15th, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Rear end car accidents or “fender benders” can be a hassle. Even minor damage requires that you report the crash to the police and your insurance company. You need to take time off work to get the vehicle repaired and possible rent a vehicle to use while your car is in the shop. However, rear end car accidents can also cause severe injuries. Some rear-end crashes result in catastrophic injuries that take months or years to heal. Some victims never fully heal from their injuries.
Do not assume that your rear end car accident is a “minor” incident that you can handle on your own. While in most cases, the person driving the vehicle in the rear is blamed for the crash, that does not mean your accident claim will be easy to win.
What Causes Rear End Car Accidents?
As with other car accidents, there are a variety of reasons why a rear-end crash might occur. One of the most common reasons for rear-end accidents is inattention or distracted driving. A driver is not paying enough attention to the road ahead to stop when the vehicle in front stops or slows down.
Another common reason for rear-end car accidents is speeding. When you are exceeding or traveling too fast for conditions, it takes longer to stop. A driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision if the driver in front must slam on the breaks. The same situation is true if a driver is tailgating or following too closely.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes
Regardless of the cause for the rear-end accident, the accident victim deserves to be compensated fully for all damages. Insurance companies often fight these claims because they refer to rear-end accidents as “whiplash” cases and discount the victim’s injuries and losses. A Sacramento rear-end accident attorney can help you fight this injustice.
Common injuries sustained in rear end car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations, bruises, and broken bones in the face and hands
- Airbag and seat belt injuries
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Neck and should injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
What Can I Do To Protect My Claim?
These steps can help you build a strong case for compensation after a rear end car accident:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request assistance.
- From a safe location, and if you will not cause further injury, take pictures, and make videos of the accident scene
- Do not discuss the crash with anyone other than the police officer and your attorney
- Never say “I’m sorry” or accept blame for the accident
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Seek immediate medical attention. You need to document your injuries in addition to taking care of your health.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your claim and other steps you may need to take to protect your rights.
Contact a Sacramento Rear End Car Accident Attorney
For a free legal consultation with a Sacramento rear-end crash attorney, call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000.
