Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of accidents in which people can be injured. In many cases, they occur without warning at stoplights or stop signs, leaving unsuspecting victims in shock and with serious injuries. Fortunately, in many cases, people who are rear-ended can recover compensation for their accident-related losses such as medical expenses, repair bills, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

To determine whether you have a claim, you should call Labrum Law today to speak with a Nashville rear-end accident lawyer today.

Rear-End Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries

Many people refer to rear-end collisions as “fender-benders,” which can insinuate that these are not the most serious type of crash. However, it is important to realize that even a so-called fender-bender can result in surprisingly severe injuries. In addition, rear-end crashes that happen at high speeds can certainly cause extensive property damage to vehicles, endangering any occupants of both vehicles involved.

Some common injuries that stem from rear-end collisions include:

• Neck injuries - Whiplash is commonly associated with rear-end crashes, and this involves painful damage to the soft tissue of your neck.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) - The force of a rear-end crash can cause many vehicle occupants to hit their heads on the interior of the car. This can cause damage to the brain tissue and result in a TBI and lasting impairments.
• Dislocations and joint injuries - The impact of a rear-end collision can be traumatic and can move your body in unusual ways. This can cause joint dislocations and damage to the knees, shoulders, or even hips.
• Facial injuries - A deploying airbag can often cause serious injuries to your face, including fractured nose or cheekbones, dislocated jaw, and burns.
• Spinal injuries - A crash can also result in trauma to the spine, and upper spinal cord injuries are common in rear-end accidents.

All of these injuries require immediate medical attention. Many people disregard the need for medical care after a rear-end crash, but it is important that you get properly diagnosed if you feel anything out of the ordinary, such as soreness or disorientation. These can be signs of surprisingly serious injuries.

Victims of Rear-End Accidents Can Often Recover Compensation

The losses from serious rear-end crash injuries can be extensive. Fortunately, under Tennessee law, people who are at fault for an accident are legally liable for victims' losses. For this reason, determining fault is the most important aspect of any car accident claim.

Because Tennessee requires drivers to maintain a safe distance in light of speed and road conditions and pay attention to the road, the driver in the tailing vehicle is almost always at fault in a rear-end collision. Some of the more common kinds of negligence that lead to rear-end collisions include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Impaired driving
• Failing to properly maintain brakes

In most cases, a police officer will respond to the scene and issue the tailing driver a citation or at least note that the accident was the other driver's fault in the police report. Remember, however, that insurance companies are free to determine fault on their own, so be sure to protect your rights by retaining an attorney after any accident.

Most Rear-End Accidents Settle out of Court

As a victim, you should keep in mind that it is very rare for rear-end accidents to end up in court. That being said, it's still extremely important to retain an attorney to represent you in the settlement process. This fact is true even if the insurance company has made you a seemingly generous settlement offer. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will do everything they can to settle cases for as little as possible - including taking advantage of unrepresented victims. Some of the specific tactics they use include:

• Starting with lowball settlement offers
• Waiting for bills to start piling up before making an offer
• Pressuring victims to provide recorded statements
• Advising victims that retaining a lawyer will result in less compensation for them
• Misrepresenting victims' rights to them

The best way to protect yourself from these tactics and to get the compensation you deserve under Tennessee law is to retain a Nashville rear-end accident lawyer before you even start your claim.

Settlements for Rear-End Accidents Can Vary Widely

If you have any losses at all from a rear-end collision, it is important to have an attorney seeking the full settlement that you deserve. The value of your settlement can differ significantly from other rear-end accident claims, however.

For instance, one person might get diagnosed with soft tissue strains in their neck and a mild concussion. They might have bills from the emergency room and physical therapy appointments, as well as property damage to their vehicle.

On the other hand, another victim of a rear-end crash might suffer a severe TBI and be hospitalized for weeks. They might require monitoring and intracranial surgery, might spend time in a rehabilitation center, and might not be able to return to work due to permanent disabilities. Their losses will be substantially greater due to ongoing treatment and care needed, as well as the permanency of their injuries.

It is important to hold negligent drivers liable for your losses, whether your claim involves a few doctor's bills or extensive and lifelong expenses. You want an attorney who can properly assess the value of your claim and work to secure a settlement or award for the full amount that you deserve.

Call Us Today to Speak with a Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Nashville

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you should call an attorney as soon as you can. At Labrum Law, we're committed to helping victims recover as much compensation as they can and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. To schedule a free case evaluation with a Nashville rear-end accident attorney, call our office today at (615) 338-9500 or contact us online.