One second, you’re stopped at a red light, and the next, you are jolted forward because a vehicle has crashed into the back of your car. This experience can be disorienting. What should you do? Who is at fault? How will you cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover?
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, our Joliet rear-end crash lawyers know how confusing the aftermath of a car accident can be. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through the complex claims process.
We provide a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. Contact us today at (815) 726-1616 to discuss your claim with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Joliet, IL.
How Our Joliet Car Accident Attorneys Can Help With a Rear-End Collision Claim
Rear-end crashes are deceptively complex. You might think you can handle your claim on your own and that you were not seriously injured. However, our lawyers have decades of experience and know that many injuries take time to show symptoms and leave a lasting impact on victims’ lives.
Our Joliet car accident lawyers can help with your rear-end crash case by:
- Reviewing your medical records and consulting your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Identifying all costs and losses associated with your injuries, including short-term and long-term losses
- Filing your claims with insurance companies
- Managing communications with insurance adjusters and others involved in your case
- Negotiating for fair compensation for your claim
Our personal injury attorneys have successfully recovered over $100 million for our deserving clients in Joliet, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. Learn what it’s like to work with an award-winning attorney when you call us for your free case review.
How Common Are Rear-End Collisions?
Millions of rear-end collisions occur every year in the United States. They’re the most common type of motor vehicle crash, ahead of T-bone and frontal impact collisions.
Some people mistakenly believe that rear-end crashes are only minor or do not cause serious damage. However, this is simply not the case. According to statistics, in 2021, 2,949 people died in rear-end accidents, accounting for 7.5% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of rear-end accidents. When a driver is texting or otherwise distracted behind the wheel, they may not notice that the driver in front of them is slowing down or stopping. Inattention, speeding, and running red lights or stop signs are other common causes of rear-end accidents.
Is a Rear-End Crash Always the Rear Driver’s Fault?
In most rear-end collisions, the driver in the rear is at fault for the accident. All drivers are supposed to maintain a sufficient distance so that they can avoid an accident if the vehicle in front of them suddenly stops.
Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Accidents
Understanding the physics involved in a rear-end crash can help explain some of the common injuries associated with this type of accident. The trailing vehicle transfers some of its force when it hits the rear of the vehicle in front of it. Occupants in the front vehicle feel the combined force of both vehicles. In some instances, the front vehicle may be pushed into another vehicle.
Due to these forces, some of the most common types of injuries rear-end accident victims suffer include:
- Whiplash – Occupants in the front vehicle are thrown forward and jolted backward during this type of crash, which can result in painful neck injuries and whiplash.
- Spinal cord injuries – Rear-end collisions can also cause spinal cord injuries because the back can take the brunt of the force. The victim may suffer from herniated discs, ruptured discs, and injured vertebrae.
- Soft tissue injuries – Rear-end collisions can cause damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
- Traumatic brain injuries – When accident victims are lunged forward in the vehicle, their head may crash into the steering wheel, dashboard, seat in front of them, or other hard surfaces. This can potentially cause a serious and debilitating traumatic brain injury.
- Broken bones – Contact with a hard surface can result in broken bones.
These injuries do not always show immediate symptoms, so seek medical attention to ensure they are properly diagnosed.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Joliet Rear-End Accident Case?
You might think it’s relatively easy to show that the other driver was to blame for the accident, but this isn’t always the case. The other driver’s version of events might be much different.
To recover compensation for the accident, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault.
This may be possible through strong evidence, such as:
- Pictures of the vehicles that show damage to the front of one vehicle and the rear of another
- Red light camera footage showing that another driver ran the light or was distracted
- Witness statements
- Accident reports that indicate who was at fault for the collision or a diagram of the crash
- Medical records consistent with being hit from behind
- Cell phone records showing that the driver was texting or using data at the time of the accident
Our skilled Joliet personal injury lawyers know how to identify, gather, and preserve this vital evidence.
Contact Our Joliet Rear-End Crash Attorneys For a Free Initial Consultation
If you were injured in a rear-end accident in Joliet, IL, give Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys a call. Our Joliet rear-end crash lawyers can review your situation and explain your legal options during a free case review. Contact us today to get started.
