Rear-End Accident Lawyers in Orange County
Rear-end accidents are the result of the front end of one vehicle colliding with the back of another vehicle. In many cases, these can be fender-benders that are minor in nature. However, rear-end crashes have the potential to cause serious injuries and financial strife.
The Orange County rear-end accident lawyers at Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys specialize in representing the injured victims in these types of car accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rear-end crash, contact our Orange County rear-end accident law firm to discuss your legal options.
Common Causes of Orange County Rear-End Accidents
Even though rear-end accidents are common, they generally tend to be less extreme when compared to T-bone accidents or head-on collisions. Since the vehicles are going in the same direction, even if one is stopped, it reduces the velocity of a crash. However, rear-end accidents can be severe or even fatal, depending on the speed of the driver at the rear. The following are common causes of rear-end wrecks:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the top cause of many auto accidents. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers may look at their phones to pass the time. They may be looking at their phones when they crash into a stopped or slowed vehicle ahead of them.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs tend to miscalculate the distance between their vehicle and the one in front. When combined with speeding and failing to stop in time, it is why they are usually blamed for a rear-end car accident.
Brake Checking
While rear-end crashes are almost always the fault of the driver in the rear, if a driver is brake checking to intimidate the driver behind them, they could be held liable for the accident.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
Another driver may collide with the rear of your vehicle because they have neglected maintenance of their brakes and tires. Similarly, when brake lights aren’t working, it can cause the rear driver to crash into the one in front. Failing to maintain a vehicle is negligent as it can cause accidents.
No matter the cause of your rear-end accident, contact Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys to discuss your situation with our rear-end accident attorneys in Orange County.
Understanding Liability in Orange County Rear-End Accidents
Most of the time, the trailing driver in a rear-end accident is the one who will be held liable. It is reasonable for all drivers to leave enough room in front of them so that they can safely stop without running into the leading car.
However, the leading driver may be to blame if they don’t have working brake lights, do not use their turn signals, or brake check. You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and expenses as a result of a car accident claim in those cases.
Depending on the situation, both drivers may share fault in a rear-end accident. California’s comparative negligence laws are lenient, allowing a driver who has as much as 99% fault to still recover damages.
Sometimes, fault may be assigned to you when you’ve done nothing wrong. In this type of scenario, you should contact a car accident lawyer from Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys as soon as possible.
Our Orange County rear-end accident lawyers know the California Vehicle Codes that apply to rear-end crashes. According to these codes, drivers are forbidden from following too closely. If a citation is given to the rear driver, you can use this as evidence to help establish negligence. Additionally, those who collide with the rear of a vehicle that is making an illegal U-turn can turn to our Orange County rear-end accident law firm for help as we can protect your legal rights and fight for your compensation.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
Some people forego medical treatment for minor fender benders, mistakenly believing they are fine because of the low speed of impact. While you may not need to go to the emergency room, you should always get medical care after an accident. All too often, rear-end accident victims start to notice symptoms of injuries in the hours and days following the crash.
You may wind up with pain that lasts for years from these common rear-end collision injuries:
Whiplash
Whiplash is by far the most common rear-end collision injury. The sudden jerking of your head back and forth can strain the soft tissues in your neck. Mild whiplash victims generally recover after rest and physical therapy, but those with severe whiplash may have lasting impacts.
Back Injuries
Damage to the upper or lower back is possible in these types of car accidents. If you suffer a back injury, you may be unable to work and suffer lost wages as a result. Sometimes, even following the doctor’s orders may still mean that after exhausting all your treatment options, surgery is the only way to help. You should not be stuck paying for expensive treatments because of a negligent driver who caused a rear-end accident.
Brain Injuries
When someone crashes into you from behind going at a high speed, it can cause traumatic brain injuries. On the mild side, you may have a concussion, or it could cause internal brain bleeding, which is a life-threatening condition.
Broken Bones
Severe rear-end crashes can cause you to break one or more bones in your body. Depending on the location and type of fracture, it may take a long time for you to recover.
Spine Injuries
The nerves in your spinal cord control your body, and they can easily become damaged in a major rear-end collision. Those who experience partial or complete paralysis will have grounds to file a car accident lawsuit to seek compensation.
The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Rear-End Accident Claim in Orange County
In minor fender benders, many car accident victims try to handle things on their own. While you are not required to hire an Orange County rear-end accident law firm to represent you, keep in mind that California laws can make it easy for you to incur some or all of the blame.
Even if you aren’t assigned any fault, the insurance companies will do what they can to minimize their payout. You should make sure that you are being offered a fair settlement before you sign away your rights.
Furthermore, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This documents your injuries and also protects you from having them worsen. When you delay medical treatment, the insurance company can argue that your injuries aren’t severe or that they occurred after the accident.
Always err on the side of caution and call the police to make an official accident report. This creates another form of documentation that can be used as evidence. It’s especially helpful if the police issue a citation to the other driver.
You should never attempt to navigate the complex landscape of personal injury law on your own. Rear-end accidents may seem cut and dry but if you have serious injuries, you should have someone representing your best interests.
Effective Legal Solutions by Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys
Our rear-end accident attorneys in Orange County have a successful track record of representing injured victims in rear-end accidents. Contact us today to get the personalized service and commitment you deserve for your legal situation.