Were you involved in a rear-end collision? As a common type of car accident, these crashes can leave victims with painful injuries, vehicular damage, and financial burdens. If you were hurt in a collision of this kind, an Encino rear-end collision lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have what it takes to advocate for victims of rear-end collisions. With decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in compensation, we’re here to represent you as your Encino car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are often caused by negligence on the part of drivers on the road:
- Texting while operating a vehicle
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Adjusting in-car controls or GPS
- Following other cars too closely
- Driving at unsafe speeds
- Abruptly braking without warning
- Traveling in rainy or foggy conditions
- Operating a car with faulty brakes
- Driving a vehicle with worn-out tires
With this information in mind, your Encino personal injury lawyer will also look into the injuries you sustained as a victim of a rear-end collision.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
Even at low speeds, rear-end accidents can cause painful and life-altering injuries:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and head injuries
- Back and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones or fractured limbs
- Sprained or strained muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Identifying the cause of a rear-end collision is an important step that your Encino rear-end collision attorney will take when building a strong legal case on your behalf. By determining the cause that resulted in the crash, your lawyer can gather the right evidence to prove liability.
This thorough approach can increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome and results in your case. In many situations, this means full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation Available for Rear-End Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, you may be able to recover these damages:
- Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
- Compensation for missed work and future earning potential
- Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle
It’s important to recognize the full extent of your damages to get the compensation you deserve. A rear-end collision law firm in Encino can work with you to evaluate your losses, collect strong evidence, and push back against insurance companies who try to offer low settlements.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Encino?
Under California law, it is generally presumed that the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end collision. This is because they are held responsible for maintaining a safe following distance and being prepared to stop at a moment’s notice.
However, there are exceptions to this rule that can shift some—if not all—of the liability to the front driver. For instance, let’s say the leading vehicle engages in any of the following behaviors:
- Makes an abrupt stop without a valid reason
- Has malfunctioning brake lights that prevent the rear driver from anticipating a stop
- Reverses suddenly into the vehicle behind them
In these circumstances, the fault for the collision will either be shared or even fully placed on the front driver. Additionally, if road hazards or external factors contributed to the crash, the process of establishing liability may require an investigation due to the complicated nature of the situation.
In some cases, mechanical failures or poor road conditions can influence fault determination as well. For example, if the rear driver’s brakes failed due to a manufacturing defect, then the manufacturer or a negligent mechanic could be held liable.
When you hire an Encino rear-end collision attorney, your lawyer can answer questions such as “Who is at fault in a rear-end collision involving 3 or more cars?” Your legal counsel can also explain your options and help you build a case.
Can You Be Partially at Fault for a Rear-End Collision in Encino?
Yes, you can be found partially responsible for a rear-end crash. Under California’s comparative negligence law, drivers can share fault. For example, let’s say you, as the front driver, made a sudden and unnecessary stop or failed to use turn signals.
Even if you were operating your vehicle with non-functioning brake lights, you could be assigned a percentage of the blame. In cases like these, your total compensation for damages would be reduced by your degree of fault.
For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident where your total damages are equal to $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by $30,000.
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Reach Out to a Rear-End Collision Law Firm in Encino For Legal Representation
If you’re looking to seek compensation after a rear-end collision, one of the first steps you should take is hiring an Encino rear-end collision attorney who can help protect your rights.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’re dedicated to working towards obtaining the settlement offer you rightfully deserve. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but with legal counsel by your side, we can help you avoid predatory practices and low offers.
We are committed to negotiating with insurers to make sure you’re fully compensated for your injuries. Don’t wait—contact us today, and we’ll schedule a consultation to explain more about our firm, how we can assist you, and what your legal options are.
