Were you involved in a rear-end collision? Car crashes of all types can be life-changing, but a rear-end collision can be especially disorienting because you don’t often see it coming. But the good news is that a Fresno rear-end collision lawyer can help you seek justice.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury victims just like you. As your Fresno car accident lawyer, we have what it takes to handle rear-end collision cases.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Fresno
Rear-end crashes often result from one of the following negligent driving behaviors:
- Distracted driving: Texting while driving, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car controls can cause drivers to miss sudden stops.
- Tailgating: Following too closely reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of a collision.
- Speeding: Higher speeds make it more difficult to stop in time, which typically results in the car hitting another vehicle.
- Sudden stops: Abrupt braking, especially in heavy traffic, can lead to rear-end crashes.
- Weather conditions: Rain or fog can reduce visibility and road traction, making sudden stops more dangerous and harder to achieve.
- Mechanical failures: Faulty brakes or worn-out tires can prevent a driver from stopping safely.
Understanding the cause of a rear-end collision is part of the process when proving fault and strengthening your claim. Pinpointing the exact reason behind the collision can help your lawyer gather key evidence in your case and challenge any disputes from insurers.
With a clear case built on solid proof, your Fresno personal injury lawyer will have a better chance of achieving favorable results, such as full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
Even at low speeds, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries:
- Whiplash: Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck can result in pain and stiffness.
- Concussions and head injuries: The impact of a crash can cause your head to strike the steering wheel or headrest.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Damage to the vertebrae or nerves can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Broken bones: The force of impact in a collision can lead to fractures in the arms, wrists, or ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains in muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause long-term discomfort.
Compensation Available for Rear-End Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses: Your lawyer can pursue financial compensation to cover the costs of your hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and future earning potential is recoverable for those who can’t work in the same capacity they did prior to the crash.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life might be an option for you.
- Property damage: This refers to the costs associated with repairing parts of your car or replacing your entire vehicle.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, courts may award additional compensation to punish the at-fault driver.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Fresno?
California law often presumes that the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end collision because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance. If a driver crashes into the back of another vehicle, they are typically considered responsible because they failed to stop in time.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the front driver made an abrupt stop without reason, failed to use turn signals, or had malfunctioning brake lights, they may be partially or fully liable for the accident.
But who is at fault in a rear-end collision involving 3 or more cars? Questions like these can be answered by your Fresno rear-end collision attorney in the context of your case.
Can You Be Partially at Fault for a Rear-End Collision?
Yes, you can be partially at fault for a rear-end collision because California abides by a comparative negligence rule. This means that multiple parties can share fault in a car accident, including a rear-end collision.
Comparative negligence allows compensation to be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver. For example, if you are found to be 40% at fault for the crash, your settlement or court award would be reduced by that percentage.
This system is particularly important in cases where liability is not clear-cut. For instance, if the rear driver was following too closely but the front driver swerved unpredictably, both drivers could bear some responsibility.
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Reach Out to a Rear-End Collision Law Firm in Fresno for Legal Help After a Car Crash
If you want to pursue compensation after a rear-end collision, an important step in the legal process is hiring a Fresno rear-end collision attorney who can help you protect your rights. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’re here to help you secure the settlement offer you deserve.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you might not receive a fair offer. However, we make it a priority to negotiate with insurers on your behalf so that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible—we’re here to help. When you call us, we can set up an appointment to tell you more about our firm and explain your legal options.
