Consulting a Riverside rear-end collision lawyer can help you understand the steps in the claims process. These crashes can range from minor fender benders to serious incidents resulting in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and financial strain.
When a negligent driver causes a rear-end accident, the injured party may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, the legal team prioritizes treating each client like family, ensuring personalized support throughout the legal process.
Our Riverside car accident lawyer can help pursue damages for medical treatment, property damage, and other losses caused by a rear-end collision.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision can be a stressful experience, leaving injured individuals unsure of their next steps. The impact of these accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and unexpected financial strain. A Riverside personal injury lawyer can help you take the right actions after a crash and protect your legal rights.
Prioritize Medical Attention
Health and safety should always come first. Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is important. A medical evaluation creates records that can serve as evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Report the Accident
Contacting law enforcement ensures that an official accident report is created. If the crash involves a drunk driver, law enforcement may also conduct tests to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If possible, collecting evidence at the accident scene can strengthen a claim. Important details include:
- Photos and videos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Contact information for witnesses who saw the accident
- Details about the other driver, including insurance provider and vehicle information
Keep Track of Expenses and Losses
Recovering damages involves proving financial and personal losses caused by the accident. Keeping records of medical expenses, repair costs, lost income, and emotional distress can help build a strong claim. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of future income due to injuries
- Property damage to the vehicle and other personal belongings
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident
Taking these steps can help protect the rights of accident victims and improve the chances of securing a fair settlement. Understanding the legal process and available compensation options can provide clarity during a difficult time.
Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Accidents in Riverside
California law sets a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle crash. In most cases, accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. However, exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as when the responsible party is a government entity.
If a claim is not filed within the statute of limitations, the injured party may lose the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Consulting a Riverside car accident attorney for rear-end crashes as soon as possible can help you understand how the car accident lawsuit process works and ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the required time frame.
(310) 526-8383Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen for many reasons, often leaving accident victims with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. These crashes may seem minor at first, but they can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and unexpected medical expenses. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help injured individuals determine their legal options and seek fair compensation.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of rear-end crashes is distracted driving. A driver who is looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in any other activity that takes attention away from the road may not react in time to stop.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Driving above the speed limit reduces the time a driver has to react. Reckless driving, including aggressive lane changes and tailgating, can also lead to collisions. High-speed rear-end crashes can result in severe injuries.
Impaired Driving
A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs are common factors in rear-end accidents.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue can affect a driver’s ability to focus and react. A drowsy driver may not notice traffic slowing down ahead or may take too long to respond. Rear-end crashes caused by driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as those caused by impaired driving.
Those injured in motor vehicle accidents may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Consulting with an accident attorney can help injured individuals learn more about their legal options.
Typical Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents can cause a wide range of physical injuries, from minor discomfort to long-term medical conditions. Some of the common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: The sudden motion of a rear-end impact can strain the neck and back, leading to ongoing pain and stiffness.
- Broken bones: The force of impact can cause bone fractures, particularly in the wrists, arms, or ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to long-term physical limitations, nerve pain, or even paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head can result in concussions, cognitive impairments, or memory loss.
- Internal bleeding: Blunt force trauma may cause internal injuries that require urgent medical attention.
- Chronic pain and emotional distress: Some accident victims experience ongoing discomfort or anxiety that affects their quality of life.
Medical expenses for these injuries can add up quickly, and some individuals may require physical therapy, long-term treatment, or assistive medical equipment. A Riverside catastrophic injury lawyer can help victims seek fair compensation to cover these costs and address the financial burden caused by the accident.
A Rear-End Collision Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions
Dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when facing medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. A rear-end accident lawyer in Riverside from Omega Law Group can help injured clients understand their legal options and seek compensation for damages such as medical treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Legal assistance can also be valuable when handling insurance policies, proving liability, and negotiating for a fair settlement. If you are dealing with the impact of a rear-end accident, a free initial consultation with an attorney can guide you on how to move forward.
