Are You Injured After Being Rear-ended?
Our car accident lawyers can help with your whiplash or other injury
Rear-end accidents occur on almost every type of roadway in West Virginia and Ohio, including city streets, highways and rural roads. They can lead to serious injuries that require lengthy and expensive medical treatment. And in the meantime, you may be unable to work, resulting in lost income. The rear-end accident attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC can help you recover compensation. We have offices in Charleston, WV and Columbus, OH.
Who is at fault for a rear-end collision?
Whether you were rear-ended while stopped at a red light or stop sign, in traffic, or in a parking lot, most often, the driver in the rear vehicle is at fault in a rear end car accident. He or she may have been tailgating, texting, talking on a cellphone, speeding, or simply not paying attention. Drunk drivers are also prone to cause these types of car accidents, as their vision and ability to operate a vehicle are severely impaired.
In some cases, the driver ahead is at fault. For example, a driver ahead who suddenly jams on the brakes for no apparent reason could be responsible for a rear-end accident, particularly in fast moving traffic on highways and larger, cross-town arteries.
Serious injuries can happen at any speed
Generally, the likelihood of catastrophic or fatal injuries is greater at higher impact speeds. But you shouldn't allow an auto insurance company to dismiss your claim just because your crash happened at a relatively low speed. Even low-impact rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. Common injuries sustained in a rear-end accident include:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back pain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Contusions
- Disfiguring injuries
How much is my rear-end accident claim worth?
There is no single average payout for a rear-end accident because every case is different. It depends on the circumstances, the severity of your injuries, and the effects your injuries have had on your life. In general, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, chiropractor appointments, medication, medical devices, and so on
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a permanent injury
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of quality and enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Your recovery will also depend on liability and the amount of available insurance coverage. Ultimately, only an experienced rear-end accident lawyer can tell you how much your case may be worth.
How long does it take to settle a rear-end accident?
Every case is different. Some cases can settle within a matter of months; others take significantly longer. It depends on the nature of your injuries and your medical treatment, as well as how difficult the insurance company decides to be.
Ultimately, your rear-end accident settlement should cover the full cost of your injuries, including both past and future expenses. Once you take the insurance company’s money, that’s it; your case is settled and you can’t go back for more. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who will negotiate relentlessly for the full compensation you deserve – and who is prepared to go to trial if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.
Talk to our car accident attorneys today
At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, our car crash attorneys take our duty to our clients extremely seriously. We will carefully review the facts in your rear-end accident case, and can advise you what you can expect with regard to compensation. There are many factors to evaluate, including the severity of injuries, the long-term impact on your ability to earn a living, your lost wages, and other financial damages such as the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Your pain and suffering associated with the accident is also an important factor to assess.
In many cases, we are able to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. But if the insurance company won't negotiate, we will fight for you in court.
If you were injured after being rear-ended, you need an experienced rear-end accident lawyer to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by phone at 304-720-1000 or online. We are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
