There are numerous misconceptions regarding rear-end accidents. Most people are usually under the presumption that rear-end collisions are more or less ‘fender benders’ or just minor accidents. Others presume that the other vehicle or the second car that has hit the front car from behind is the party automatically at fault.
The truth is that none of these things may necessarily be the case. Rear-end accidents can result in very severe accidents, and there are cases when the driver that has gotten hit from the back is the one found to be liable for the crash.
In case you have gotten hurt in a rear-end accident, you’ll want to ensure that you have consulted with experienced Birmingham rear-end accident lawyers. If you want to discuss your legal options, you can schedule a free non-obligatory consultation with our dedicated Birmingham rear-end accident attorneys at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers today. Call our Birmingham car accident attorneys at 205-666-6000 to learn how we can help.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF REAR-END ACCIDENTS?
A rear-end collisions involves the front end of a car striking the rear end of another vehicle. Even when the conditions of the road are mediocre, drivers are always required to maintain a relatively safe distance between them and the car in front of them. Because of this underlying fact, if a driver hits another vehicle from behind, they usually are at fault. However, there are cases when the driver in front may be responsible for the collision.
Below are some of the most prevalent causes of rear-end crashes in Birmingham, AL:
TAILGATING
This refers to when a driver doesn’t leave the needed amount of space in front of their vehicle. This prevents a driver like that from stopping safely in the event of an emergency and may result in a rear-end accident.
DISTRACTED DRIVING
This doesn’t just encompass texting while driving. It includes things like eating, looking at the GPA, changing the radio station, or looking at other panels in the car. A driver looking or searching for something in the car while driving instead of being focused on the road can end up causing a rear-end collision from their distracted driving.
DROWSY DRIVING
In the event a fatigued driver is behind the wheel, his or her concentration won’t fully be on the road. Likewise, a driver that drowsy and closes his or her eyes for a few seconds is likely to cause a rear-end collision.
DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
Drugs and alcohol distort one’s perception and often slows down the reaction time of an individual. A driver that’s driving whilst impaired may not realize that another car is close to it, or possibly S/he may not see the vehicle in front entirely.
SPEEDING
Similarly to tailgating, speeding drivers often do not have enough time to step on the brakes before crashing into the car in front of them.
STOPPING SUDDENLY
There are times when the car in front may suddenly halt. It can be as a result of the aforementioned reasons listed, which are deemed negligent, or can happen for no apparent reason. In case that is the scenario, the car in front can be found liable for the collision.
A rear-end accident that results in injuries should always be probed to ascertain how the accident occurred and find the party at fault. In case you think that the rear-end collision you got involved in was due to the actions of another negligent driver, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers today to get a free initial consultation to find out all about your legal options and rights.
WHAT ARE COMMON INJURIES CAUSED BY REAR-END COLLISIONS?
Some of the most common major injuries that may be caused by a rear-end collision include:
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is actually a common injury that’s sustained in rear-end collisions. It happens when the body remains stationary while the neck moves back and forth in quick succession. It’s even worse when the driver in the car that has been hit from behind is unaware and doesn’t have the chance of bracing for impact.
BACK INJURIES
Even if speeding is not involved, any sort of crash can result in severe back problems. The force in the impact causes the spine and the lower back discs to compress, which leads to ruptured or slipped discs. The injuries escalate further in case the rear-end collision occurs at high speeds.
AIRBAG INJURIES
Typically, airbags get deployed when the car is traveling at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour. In the event an airbag deploys, it can result in burns on the face or broken bones.
PARALYSIS
In case the spinal cord or brain sustains a severe injury in a rear-end accident, there’s a high chance that the victim will probably suffer from complete or partial paralysis.
FACIAL DISFIGUREMENT
In a rear-end collision, the face might hit an object in the car. In the event such an injury is serious, it may lead to you getting facial disfigurement and scarring.
HEAD AND BRAIN INJURIES
During a rear-end accident, the head can easily bang into the steering wheel, dashboard, or any part inside the vehicle. So if you are a victim of rear-end collision, consider seeking medical assistance immediately you suspect head or brain injury.
Regardless of the type of injury you have suffered in a rear-end accident; it’s advisable that you seek out medical help as soon as you can. Doing that will make sure that you get the proper type of treatment and begin the process of documentation that’ll be used in your personal injury case.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR A CAR CRASH IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA?
Just like any other state in the U.S., Alabama has and obeys its statute of limitations when it comes to filing a claim following a rear-end collision. It refers to the duration of time one has to file a claim for a personal injury case. Claims that are filed after the deadline has passed are typically thrown out and disregarded by courts, meaning that the pursuit of compensation for the accident will be void.
In Alabama, The Statute of Limitation, when it comes to injury claims that involve rear-end collisions, is two (2) years. However, it is important to talk with an attorney as soon as you can after the collision to make sure that your legal representatives have enough time to prepare an airtight case that will assure maximum compensation.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN YOU RECOVER IN REAR-END INJURY CLAIMS?
In Alabama, in case you get involved in a car crash resulting from another individual’s negligence, then you have legal grounds to pursue compensation. The common types of compensation you can expect following a rear-end collision include:
- Damage to your car
- Past and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical costs
If the party at fault acted with gross negligence or recklessness, the victim could be given punitive damages as well. This is meant to punish the liable party.
HOW CAN A BIRMINGHAM REAR-END ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP?
In case it was a minor car accident with minimal damage to both the vehicles sustained, you may not need an attorney to assist with the case. If the injuries were severe, or queries about liability rise up, it can be prudent getting in touch with an experienced Birmingham rear-end accident attorney. While on the case, the attorney will:
- Gather proof to establish the other driver’s fault, which includes enlisting the services of accident reconstruction professionals
- Be in liaison with the insurance company on your behalf and take over all negotiations and communications
- Make sure that all court paperwork is filed properly
- Compute all your losses so that you can claim all the recompense you are entitled
- Do all the legwork relating to your case and help you focus on recovering
If you have sustained an injury in a rear-end collision, don’t dare handle the claim by yourself. Our Birmingham personal injury attorneys at Mike Bell Accident & Injury Lawyers will pull no punches when it comes to making sure you get the compensation amount you deserve.
Give us a chance to deal with your claim so that you can concentrate on getting better. Contact us today!
