Rear End Accident Attorney in Roanoke
Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of vehicle collisions in Roanoke, Virginia, resulting in damage to vehicles and injury to occupants. If you were in a rear-end accident, you may have medical bills, lost wages, and other losses that a Roanoke rear-end accident lawyer can help you recover through a lawsuit.
Working with an experienced Roanoke rear-end accident lawyer can make managing the legal process, establishing fault, and pursuing financial compensation for your injuries easier. Contact Lichtenstein Law Group PLC for a free consultation about your case and to learn more about your legal rights after a car accident.
What Are the Main Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents in Roanoke, VA?
Rear-end accidents involve one vehicle crashing into the back of another.
Several factors can contribute to rear end accidents, including:
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is among the leading causes of most car accident cases. When drivers are texting, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities, their attention isn’t on the road ahead. These distractions lead to delayed reaction times and potential auto accidents.
- Tailgating – Following too closely behind another vehicle is a common cause of rear-end collisions. Tailgating reduces the time a driver has to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow, often resulting in accidents. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least two seconds behind the car ahead.
- Speeding – Driving at high speeds reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly, especially in heavy traffic or sudden braking situations. Speeding increases the likelihood of a rear-end accident and severe injuries.
- Adverse Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Motorists who don’t adjust their driving to such conditions risk colliding with vehicles ahead of them, potentially causing serious injuries.
- Drowsy or Impaired Driving – Drivers suffering from fatigue or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may fail to react appropriately to traffic signals, stop signs, or other drivers’ actions, leading to rear-end collisions. Our Roanoke car accident lawyers can pursue justice and accountability from drunk drivers and other reckless drivers.
Our Roanoke car accident attorneys can investigate your crash to determine how the accident happened and identify the at-fault driver. We can provide exceptional legal representation and fight for fair compensation in your automobile crash claim. Our law firm has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for car accident victims. Call our Roanoke rear end accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Rear-End Accident?
Various injuries can result from rear-end accidents, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the speed of the cars involved and other factors. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash – The sudden jolt from a rear-end impact can cause the head and neck to jerk back and forth, leading to whiplash. This soft tissue injury is one of the most common in rear-end accidents and leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Back Injuries – A rear-end collision can cause damage to the spinal discs, leading to herniated discs, fractures, or chronic back pain.
- Head and Brain Injuries – If your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or other part of your car’s interior after a rear-end accident, you can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other head injuries.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – The force of a rear-end impact can cause broken bones, particularly in the hands, wrists, and arms, if you are holding onto the steering wheel during the collision.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Apart from whiplash, other soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are common in rear-end crashes.
Sadly, these collisions sometimes result in fatal accidents, leaving behind grieving families.
If you were injured in a serious accident, seek medical treatment immediately. You may not notice symptoms of your injuries initially, but prompt medical care can ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Contact our Roanoke rear end accident lawyer today.
Who Can Be Held at Fault for a Rear-End Car Crash?
In most rear-end accidents, the fault lies with one of the drivers involved. However, these are not the only two options. Some of the parties who could be liable for your injuries include:
- Driver in the Front – If the driver in the front abruptly stops, suddenly reverses, or has non-functional brake lights, they may be partially at fault for the motor vehicle accident.
- Driver in the Rear – If the driver in the rear is speeding, tailgating, or using their phone, they may be at fault for the rear-end collision.
- Multiple Vehicle Collisions – In some cases, multiple drivers may share fault for an accident, such as in chain-reaction incidents. For example, a driver may rear-end you because they were taking evasive action to avoid being struck by a different negligent driver.
- Third-Party Negligence – A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer, may also be liable for your injuries. This can happen if part of your car fails, such as your brakes, leading to a rear-end crash.
Our rear-end accident attorneys can help you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company and represent you throughout the accident claim process. We can handle communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters, fighting for a fair settlement to compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you suffered.
What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove the Other Driver Is Liable for the Accident?
Virginia is not a no-fault state, so the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damage they cause. However, this puts injured clients in the position of having to show their personal injuries were caused by the negligence of another party involved in the accident.
Proving liability in a rear-end collision relies on supporting evidence, including:
- Photographs and Videos – Photos and videos from the accident scene showing damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs can help establish fault.
- Police Report – The responding law enforcement officer may have cited the other driver for violating Virginia law or included statements of the other driver admitting fault for the accident.
- Witness Statements – Testimony from eyewitnesses can back up your claims about the incident.
- Traffic Camera Footage – Nearby traffic or security cameras may have captured the accident.
- Expert Testimony – Accident reconstruction experts and other specialists can provide professional opinions about the crash.
Can I Be Compensated for My Damages and Injuries in a Roanoke Car Collision?
If you suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, you may be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses – Your hospital stays, surgeries, medical treatments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical devices contribute to your overall medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – You can pursue compensation for lost wages or loss of future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in your pre-injury capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress you suffer due to your injuries are non-economic losses your attorney can calculate and seek compensation for.
- Property Damage – If the rear-end collision was severe enough to cause injury, it likely also damaged your vehicle.
An experienced rear end accident attorney can fight for a fair settlement offer that considers all of your accident-related injuries and losses.
Does Virginia Have a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for car accidents and other personal injury claims. You must file a personal injury lawsuit within this period or risk the courts barring you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Roanoke Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in a rear-end car accident in Roanoke, Virginia? Contact Lichtenstein Law Group PLC for a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced rear end accident attorneys. We’ll explain your legal options, review the claims process, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.