EspañolTraffic issues such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, and DUI driving are quite common in the Baytown area, and they often result in rear-end collisions. These types of accidents can occur when vehicles are traveling at any speed. It often comes as a surprise to most people to learn that major accidents can happen even in rear-end collisions where the vehicles were traveling at rather low speeds.
There are various scenarios in which rear-end accidents can happen. If you’ve ever driven in Baytown during rush hour, then you are aware that drivers have to deal with stop-and-go traffic. Rear-end accidents often occur when drivers don’t pay adequate attention to things happening around them. Your car can be rear-ended while you are waiting in traffic or when you are braking at a stoplight.
Serious accidents can occur when other drivers behave negligently, and these accidents can significantly affect various aspects of your life. In addition to dealing with pain from your injuries, you might also lose your ability to work until you gain full recovery. Your best option to ensure that your rights and interests are safeguarded is to partner with the Baytown auto accident lawyers at Gomel & Associates after being involved in a rear-end collision.
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What Steps Should One Take After A Rear-End Collision?
Our attorneys recommend you take the following steps after a rear-end accident:
Call 911
The first thing that you should do in the event of an accident is to call 911. Do this for all kinds of accidents, it doesn’t matter the size or the severity. It is highly important to dial 911 immediately after an accident, this is particularly so if injuries happened. Call for an ambulance if you or anyone you were with is injured.
Once the law enforcement officers arrive at the scene, give a detailed description of what happened. Do not exaggerate or give any unnecessary information. Rather, give a clear and factual account of what happened. Request for a copy of the police report also. This report can prove to be very beneficial when presenting your case. A police report is regarded as an official document and offers in-depth information about the events leading up to the accident.
Collect Information From Everyone Involved In The Accident
Ensure that you gather detailed contact information from all the drivers involved in the accident. This includes details such as name, phone number, license plate number, vehicle registration number, and mailing address. Don’t forget to exchange insurance information. Ensure that you get their insurance plan policy number before you leave the scene.
Note down the make, model, and year of the vehicles involved in the accident. You should also note down their license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). You will find the VIN printed at the bottom of the windshield in either of the corners.
Take Photographs Of The Scene Of The Accident
In case you have the opportunity, take photos and videos of the scene of the collision. Focus on the damages that have been inflicted on the vehicle. You should take the photos from various angles to give a more clear picture of how severe the damage was. Also, take photos of any skid marks that may be present on the road. Depending on the place that the accident happened, you can also take photos of any present traffic lights or street signs in case they somehow played a role in the accident.
Collect Contact Information From Witnesses Present At The Scene
Passengers in other vehicles or people on the street might have witnessed the accident. Speak with any person that saw the accident happen and request them to give you their contact information. If they are willing to, ask for a written statement from them. Their statements might be included as evidence when submitting your claim.
Note Down What Happened
Note down as much information as you can about what happened at your earliest convenience. Do this immediately after the accident as the specific details will still be fresh in your memory. Record information such as where and when the accident happened, what the weather was like at that time, what was going on with traffic on the road at the time of the accident, if there were any hazards present on the road and any other details that might have led to the collision.
Types Of Injuries Commonly Sustained In Rear-End Accidents
Injuries that are commonly sustained in rear-end collisions often vary in regard to type and severity. Here are some of the most common types of injuries experienced in rear-end collisions:
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured and broken bones
In case another driver was responsible for the accident due to their negligence, then any injuries that were sustained, regardless of their severity, can be eligible for compensation. Rear-end accident victims are entitled to claim a wide range of damages such as medical expenses as a result of their injuries.
In the event that you sustain injuries in a rear-end collision, visit a doctor or medical specialist as soon as possible. You still need to seek medical attention even when you don’t experience symptoms of injuries.
Keep in mind the fact that injuries don’t often manifest immediately. This is why it is essential to be evaluated by a medical specialist. Receiving medical treatment is also very important when you are filing a claim. It will be a lot easier for you to prove that you were seriously injured in the accident if you sought medical care right after the accident. However, when you don’t seek medical treatment immediately after the accident, then the insurance company might become convinced that you weren’t seriously injured as you claim.
What Compensation Can I Expect In A Successful Rear-End Accident Settlement?
Each case is usually unique when dealing with compensation. The amount of money that can be awarded in a settlement agreement is dependent on the types of injuries and damages suffered. If the accident was caused as a result of the negligent behavior of another party, then some of the damages that you can claim include pain and suffering endured, medical expenses, and any lost wages and the loss of earning capacity as a result of your accidents. There are also additional damages that might be included in your claim.
Why Do You Need To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Involved In A Rear-End Collision In Baytown?
Rear-end accidents are quite prevalent in the Baytown area. Collisions such as these are seeing an increase due to the general increase in the number of distracted drivers. An increased number of drivers are unable to resist the temptation to use their phones while they are driving. The use of phones while driving accounts for the majority of rear-end collisions. Chatting on the phone or texting while operating a vehicle significantly increases the possibility of rear-end accidents.
Normally, in rear-end collisions, the at-fault party is usually the driver that hits the vehicle ahead of them. But there are also situations where the driver that runs into the car in front of them may not be held responsible and this is if there was no other way to handle the situation.
If you are ever involved in a rear-end collision, then your best option is to consult a Baytown personal injury attorney at Gomel & Associates. Our team of attorneys will enable you to get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Who Is At-Fault For A Rear-End Accident
Whenever a rear-end crash happens, it makes sense to assume that the driver that runs into the driver in front of them is to blame, and in most cases, this is usually true. When a driver rams into a car ahead of them, it is highly likely that they were either distracted or failed to notice the car ahead stop or they were just traveling too fast for the current conditions.
The law stipulates that when a vehicle on the road brakes or comes to a stop, then the vehicles behind it should also come to a stop. It is the responsibility of the driver in the rear to maintain a safe driving distance and to always be aware of what the vehicles ahead of them are doing.
Whenever a rear-end collision happens, the motorists involved in the collision should file a claim with the insurance company to ensure that they get compensation for their medical bills and repair costs.
What Are The Common Causes Of Rear-End Collisions?
There are a number of reasons that can lead to rear-end collisions. In some cases, a driver might be going at a very high speed that they are unable to stop in time if the car in front of them comes to a sudden stop or unexpectedly slows down.
In other cases, the driver of the rear vehicle wasn’t paying enough attention to their driving and the road. In most situations, they are usually using their phones or tuning their radio or using their GPS device. Such distractions are some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. If the drivers aren’t focused on the road, then they might not be able to react in time to avoid ramming into the vehicle that is in front of them in case it comes to a sudden stop.
Upfront Fees
Rear-end collision victims often seek the assistance of a qualified car accident lawyer. By hiring an attorney, they increase their chances of receiving the compensation that they deserve for their injuries and damages. With the assistance of a lawyer, you will be able to file a claim for your medical bills, lost income, and the cost of car repairs.
Common Types of Injuries In Rear-End Accidents
It is important to note that injuries are not always experienced in rear-end accidents. But in most cases, victims of such accidents do suffer severe injuries. These injuries in almost all cases involve the neck or back. If a car is subjected to major impact from the vehicle in the rear, then the passengers are usually thrust forward, which causes their necks to jerk violently. This usually causes a condition referred to as whiplash.
Injuries will vary depending on the manner in which the accident occurred and also in terms of severity. But in most cases, injuries from such accidents can lead to permanent disabilities. Herniated discs are also prevalent in rear-end collisions.
In case you sustained injuries in a rear-end accident, then getting legal assistance immediately is crucial. When you partner with an expert attorney, you significantly enhance your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve.
What Are The Types Of Damages That Can Be Claimed In A Rear-End Collision Claim In Baytown?
The amount of damages that you might be able to recover will largely depend on the severity of your injuries. For example, if you are involved in a minor accident, then the resulting injuries are often minor. Consequently, accidents such as these normally don’t lead to huge payouts. Conversely, accidents that are more severe will lead to far greater damage and injuries. Thus, the payout usually much higher in such cases.
Auto accident cases such as these are relatively complex as they do involve the shoulder, neck, and upper back injuries. While injuries such as whiplash might lead to a great amount of pain, proving that you actually sustained them is often tricky. The most effective way of making sure that the insurance company takes your injuries as seriously as it should is by hiring a personal injury lawyer at Gomel & Associates. With our help, you will be able to properly document your injuries in order to present a solid case to the insurance company.
Some of the commonly sought after claims include:
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Lost income as a result of the injuries
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation amongst other ongoing expenses associated with your recovery
- Vehicle renting fees incurred while yours is in repair
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Medical bills such as prescription medications and hospitalization
How Long Does One Have To File A Claim After Being Involved In A Rear-End Collision In Texas?
The statute of limitations for auto accident cases according to Texas law is two years. Note that this statute of limitations kicks in from the day of the accident. If you are looking to file a suit in your case, then it is highly important to get things running before this time limit expires.
Since not every case ends up in court, this time limit doesn’t apply for all cases. Nevertheless, you still need to take immediate action in the event of an accident. When you file your case early, it will make it easier to negotiate a settlement. We highly advise victims to get in touch with us at Gomel & Associates as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the faster you will be able to get compensation for your injuries and damages.
Call The Baytown Rear-End Collision Attorneys At Gomel & Associates For Assistance Today
If you have sustained injuries in a rear-end collision, then you might need to hire an expert auto accident lawyer in Baytown. Considering that our team of personal injury lawyers at Gomel & Associates has over thirty years of experience, they are highly skilled in handling cases involving car accidents. Situated in Baytown, our law firm specializes in personal injury claims. We are renowned for our high-quality services and have an impeccable record of helping many victims secure the compensation that they deserve.
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, it is crucial to seek out the best legal representation. At Gomel & Associates, our team will be glad to go over your case with you, inform you about your available options, and recommend the best course of action.
