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In the Katy area, problems like tailgating, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence frequently occur, often resulting in rear-end accidents. Accidents like these can happen when vehicles are traveling at any speed. People are often surprised to learn that major injuries can occur even in rear-end collisions where the vehicles are moving at relatively low speeds. Contact a Katy Rear-End Collision Lawyers if you have been injured in an accident.

There are many different scenarios where rear-end accidents can occur. Driving in Katy during rush hour often means dealing with stop-and-go traffic. Rear-end collisions frequently occur when drivers aren’t paying enough attention to what is happening around them. Your vehicle may be rear-ended when you are waiting in traffic or when you are sitting at a stoplight.

When other drivers behave negligently, it can result in serious accidents that impact many facets of your life. Along with having to deal with pain from your injuries, you may also be prevented from working until you recover. Working with the car accident attorneys at Gomel & Associates after a rear-end collision in Katy is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected.

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What Steps Should I Take After A Rear-End Collision?

Following a rear-end accident you should follow these steps:

Dial 911

When an accident occurs, the very first thing you should do is call 911. This rule applies to all accidents, regardless of the size or severity. Calling 911 right after an accident is extremely important – especially if any injuries occurred. Request an ambulance if anyone was injured.

After the police get to the scene, describe what happened in detail. Don’t embellish or add unnecessary information. Instead, provide them with a clear, factual account of what took place. Ask for a copy of the police report, as well. This report can be used as evidence in your case. It is considered an official document and provides detailed information about the events leading up to the accident.

Gather Information From Anyone Involved In The Collision

Make sure you have detailed contact information for any other drivers involved in the collision. This includes their name, mailing address, vehicle registration number, license plate number, and phone number. You should also exchange insurance details with any other drivers. Make sure you have their insurance plan policy number before leaving the scene.

Write down the year, make, and model of any vehicles involved in the collision, as well as their license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). The VIN is printed at the bottom of the windshield in one of the corners.

A rear-end collision in Katy, TX.

Photograph The Scene Of The Accident

If you have a chance, take photographs or video footage of the scene of the accident. Try to capture photos of any damage that occurred. Take photos from a few different angles to get a clearer picture of how significant the damage was. Check the road for any tire marks and photograph those, as well. Depending on where the accident occurred, consider snapping photos of any street signs or traffic lights if they played a role in the collision.

Gather Contact Details From Any Witnesses

People in other vehicles or on the street may have witnessed the collision. Talk to anyone who saw the accident take place and ask them for their contact information. If possible, request a written statement from them. Their statement can be included as evidence when you submit your claim.

Write Down What Took Place

As soon as you can, write down as many details as you can about what took place. It is important to do this quickly while it is still fresh in your mind. Information that you should record includes when and where the accident took place, what was happening with traffic on the road at the time of the collision, what the weather was like, whether there were any hazardous conditions on the road or any other details that may have contributed to the accident.

What Types Of Injuries Commonly Occur In Rear-End Collisions?

Injuries sustained in rear-end collisions can vary, both in terms of their type and severity. Below are the most common injuries that occur in accidents like these:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Injuries to the spinal cord
  • Damage to the internal organs
  • Brain damage
  • Whiplash

If another driver caused the accident as a result of their negligence, any injuries that occurred, regardless of their severity, could be eligible for compensation. Victims of rear end-collisions like these can claim a number of different damages, including medical expenses resulting from their injuries.

If you are injured in a rear-end collision, see a doctor or medical professional right away. Even if you don’t feel like you are injured, you should still seek medical care.

Injuries often don’t show up right away, which is why it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. In addition, getting medical attention is important when it comes to filing a claim. You will have a lot easier time proving that you were seriously injured in the accident if you sought medical care right away. If you don’t see a doctor soon after the accident, the insurance company may have doubts about how serious your injuries are.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect In A Katy Rear-End Collision Settlement?

When it comes to compensation, every case is different. The amount of money included in the settlement varies, depending on the types of injuries and damage that occurred. When a collision occurs that was caused by someone else, some of the damages that you can claim include your medical costs, any income that you miss out on as a result of your injuries, and any pain and suffering that you endure. There are additional damages that can be included in your claim, as well.

Why Should You Hire A Car Accident Attorney After A Rear-End Collision In Katy?

Rear-end collisions commonly occur in the Katy area. Accidents like these are on the rise as a result of an overall increase in distracted driving. More and more people are succumbing to the temptation to use their phones when they are behind the wheel, which accounts for a large number of collisions like these. Texting or talking on the phone while driving dramatically increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions occurring.

Typically, a driver who runs into the vehicle in front of them is to blame in collisions like these. There are situations, however, where the driver who rear-ended the car in front of them may not be to blame if there was no way out of the situation.

Anytime you are involved in a rear-end collision, the best option is to talk to a Katy personal injury lawyer at Gomel & Associates. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.

Who Is To Blame When Rear-End Collisions Occur?

When a rear-end collision happens, it is logical to assume that the driver in the rear vehicle is to blame. Most of the time, that is true. When someone runs into a car in front of them, they usually were either distracted and didn’t see the car in front of them stop or they were going too fast for the conditions.

According to the law, when a vehicle on the road slows down or comes to a stop, any vehicles behind them need to stop, as well. The driver in the rear is required to maintain a safe following distance and to be aware of what any vehicles in front of them are doing.

Anytime rear-end collisions happen, the drivers involved in the accident need to file a claim with the insurance company to get compensated for their medical expenses and any repair fees.

a car that has ran into the back of a dump truck in Katy, TX.

What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions can occur for a couple of different reasons. In some situations, the driver of a vehicle is traveling too fast to stop if the car in front of them comes to a sudden stop or slows down unexpectedly.

Other times, the driver of the rear vehicle isn’t paying attention to the road. In many cases, they are distracted by their phone or are fiddling with their radio or GPS device. Distractions like these are one of the most common reasons why rear-end collisions occur. When drivers don’t have their eyes on the road, they may not be able to react fast enough to keep from hitting the vehicle in front of them if it stops unexpectedly.

After an accident, victims often seek help from a qualified car accident attorney. Hiring a lawyer increases the likelihood of getting compensated for your injuries and other damages. With the help of your attorney, you can file a claim for your medical expenses, your lost income, and the cost of any damage to your vehicle.

Injuries That Occur In Rear-End Accidents

Not all rear-end collisions result in injuries. In many cases, however, individuals involved in accidents like these do sustain significant injuries. These injuries almost always involve the back or neck. When a car sustains a major impact from the vehicle behind them, the passengers are thrown forward, causing their necks to violently jerk. This can cause a condition known as whiplash.

Injuries can vary in terms of their severity, depending on how the accident occurred. In many cases, however, the injuries from accidents like these can result in permanent disabilities. Herniated discs are also common in rear-end accidents.

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, it is important to get legal help right away. Working with an experienced lawyer will dramatically improve your chances of getting the compensation you are owed.

What Types Of Damages Can Be Claimed In Katy Rear-End Collisions?

The number of damages you are eligible for when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit will depend on how severely you were injured. When minor accidents occur, for instance, the resulting injuries are usually relatively minor. As a result, accidents like these typically don’t result in huge payouts. More severe accidents, on the other hand, usually result in far more significant damage and injuries. That means that the payout is almost always a lot higher.

Car accident cases like these are quite complex since they often involve the neck, upper back, or shoulder injuries. Even though injuries like whiplash can cause a significant amount of pain, it isn’t always easy to prove that they occurred. The best way to ensure that your injuries are taken seriously by the insurance company is by working with a personal injury attorney at Gomel & Associates. With our assistance, you can properly document your injuries to present a strong case to the insurance company.

Damages that are commonly sought in claims like these include:

  • The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
  • Fees related to renting a vehicle while yours is being repaired
  • Any income that you lost due to your injuries
  • Medical expenses, including hospitalization and prescription medications
  • Rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other ongoing expenses related to your recovery
  • Damages for pain and suffering

How Long Do You Have To File A Claim For A Rear-End Collision In Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is two years. This includes the day of the accident. If you plan on filing a lawsuit in your case, it is important to get the ball rolling before this time limit expires.

Not all rear-end accidents wind up in court, which means that the deadline doesn’t apply to every case. Regardless, you should still take quick action after an accident. Filing your case quickly may be beneficial when it comes to negotiating a settlement. Our recommendation is for victims to reach out to us at Gomel & Associates right away. The sooner you act, the more quickly you can get compensated for your damages.

Contact The Katy Rear-End Collision Lawyers At Gomel & Associates For Assistance Today

If you are injured in a rear-end accident, you should consider hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Katy. With close to three decades worth of experience, the attorneys at Gomel & Associates are extremely skilled at dealing with cases involving car crashes. Located in Katy, our law firm specializes in personal injury cases. We take pride in our work and have helped many victims get the compensation they are owed in the past.

After a rear-end collision, it is important to seek the best legal representation possible. At Gomel & Associates, our personal injury lawyers in Houston will gladly talk with you about your case, including going over your options and advising you on the best way forward.

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