If you were hurt in a rear-end car accident, you need the help of a qualified legal team to get you the money you’re owed. Insurance companies typically want to avoid large settlement payouts. They will look for any reason to complicate the process or intimidate you into accepting a lowball offer. At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our Cincinnati car accident attorneys are familiar with these tactics and will be your advocates in your time of need. You can depend on us to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Rear-end collisions happen when a driver crashes into the rear of another person’s vehicle. Accidents like these can lead to severe injuries and even death. Sometimes, they involve excessive speeds on the part of the car in the rear, causing more significant harm to the occupants of the car being impacted. Rear-end accidents can happen on any road at any time of day.
Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC has a dedicated legal team that will use all resources at our disposal to secure a favorable outcome for you. We will work hard to meet your needs and achieve your goals during the legal process. You can depend on us to provide guidance and support during this traumatic experience.
To learn more about our services, call us at (513) 351-5997 for a free consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate Cincinnati rear-end accident attorneys.
Tailgating Contributes To Rear-End Collisions
Following a vehicle too closely doesn’t leave enough stopping distance if it becomes necessary to stop or slow down. Road hazards, traffic congestion, and other factors could require a driver to slam on their brakes. If they don’t leave enough space between their car and the one in front of them, they likely can’t avoid a collision.
When you’re on the road, you should always use the three-second rule to ensure you have enough stopping distance. It works by counting the number of seconds it takes you to pass a stationary object after the vehicle ahead passes it. If it takes at least three seconds, you’re at an appropriate distance behind them. Some experts even recommend following a four-second rule under specific circumstances.
Driving at excessive speeds will require even greater stopping distance. That’s because the driver will need time to react to what’s happening in front of them, plus additional time to press on the brake pedal. By the time all of that takes place, their vehicle could travel over 200 feet. If they were tailgating, an accident is likely unavoidable.
Other factors besides tailgating could lead to a rear-end car crash, such as:
- Engaging in road rage behaviors
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Traffic congestion or slow-moving vehicles
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving too fast for adverse road or weather conditions
If any of these factors contributed to the rear-end accident you were in, you should call Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC to discuss how we can help. Someone else was at fault for your injuries and should be held liable for your resulting expenses. You shouldn’t pay for your treatment and other costs when another driver’s actions were responsible for the suffering you’re currently experiencing.
What To Do After A Rear-End Collision
If you get hurt in a car accident, it’s imperative that you take immediate action. You’ll need to protect your rights and secure vital evidence that can prove you deserve compensation. Waiting too long to take the first step or never starting the process at all could negatively affect your future and whether you’re able to recover from the crash, both physically and financially.
First and foremost, you should see a doctor and hire a Cincinnati rear-end accident attorney. You’ll need an evaluation of your injuries to determine the necessary treatment plan. It’s critical that you seek treatment immediately after the accident. Don’t try to recover at home or wait a few days or weeks to see how you’re feeling. As soon as you leave the crash scene, go to the hospital or urgent care or drive yourself to your primary physician.
The initial doctor you see might recommend imaging tests, physical therapy, medication, and other forms of treatment to manage your pain and heal your injuries. Follow their instructions and attend every appointment you have until your medical providers release you from their care. Medical records are vital in accident cases. They can show the insurance company the type of injury you sustained, that it happened during the rear-end collision, and the expenses you incurred during treatment.
While you’re treating your injuries, Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can handle the legal aspects of your case. We will take on the responsibility so you can focus solely on getting your life back on track. You’re probably already feeling overwhelmed and don’t want the additional stress of handling an insurance claim or lawsuit. Our Cincinnati rear-end accident attorneys will take on each step of the process from start to finish.
When you hire us, we will thoroughly investigate the crash and obtain the evidence we need to prove the other driver should be liable for your losses. We can request copies of all medical records, vehicle repair estimates, eyewitness statements, and other associated documentation. We will not rest until we locate everything we need to strengthen your case and reach a positive result.
Common Injuries Caused By Rear-End Car Accidents
Some people are lucky enough to walk away from a car crash with minor injuries. Maybe you were driving in a parking lot, and someone rear-ended you at a low speed. You might have suffered whiplash and only required a few doctor’s appointments to heal.
Other accident victims sustain debilitating or even life-threatening injuries. You might require invasive surgery, ongoing physical therapy, and other treatment to manage chronic pain or mobility issues. Years of constant medical care can become a significant financial burden.
The most common injuries caused by rear-end accidents are:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Head injuries, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injury
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Psychological or emotional trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
Disabilities are common after car crashes. Some people never recover and end up with permanent damage that affects their daily lives. If you’re already paying medical costs and need household assistance to shower, walk, or care for your family, it can create a significant financial burden.
Whether your case is big or small, you can depend on Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC to make it our top priority. We provide personalized attention to every client and guide you through each step, so you know what to expect during the complex legal process.
Compensation You Could Pursue from the Negligent Drive
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Ohio law requires car insurance for anyone driving a motor vehicle. The minimum required limits for liability coverage are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of multiple people
- $25,000 for property damage
The traditional fault system holds the at-fault party financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and subsequent losses. You could file a claim with the other driver’s liability insurance company and seek compensation for the losses you suffered, such as:
- Medical bills
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Cost of vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
If you choose to file a lawsuit, you could seek more than just monetary losses. You might also be entitled to punitive damages. Instead of compensating you for your losses, it punishes the defendant for their misconduct. To recover this financial award, you must show the jury that the other driver demonstrated aggravated or egregious fraud or malice through action or omission. You must also have already received a judgment for compensation for your losses.
The deadline for filing a lawsuit is known as a statute of limitations. Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident cases. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you were injured in the rear-end collision. Once this timeframe passes, you likely won’t get another chance to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
Contact Us
The Cincinnati rear-end accident attorneys of Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC will remain by your side in the fight for justice. You don’t have to face the intimidating insurance company or defense attorneys alone. We can represent you in your case and hold the other driver accountable for their actions.
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our legal team aims to make your first meeting with us as convenient as possible. We know you lead a busy life, and your injury might have left you immobile. You can speak with us about the accident over the phone, via live chat, or through video conferencing. If it’s no trouble for you to come to our office, we could meet in person.
We strive to exceed the expectations of our clients and always provide dependable services you can trust. We know you’re going through something devastating. Our Cincinnati rear-end accident attorneys will treat you with compassion and provide transparent communication throughout your entire case.
If you suffered injuries in a rear-end car crash, call Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC today at (513) 351-5997 for your free initial consultation. We’ll review the details and determine the legal options for securing compensation for you.
