A rear-end collision may appear straightforward at first. But if you have significant medical bills, you should have a rear-end accident lawyer review your legal options. When another driver’s inattention or poor judgment causes a crash, car accident victims may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. However, the legal process requires careful handling from the start.
A Green Bay rear-end car accident lawyer at Schwaba Law Firm can guide you through the claims process and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on your health. Please get in touch with us today to talk about your rear-end collision claim and learn how our legal team can help you move forward.
Common Injuries & Why They Matter in a Legal Case
Rear-end collisions often involve sudden forward-and-backward motion that can strain the neck, spine, and head. Some of the commonly reported injuries associated with rear-end crashes include the following:
- Whiplash
- Back injurie
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Facial injuries
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Psychological injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Concussions
- Lumbar strain
After a motor vehicle accident, those who have serious injuries may experience pain, loss of mobility, and inability to perform daily tasks.
What complicates these cases is that symptoms do not always present immediately. For example, soft tissue injuries and head trauma may become more noticeable days after the crash, once inflammation develops. You may wake up a day or two after a rear-end collision with neck pain and stiffness, making it extremely painful to turn your head. Concussions and closed head injuries may not be apparent to anyone other than trained medical providers.
If you didn’t seek prompt medical attention, insurance adjusters may argue that your injury is unrelated to the rear-end collision. So, it is highly recommended to seek medical attention and establish a record linking your injury to the collision. This will affect how your case is evaluated and valued under Wisconsin personal injury law.
What to Do Immediately After a Rear-End Accident in Green Bay
The actions taken in the hours and days following a collision can significantly affect settlement negotiations and the outcome of a claim. For instance, evidence from traffic collisions is time-sensitive and can deteriorate or be overwritten if not gathered and preserved promptly.
Here are specific steps to take after a car accident:
- Check for your own injuries and for all individuals involved.
- Call law enforcement and remain at the accident scene until they arrive.
Seek medical treatment - Take photographs and videos of the accident scene. Capture the positions of the vehicles before they are moved, skid marks, and any visible identifying information, such as license plates.
- Get contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
- Do not give any recorded statements to the insurer until you have sought legal assistance.
- Reach out to an experienced rear-end car accident lawyer to discuss the incident and whether legal action is appropriate.
When you take appropriate actions after an accident, your lawyer can use the gathered evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. With a clear factual record of the events leading to the collision, your attorney can challenge attempts by the at-fault driver’s insurance company to shift the blame and avoid liability.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
In rear-end crashes, liability is determined by the specific circumstances of the accident. In many rear-end collisions, the trailing driver who struck the vehicle in front is presumed to be at fault. Drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and remain alert for sudden changes in traffic conditions.
However, that presumption does not always apply. Rear-end collisions can involve various contributing factors, such as improper stops, distracted driving, malfunctioning brake lights, vehicles moving in reverse, weather conditions, and road hazards. Both drivers can share responsibility for a rear-end accident.
In addition to negligent drivers, liability may fall on:
- Vehicle manufacturers may be liable for producing a defective vehicle or component.
- Maintenance providers for failing to address known mechanical issues that contributed to the crash
- Road authorities may be liable if unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident.
- Employers may share liability for the negligent drivers in the course of employment.
Wisconsin law allows recovery as long as the injured party is not more responsible than the other driver. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to pursue compensation from another at-fault party. Your rear-end accident attorney will fight attempts by insurers to avoid liability.
When and Why You Should Consult a Lawyer
Many people ask, “Should I get a lawyer for a rear-end car accident?” or “Do I need a lawyer for a car accident if the crash seems minor?” These questions are understandable, particularly when car crash damage appears limited at first. However, rear-end cases frequently involve disputes over injury severity and long-term effects. In most cases, insurance companies evaluate car accident claims with the intention of paying out as little as possible.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a rear-end accident lawyer for an independent review of the facts and available insurance coverage. An experienced lawyer can manage communications with insurers, gather supporting evidence, and file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance companies refuse to agree to a fair settlement.
Compensation Available in Rear-End Accident Claims
Compensation after car accidents is intended to address both immediate and long-term losses caused by the injuries. Receiving fair compensation can provide you with a sense of financial security during a challenging time. You may seek compensation for the following types of losses and expenses:
- Current medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wagesReduced earning capacity
- Pain and physical limitations
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Insurance carriers rarely voluntarily offer a full-value settlement because they want to pay as little as possible. Having a qualified rear-end car accident lawyer advocating for you is crucial when seeking a full and fair recovery.
Let Our Green Bay Rear-End Accident Lawyers Fight for You
Rear-end collision cases should be approached with careful attention to the individual circumstances of each case. The experienced attorneys at Schwaba Law Firm in Green Bay understand how serious crashes affect your financial stability, family life, and physical health. Our rear-end accident attorneys can review the facts of your accident during a no-obligation consultation and help you understand the best way to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
