Pennsylvania Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
Rear-end collisions are among the leading types of accidents in America, and they result in some of the most serious types of injuries. Often, rear-enders are the result of a distracted driver texting or talking on the cell phone in heavy traffic, not able to stop quickly enough when the traffic comes to a halt.
Rear-end collisions typically cause serious injuries to the shoulders, neck and back. When struck from behind, the forward thrust of the body causes a whipping action that the human frame isn’t build to withstand. Even when the body does not come in contact with the steering wheel or interior of the car, the sudden whip and deceleration can cause serious bone, muscle, joint and even internal organ damage. Sudden acceleration and deceleration of the brain against the inside of the skull often results in hematoma, concussion and other types of closed head wounds, even when there is no outward injury to the head.
If you were injured when struck from behind in an accident in Pennsylvania or Ohio, talk to an attorney on the personal injury trial team at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., with offices in New Castle, Hermitage, Butler and Erie, Pennsylvania. We have years of experience investigating the full cause and effect of rear-end collisions and have obtained significant insurance settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of injury victims and surviving family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal rear-end collision.
Learn more at our Motor Vehicle Accidents page.
What Is a Rear-End Car Accident?
A rear-end car accident is when one vehicle strikes another vehicle from behind. In most rear-end collisions, the front driver is stopped or traveling at a slow speed and the rear driver strikes at a higher speed. The force from the impact can cause injuries such as whiplash, broken bones and soft-tissue damage to the occupants of either vehicle.
Rear-End Accident Legal Services
We have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered serious injury in rear-end collisions and other types of car accidents on Pennsylvania or Ohio roads, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles
- Drunk driver accidents
- Construction zone accidents and dangerous roadway crashes
- Passenger injuries
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Vehicle rollover accidents
A rear-end car accident is one of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions reported in Pennsylvania. If you get involved in a rear-end accident, you may be confused regarding where to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and property damage. According to Pittsburgh car accident lawyers, the answer depends on the circumstances of your rear-end collision and your type of car insurance.
What Causes Most Rear-End Car Accidents?
Rear-end collisions are typically avoidable if both drivers involved are cautious. They are most often traced back to driver errors, such as:
- Following too closely
- Tailgating due to road rage
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Drug or alcohol use
- Speeding
- Brake-checking (abrupt braking)
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Rear-end car accidents can also be caused by low visibility conditions, such as rain or fog, and dangerous road hazards that cause drivers to brake suddenly, such as potholes or debris.
Who Is Usually At Fault for a Rear-End Car Accident?
The driver of the rear motor vehicle is typically found to be at fault for a rear-end car accident. This is due to the fact that the rear driver has a responsibility to maintain an adequate following distance, pay attention to the road and obey all traffic laws while driving, including speed limits. If a rear driver is tailgating or not paying enough attention, he or she may crash into the front driver’s car when it slows down or stops.
The Statutes of Pennsylvania Section 3310 states: (a) General rule.–The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. This law places an obligation on all drivers to leave enough following distance to reasonably be able to brake and avoid a collision in response to changing roadway situations.
However, there are circumstances in which the front driver may share fault for a rear-end collision. If the frontmost driver cuts the rear driver off, makes an unsafe lane change, brakes suddenly or erratically, intentionally brake-checks the rear driver, or fails to properly maintain the vehicle, the front driver could share responsibility for the crash.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
Pennsylvania is a “choice” no-fault state. This means your legal options after a rear-end car accident will depend on whether you purchased limited tort or full tort car insurance. With limited tort insurance, you may only sue another driver for causing your accident if you suffered serious injuries. Full tort insurance allows you to hold another driver responsible for your crash with any level of damage.
If you get involved in a rear-end collision in Pennsylvania, report it to the police to get an accident report. Seek medical care for your injuries without delay. Do not admit fault for the accident, even if you are the rear driver. Before you begin the insurance claims process, contact a Pittsburgh car accident attorney for advice. A specialized personal injury attorney in Pittsburgh can help you understand your options based on your insurance policy to help you optimize your financial recovery.
Free Consultation · No Attorneys’ Fees Unless You Recover Money Damages
From our offices in New Castle, Hermitage, Butler and Erie, Pennsylvania, we represent clients in communities throughout the Greater Northern Pittsburgh metro region and throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. Call us toll free at 1-800-777-4081 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh rear-end collision lawyer today.