Serious Rear-End Accidents Require Experienced Legal Representation
One of the most common types of collisions motorists in the Pacific Northwest are involved in are rear-end accidents. Rear-end crashes occur when one vehicle strikes another from behind. These accidents constitute almost 30% of all crashes in the United States according to data released by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Rear-end accidents often take place in gridlock traffic, certainly a common experience for motorists in Idaho and Washington State.
If you have suffered injury in a rear-end collision, you will almost certainly need help from an experienced car accident attorney. Rear-end accidents often leave victims with chronic pain, steep medical bills, and a lack of transportation.
The Advocates understand what you are going through and are here to help. From day one, our attorneys are prepared to assist in all aspects of your recovery, including:
Filing a property damage claim for your damaged vehicle
Securing compensation for current medical bills
Coverage for future medical expenses
Compensation for pain and suffering
Our goal is to take care of everything so you can focus on getting better. You deserve an Advocate!
Common Car Accident FAQs
- How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
- What are the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer to represent my car accident claim?
- How large of a settlement should I expect?
Serious Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents
Compared to more severe accidents, such as head-on crashes and rollovers, rear-end collisions are far less deadly. But these crashes still remain dangerous, potentially causing a variety of serious injuries. Even rear-end accidents which happen at slower speeds produce long-term injuries. Victims often face expensive medical treatments, long recovery periods away from work, and months of excruciating pain and emotional damage. This is why it is so important to obtain legal representation following your rear-end accident. A practiced attorney with The Advocates can build the best injury claim possible while you focus on completely on your recovery.
Here are the most common injuries caused by rear-end crashes:
Whiplash
Whiplash is certainly the most common injury victims face after a rear-end accident. When a vehicle rear-ends another vehicle, the victim’s head is thrown back and forth in an abrupt, violent motion which strains and even tears the soft tissue in their neck and shoulders. If left untreated, whiplash can lead to a host of future medical complications, like chronic pain or reduced motion of the neck.
TBIs and Head Injuries
One of the most severe injuries rear-end crashes produce are those to the head. Victims heads typically strike the steering wheel, the dashboard, or even the window. Head injuries range from minor concussions to far more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Bone Breaks and Fractures
Another common type of injury are broken bones. Rear-end collisions can jostle and toss drivers and passengers about inside of their vehicles with enough force to break their bones. Fractured bones require long recovery periods and can leave victims unable to work for months on end, leading to a loss in income.
Shoulder Injuries
Injuries to the shoulders typically occur to the rotator cuff or other muscles that are torn or strained. Shoulder injuries can leave victims without the use of their arms and might even require surgery if the injury is severe enough. Shoulder surgeries are often expensive and can lead to months of recuperation.
Back and Spine Damage
Similar to head injuries, damage to the back and spine can range from minor to severe. The force of impact from a rear-end crash can cause discs in the back to bulge or protrude into an unnatural formation, leaving victims with chronic pain and loss of motion. Injuries to the spinal cord, however, are far more debilitating. Victims can experience partial or, possibly, total paralysis, thereby never fully recovering.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Idaho and Washington State
While rear-end accidents happen for a number of reasons, many such crashes are the result of a driver using a smartphone or a GPS device instead of focusing on the road ahead. Recent crackdowns by state governments have certainly gone a long way in curbing distracted driving. But, to date, this reckless behavior remains the number one reason for most automobile accidents in the Pacific Northwest and all throughout the United States.
Below are the various causes of rear-end accidents according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):
- Following too closely, otherwise known as tailgating
- Excessive speeding
- Making a sudden or un-signaled turn
- Driving while intoxicated or inebriated
- Defective brakes or tail lights
- Slamming on the brakes
- Driving while drowsy or tired
Free Consultation with an Advocate Attorney
Don’t wait. Contact an attorney with The Advocates today for a free consultation. You can either call our office at (206) 452-4200, fill out our contact form, or chat with a live attorney from the bottom of your screen. Our team is ready to help!
The advocates are awesome. I have been to the office many times and am always greeted with a smile. They work so hard day in and day out to get all my needs met. There is no other law firm I would trust more than The Advocates. Seattle’s finest law firm, I highly recommend.
Katie Burns