One of the most common types of collisions is rear-end accidents. Some people do not take these collisions seriously, but they should. You can suffer severe injuries or worse from a rear-end car accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma City, call BDIW Law. An Oklahoma City rear-end collisions attorney can help injury victims seek legal recourse.
Causes of Oklahoma Rear-End Collisions
Nearly 1.7 million rear-end crashes happen nationwide annually. Since they happen so frequently, there is sufficient data that outlines the causes of these crashes. The most prevalent factors that lead to rear-end accidents in Oklahoma City are:
- Road conditions: construction and poor lighting can contribute to driver visibility. Potholes and broken roads can impact how a car maneuvers. Sometimes drivers are confused with construction detours or materials that get stuck in the car, causing the driver to lose control.
- Weather: sleet, snow, rain, and other bad weather can lead to vehicles being unable to brake or slipping and sliding. Even so, drivers must adjust their driving to face bad weather.
- Speeding: we have speed limits for a reason, and when drivers disobey the law, it can lead to severe consequences. Additionally, drivers should adjust their speed during hazardous or inclement weather.
- Impairment: A delay in reaction time can lead to severe rear-end collisions. Accidents involving alcohol or drug use can often lead to death.
- Distracted driving: an ongoing and growing problem in the population, means drivers have many reasons to take their eyes off the road. When drivers are not paying attention and are looking at their phones or something else, they can cause a rear-end car accident in Oklahoma City.
While these are the most common causes of rear-end crashes, others can also factor into your crash. You must seek legal recourse after a collision. BDIW Law is here to help.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCommon Rear-End Crash Injuries
When driving, there are cars all around you. You often watch the ones to the side and in front of you for movement or hazards. The cars behind you should be doing the same. When they don’t, it can lead to a rear-end crash.
These collisions can lead to injuries even when they happen at low speeds. Some of the injuries our rear-end collision lawyers encounter most often include the following:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
You can suffer various injuries from rear-end collisions that aren’t listed here. You will need medical treatment for these injuries. That also means taking time off work to go to appointments and heal.
These and other losses will come from rear-end crashes. Discuss your injuries and treatment with your medical team and a rear-end collisions attorney in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Rear Driver Is Usually at Fault
As you might assume, the rear driver is responsible for a rear-end collision. The reason is because the rear driver is in the best position to prevent a crash. They have a better view of drivers’ actions and better reaction times.
The rear driver is typically at-fault when they:
- Were using their cell phone
- Looking at the GPS
- Participating in personal grooming
- Eating or drinking
- Changing the radio or finding a song on their phone
- Interacting with pets, children, and passengers
Other reasons can be inexperience, fatigue, impairment, and slow reactions. Tailgating can also factor into a rear-end collision because the rear driver does not have enough space to react. They must always keep their distance.
Determining Fault in Rear-End Collisions
While the rear driver is usually at fault, the victim has a burden to prove liability. The insurance company believes you played a part in the accident and will therefore argue to lower your claim. However, when you work with a rear-end collisions lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK, we will investigate the case and determine the fault.
Some of the evidence we will hope to gather include:
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos
- Cell phone records
- Chemical test results
- Vehicle inspections
- Black box information
- Surveillance footage
Depending on the case, we can enlist the help of forensic engineers and accident reconstruction experts. The goal is to prepare the most robust case possible so you can pursue the compensation you need to recover from this situation.
It is also important to note that another party can contribute to the collision. Road conditions and mechanical errors can lead to third-party claims.
Compensation for a Rear-End Crash
After a rear-end accident, you must work with an Oklahoma City rear-end collisions lawyer to calculate your case worth. Victims do not realize the many losses that come from car accidents. You need the experience of a car accident attorney to calculate the losses and your demand.
The BDIW Law team will look at compensation for the following:
- Lost or damaged property
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The insurance company will try to settle quickly, and many victims think it is the right move, but it rarely is. They are sending you an offer so soon because they want you to settle before you know the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. However, BDIW Law has negotiation skills to counter these low offers.
We will advise you to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before accepting an offer.
Speak to BDIW Law Right Away
While roadway accidents are common, that doesn’t make them less severe. When another person’s negligence causes an accident, they must be held responsible. When there is an at-fault party you can connect your losses, then you can pursue legal action.
AnOklahoma City rear-end collisions attorney can help car accident victims take legal action against these parties. If unsure where to start, call BDIW Law for an initial consultation.
