Stillwater Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Rear-end accidents are common across Stillwater, and some are minor. Accident victims can hold negligent drivers responsible by taking civil actions. Discuss your options with our Stillwater car accident attorney from BDIW Law today.

The Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents in Stillwater 

Stillwater drivers must maintain their speed and distance from other drivers. There should always be enough space to slow down or brake if a hazard arises. Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end crashes in Stillwater, substantially increasing the risks of an accident. 

There are other causes of these rear-end accidents, including:

• Speeding 
• Driving too fast for the conditions
• Weaving in and out of traffic 
• Driving while intoxicated
• Fatigued driving  
• Changing lanes abruptly or without warning 
• Distracted driving 
• Driving too fast in slow-moving traffic 
• Reckless driving 

Drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to account for weather and road conditions, which can involve slowing down or using headlights during a storm. All drivers should be aware of their surroundings and be ready to react at a moment’s notice. Talk to a rear-end collisions lawyer in Stillwater, OK, today.

Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Collisions 

There is no time to prepare during a rear-end crash. They happen so fast, and you can sit at a red light when you are suddenly jolted forward. Some victims walk away with minor or no injuries, while others suffer painful or permanent ones. 

Some of the most common rear-end crash injuries in Stillwater include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord trauma 
• Contusions 
• Burns 
• Wrist, finger, arm, and hand injuries 

It is essential to get medical treatment immediately for your injuries and follow all recommended treatments. You should also wait to reach maximum medical improvement before accepting a settlement from the insurance company. When you reach MMI, there is a better understanding of how your injuries have impacted your life and will continue to do so in the future. 

A rear-end collisions attorney in Stillwater, OK, can help calculate your losses and ensure we include everything in your demand. 

Liability Concerns in Rear-End Collisions

In most instances, the rear driver is at-fault for the accident, and you will file a claim with their insurance company. However, car accidents are complex, and various factors can impact liability. 

While the majority of cases result in the rear driver being responsible for the accident, some require third-party claims. The police report will serve as evidence of what happened and who is potentially liable. 

Mechanical failure is one of the reasons that liability can come into question and become convoluted. If there is a brake failure to blame, the rear driver cannot stop in time. It also means you need a deeper investigation into why there was a failure and who is to blame, such as a body shop that didn’t install the brakes improperly. 

The Insurance Company Will Offer Quick Settlements

Many rear-end crashes are straightforward: the rear driver wasn’t paying attention and breached their duty, so they are at fault. The driver’s insurance company should compensate victims for injuries and losses. The insurance can fight you on this by questioning the fault or severity of injuries, but if they are not questioning anything and are sending an early settlement, that can be a bad sign. 

When the insurer sends a settlement within days or weeks, they try to pay the least amount possible. They hope you do not have legal representation yet and do not know the extent of your injuries. They know the moment you agree to settle, you cannot take any other actions. 

This is one of their many tactics to protect their bottom line. Other measures they will take include:

• Recording your conversation
• Contacting while you are in the hospital or medicated 
• Requesting full medical history 
• Not calculating pain and suffering 
• Refusing to pay for psychological treatments 
• Stalling negotiations and legal procedures 
• Frustrating the victim until they give up 

To circumvent these actions, you must enlist the help of our Stillwater rear-end collisions lawyer from BDIW Law.

Financial Recovery for Rear-End Accidents 

Every victim should have adequate representation from a rear-end collision lawyer in Stillwater, OK, to get compensation for their losses. Injuries can lead to hospitalizations and lengthy medical treatments. These and other costs can add up quickly. 

You can pursue compensation for some of the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage 
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs
• Surgical procedures
• Future wage and benefits losses 
• Future estimated medical treatments 

Your compensation award will depend on the losses you suffer. The majority of the claim will be contingent on your injuries. The worse your injuries are, the more treatment and money you need. 

If it is a long-term ailment, that will also require a more significant settlement. Our rear-end collision attorneys will review your losses and fight for fair compensation. 

Statute of Limitations to File a Claim

There are deadlines for filing an insurance claim and taking legal action. If you miss deadlines, it can hinder your ability to recover any compensation or take legal action. It is best to schedule a consultation with a rear-end collisions attorney in Stillwater, OK, to begin right away. 

Oklahoma’s statute is two years from the accident date. There are either deadlines within that time that can impact your case. Call BDIW Law to get started immediately and not miss any deadlines. 

Contact BDIW Law for a Consultation Today

It is common to see that many rear-end accident victims want to resolve the claim independently. They believe it is a straightforward process and all will work out. From our experience, that is rarely the case. 

The insurance company will break you down and settle your claim for less. You have legal recourse available when you call BDIW Law for help. For a free case evaluation with a Stillwater rear-end collisions attorney, call our office or submit our contact form.