A rear-end accident can cause extensive damage and injury from the force of impact during a collision. A rear-end accident injury lawyer here in Cleveland, OH can provide valuable guidance so you can get the resources you need to move forward.
When you partner with Tittle & Perlmuter, we work diligently for you so you have peace of mind. Our Cleveland car accident lawyers walk this path with you and help you with everything from case logistics to negotiating a fair settlement.
Our team is here for you when you have been injured in a rear-end accident, and never stops fighting for you. To request a free consultation, contact our Northeast Ohio law firm today.
Why Rear-End Accidents are “Common” but Not Always Minor
According to data from the National Safety Council, rear-end accidents are the second leading cause of vehicle injuries and the third leading cause of vehicle deaths. The impact and sudden deceleration of these crashes put considerable stress on the spine, cause organs to shift, and can cause occupants to hit their head, among many other effects.
While high-speed collisions can cause significant harm, low-speed collisions can also cause serious injuries. If you’re in a crash, be sure to contact a rear-end accident injury lawyer near you.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Cleveland
Rear-end accidents are often caused by human error or reckless driving. Some common factors that contribute to these accidents include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating other drivers
- Distractions that pull focus from the road
- Failing to account for bad weather or road conditions
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident because another driver failed to drive responsibly, then a Cleveland rear-end accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Rear-End Crash?
In most rear-end accidents, the rear driver is at fault for the collision. If they do not maintain sufficient space or fail to pay attention, they can collide with the vehicle in front. However, the front vehicle can also be at fault for an accident. Sudden stops, brake lights that do not work, and vehicles that cut in can contribute to these accidents. In some cases, a chain reaction may start that results in a multi-car accident.
Whether the accident is clearly the fault of the other driver or is shared, it is important to contact a rear-end accident injury attorney immediately. Ohio uses modified comparative negligence (Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33) for shared-fault, and a lawyer can help ensure you do not lose much-needed compensation.
Ohio’s “Assured Clear Distance Ahead” Rule and How it Impacts Rear-End Liability Arguments
According to Ohio Revised Code § 4511.21, drivers are required to adhere to the speed limit and maintain enough space so that there is an “assured clear distance ahead” for stopping or reacting to hazards. This rule is not only important for ensuring safety on the road, but it can also impact a claim.
Insurance companies carefully evaluate an accident to determine if a driver maintained the proper distance and speed. A failure to do so can be a strong indicator of fault in a rear-end collision. A rear-end accident injury lawyer can use this information to strengthen your case and show another driver’s negligence.
Injuries We Frequently See in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents exert a considerable amount of force on the body and can cause numerous injuries. These can range from minor to severe and impact your life long after your initial injuries have healed. As a rear-end accident injury attorney, we see a variety of injuries in these types of accidents and help connect you with the care and resources you need for your recovery.
Some common injuries associated with these types of accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord and disc injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Facial injuries
- Wrongful death
Medical Documentation Can Make a Difference in Your Claim
It is important to receive medical attention after an accident, regardless of how your injuries appear. Injuries can be delayed and still cause considerable harm if you do not receive an exam to ensure your safety.
Early treatment can also help minimize the risk of chronic pain down the line. Also, failing to seek medical treatment can hurt your case, as insurance companies are less likely to pay you. Keep all medical records from treatments, as well as bills to submit with your claim.
What Compensation Can Include After a Rear-End Injury
When you are looking at expensive medical treatments and car repairs and are out of work for a period of time, anxiety, stress, and overwhelm can quickly set in. A rear-end accident injury lawyer understands this and aggressively fights for you so you can recover all or most of your losses through compensation. A settlement can cover a variety of losses and is designed to make you whole again, to the best extent possible.
Some losses that can be included in your settlement may be:
- Existing medical bills and future care costs
- Accommodations and equipment
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal belongings
- Death benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
- Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Disfigurement
Talk to your lawyer about which ones may apply to your case and how much they may be worth. We stand up for you and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you receive a fair settlement to cover what you have lost.
What to Do After a Rear-End Crash in Cleveland
Knowing what to do after a rear-end accident in Cleveland can make a big difference and save you a lot of stress in the long run. To make sure that you do not miss any steps in the process, review our evidence checklist to ensure maximum protection and better results:
- Call 911 and receive medical assistance
- File a police report with law enforcement or online
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with the other driver
- Take photos and/or videos of the scene, the injuries you suffered, and the damage to your vehicle
- Get the names and contact information of witnesses
- Consult a rear-end accident injury lawyer near you before proceeding
- Notify your insurance company that you have been in an accident
- Submit your claim to the other driver’s insurance company
You should also receive medical treatment by a licensed professional as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights in your case.
What NOT to Do After a Collision
Avoid apologizing or admitting fault after the accident or at any time during the process. Similarly, avoid posting on social media during your case. Do not provide a recorded statement to the insurance company either. They can use your words against you.
How a Cleveland Rear-End Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help
A rear-end accident injury attorney from Tittle & Perlmuter can help you investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence to strengthen your claim. We may also work with professional reconstructionists to digitally re-create the accident to assess what factors were at play. Our team can even talk to your doctors to better understand your injuries. We leverage this information and our relationships to get better results from insurers.
Our team is also prepared to litigate your case and go to court if the insurance company does not pay you what you deserve. We continue to advocate for you and make sure you have a strong claim. We have a history of strong case results and can fight for a favorable outcome for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Accidents
Is the rear driver always at fault in an Ohio rear-end accident?
While the rear driver has a responsibility to remain alert and respond in a way that prevents accidents, they are not always at fault. If the front driver is negligent, they could be held liable instead.
What if I was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle or someone driving for work? Can the employer be liable?
If you were injured by a commercial or company vehicle, the employer may be held responsible if the driver was acting within the scope of their job duties during the crash. A rear-end accident injury lawyer near you can help you determine if you can pursue a claim against the employer in your particular situation.
What if I feel “fine” at the scene but develop pain days later? Can I still file a claim?
Injuries can be misleading right after an accident because adrenaline can block pain, and internal injuries may not be readily apparent. As such, seek medical care as soon as possible if you have been injured in a rear-end accident, and consult a lawyer to evaluate your options.
How long do I have to file a rear-end accident injury claim in Ohio?
If you have been in a rear-end accident, you have two years to file a claim, per Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10. Delaying action can be quite costly and leave you without legal recourse for recovery.
Contact a Cleveland Rear-End Accident Attorney Near You
Tittle & Perlmuter can help you navigate the claim process for a rear-end accident and fight to secure the most favorable outcome possible. We help you protect your future so you do not have to continue to suffer. To request a free consultation with our rear-end accident lawyers in Cleveland, contact our law firm today.
