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Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys in Long Beach

Getting Justice for Long Beach Rear-End Collision Victims

Over the last couple of decades, cell phones have become part of daily life. This includes behind the wheel, where cell phones can be dangerous. Rear-end collisions have always been a problem on Los Angeles roads and freeways, but cell phones have made rear-end collisions one of the most common types of car accidents. Rear-end car accidents can cause devastating injuries or even be fatal.

The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV has successfully handled many rear-end car accidents over the years, and we’re proud of the impact our hard work has made on the lives of our clients. We’re here to help you seek compensation for the injuries, property damage, and other losses you’ve suffered. Reach out to our Long Beach personal injury attorney to find out how we can build you a strong case that gets you the resources you need to recover. Give us a call at (562) 901-0840 today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Car Accidents

Rear-end car accidents are especially known for causing injuries to the back or spine. This is because a rear-end car accident causes a person to be jerked violently forward by the collision’s impact. The most frequently endured rear-end car accident injury, whiplash, is a result of this jerking motion.

Some more common injuries that rear-end accident victims suffer include:

The severity of injuries caused by a rear-end accident often depends on how hard the collision’s impact was and whether the people involved were wearing seatbelts or not.

Top Causes of Southern California Rear-End Car Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 40 percent of all United States car accidents are rear-end accidents. This means that if you’re involved in a car accident, there’s nearly a fifty-fifty chance that it will be a rear-end car accident. Here are the most common causes of rear-end car accidents our clients have reported over the years:

  • Driver distractions: Talking on the phone, texting, checking messages, or even grooming in the rearview mirror–there are many ways a driver can be distracted while behind the wheel. Someone who takes their eyes or attention off the road for even a second can easily cause a rear-end car accident.
  • Fatigued drivers: Drivers who are too tired to drive and doze off behind the wheel often cause rear-end car accidents.
  • Tailgating: Following behind another car can easily cause a rear-end car accident if the vehicle ahead comes to a sudden stop.
  • Weather conditions: Many accidents are caused by roads being slippery due to rain, snow, or ice. A slick road can make stopping difficult. Poor visibility in bad weather can also lead to rear-end car accidents.
  • Excessive speed: Speeding drivers may have a difficult time stopping in enough time to avoid a rear-end car accident.
  • Drivers under the influence: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be too impaired to come to a complete stop in enough time to avoid a rear-end car accident.

Preserving Your Safety After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident, it’s crucial to take immediate steps at the scene to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

  • Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
  • Contact emergency services: Call 911 to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. Dispatchers can send police officers to the scene to document the accident and assist with traffic control.
  • Collect witness details, photos, and documentation: Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their statements can provide crucial evidence in determining fault. Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. Collect relevant documentation, such as the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance information.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain or discomfort, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not manifest symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for diagnosing and treating injuries early, minimizing their long-term impact on your health. Medical records documenting your injuries can be valuable evidence in future legal proceedings.
  • Document the incident for future legal proceedings: Keep detailed records of any medical treatment received, including doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, and rehabilitation therapy. Photograph visible injuries, bruises, cuts, and any medical devices or braces needed during recovery. These records and documentation can strengthen your case in potential legal proceedings and help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Determining Liability for an Accident

Liability after a rear-end accident is typically presumed to lie with the rear driver due to the basic rule that they should maintain a safe following distance. Importantly, contributory negligence may shift liability if the front driver acted recklessly or contributed to the collision. Proving liability requires gathering evidence such as photos, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis. Eyewitness testimonies play a crucial role in corroborating events leading to the accident. Ultimately, liability determination relies on thoroughly examining all factors involved, ensuring fair accountability for both parties in the event of a rear-end collision.

Seeking Compensation for Damages

Legal compensation for those injured in rear-end collisions serves to cover the losses they have suffered as a result. Compensation not only alleviates financial burdens but also acknowledges intangible hardships endured. By seeking fair compensation, victims can begin to rebuild their lives and move forward from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident.

Forms of compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses: Compensation for medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and future medical care related to injuries sustained in the rear-end collision.
  • Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery from injuries, including missed workdays, reduced work hours, or the inability to work due to physician impairments.
  • Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages awarded to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the rear-end collision, including ongoing discomfort and decreased quality of life.
  • Property damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles or other property affected in the rear-end collision, such as vehicle repairs, rental car expenses, or replacement of personal belongings inside the vehicle.
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injuries sustained in the rear-end collision have on the injured party’s relationship with their spouse, including loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.

Additionally, documenting both economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, strengthens the claim’s validity.

How Can a Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Help?

In the aftermath of a rear-end accident, legal action is best pursued with the assistance of an experienced Long Beach car accident attorney who specializes in such cases. Your attorney will assess the details of your case, gather evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies for full compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent your interests in court if necessary. They will guide you through each step, advocate for your rights, and effectively work towards securing maximum compensation.

You Deserve a Dedicated Legal Ally

The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV is committed to helping Long Beach rear-end accident victims pursue the compensation they need to recover.

We’re here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (562) 901-0840 to schedule a consultation and find out more about what we can do to help.

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"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.