Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Rear-End Collision Lawyer
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 29% of all accidents that result in serious injuries are caused by rear-end collisions. Additionally, in a study by the Insurance Information Institute indicates that more than 7% of all traffic fatalities and about 20% of all traffic fatalities that involve two vehicles.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Many times, after a rear-end collision, the driver that is located in the back is assumed to be responsible for the car accident. However, there is one occasion when this may not be the case. For instance, suppose you are the driver in the back of the rear-end collision. You may not be considered liable for the accident if you are hit from behind by another driver, pushing your car into the car in front of you.
You may wonder whether you can be liable for a rear-end collision if your car experienced brake failure. Generally, the owner of the car is responsible for properly maintaining the safety equipment on the car. So, if you experience a brake failure while driving your own vehicle, it may be hard to prove that it’s not your fault. Sometimes, we may see a situation where the driver in front stops suddenly and without warning. Because drivers are required to maintain a proper following distance to allow for unexpected stops, it may be difficult to prove you weren’t at fault in this type of situation as well.
In fact, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has determined that rear-end collisions happen mostly because the at-fault driver simply is not paying enough attention to the road. In this scenario, inattentive driving or following too closely to a car in front of you, can be a cause for negligent driving.
Virginia and West Virginia Rear-End Collision Lawyer
While you may be determined to be at fault in the scenarios mentioned above, whether you be be considered fully at fault or partially at fault may depend on where your accident occurred. Read more about how much a rear-end car accident is worth.
Virginia is a contributory negligence state. This means that if a driver is considered to be even 1% at fault in causing the accident, that driver will not be able to recover anything for his or her injuries.
Contributory negligence can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. It is frequently used by insurance company lawyers to deny claims and keep settlement amounts low. Because of Virginia’s tough laws on contributory negligence, it is extremely important that you talk with a lawyer experienced in handling Virginia auto accident claims immediately after an accident. You must use caution when talking with an insurance adjuster to make certain that the adjuster doesn’t try to misconstrue your account of how the accident happened. That’s why it’s important to TALK WITH A LAWYER FIRST before you talk with the insurance company!
West Virginia is a comparative fault state. This means that if you are injured in an accident, you may be entitled to recover money for your injuries even if you were somewhat at-fault. In a comparative fault state, such as West Virginia, if you are determined to have been at-fault, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, say you are determined to be 10% at fault and you are awarded $10,000 for your injuries. Your award will be reduced by 10% or by $1,000, leaving you with a recovery of $9,000.00.
Typical injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions cause many types of injuries. In fact, rear-end crashes are one of the primary causes of whiplash and neck injuries. Additionally, rear-end collisions often cause back injuries, head injuries, wrist and arm injuries, seat belt injuries, along with others.
Why Hire A Rear-End Collision Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you are likely extremely stressed and overwhelmed. In the months after your injury, you will be forced to deal with medical bills, insurance companies, work, and family matters all while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
How Is the Ritchie Law Firm Different?
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we believe those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. But, holding all of the negligent parties liable and negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult and frustrating. A lack of experience in determining the value of your case can result in a lower settlement than your accident and injuries warrant. Retaining an experienced rear-end collision lawyer
can help ensure that you are fairly compensated. We will make sure you receive the
compensation you deserve.
In our half-century of practice, the personal injury lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm have handled thousands of rear-end collision cases on behalf of our clients. Such experience gives us an advantage in preparing cases for clients, as nothing comes as a surprise to us and we are always thoroughly prepared for even the most challenging cases. We have a track record of success and a strength that is unmatched.
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What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In A Side Impact Car Accident?
Make sure you or someone you know gets photos of the accident scene and your vehicle following the collision. When we handle your accident case, we obtain the accident report, your medical information and interview any witnesses for you.
Your first priority should be your health and recovery. If a family member has been injured, be sure they have your full support and the details of everyday life handled for them. Get the medical treatment you need. Let the doctors treating you know exactly what happened to your body during the accident, including what portions of the body were struck, locations of bruises, areas of soreness, whether you lost consciousness, and problems with vision or memory. You should also be prepared to describe pain, kind of pain you experience, including the location of the pain; whether it’s sharp or dull; whether it involves burning, tingling, or numbness how long it lasts; what kinds of activities seem to aggravate the pain; and, whether medication helps.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection. You need an experienced team of personal injury lawyers to make sure you receive a full settlement for all of your damages — your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Our Clients Say
“The truck came across the center line and side-swiped my car. My wife and I were both injured in the accident. The Volvo was totaled. My wife needed surgery on her knee. I was suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of the accident. It affected me far more seriously than I would have expected. I needed legal help and I went to the Ritchie Law Firm. This was a very difficult case because of complicated medical issues and the Ritchie Law Firm was able to handle the problem. They worked very hard for me. I was very satisfied with the outcome. They were a great help to my wife and I. If you’ve been injured, I recommend you call the Ritchie Law Firm.”
Scheduling Your Free Case Evaluation with an Personal Injury Lawyer
You’ll have the opportunity to meet the legal assistant handling your case, and go over the process, timeline, and contact process for working together.
Still need a little more information? Download our auto accident brochure for more.
