Call (215) 999-2244 today for a free consultation with a rear-end accident lawyer in Philadelphia.

Millions of car accidents happen throughout the United States every single year. Pennsylvania alone documented over 115,000 reported car accidents in 2021 that resulted in nearly 70,000 total injuries.

Anytime you get into your vehicle, you risk being struck by another driver. One of the most common types of collisions is a rear-end accident.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rear-end car accident, you should consult with a Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a rear-end accident lawyer at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers so we can review your case. 

Rear-End Accident Statistics

A rear-end car accident happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, accounting for a significant portion of all vehicle crashes.

In the United States, there are more than 8 million car accidents per year, with rear-end collisions accounting for about 41.6% of all accidents between two vehicles.

In Pennsylvania, 23,217 out of 117,889 collisions recorded in 2021 were rear-end crashes.

Luckily, rear-end collisions result in far fewer fatalities than accidents where an automobile strikes a fixed object. However, you can still suffer devastating injuries in a rear-end crash.

If another person’s negligence caused your rear-end collision, they might be liable for your injuries.

The team at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can review the details of your claim and determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit.  

What Causes Most Rear-End Accidents?

Rear-end collisions often occur when one car is either stopped or moving slowly, and another vehicle hits it from behind.

Factors that may cause a rear-end collision include:

• Attempting to eat while driving,
• Texting and driving,
• Using social media while driving,
• Applying makeup while driving,
• Talking with passengers,
• Following too closely,
• Brake failure, and
• Speeding.

The cause of the rear-end collision will play a role in determining whether you can recover your losses from the opposing party.

Typically, you need to prove the opposing party’s wrongdoing or negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injury.

Under Pennsylvania law, you might still be able to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident.

Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state which means you can recover damages as long as you were not 51% or more at fault for the accident.

However, the damages you recover will be proportionally reduced by your percentage of fault. 

How Much Is a Rear-End Accident Worth?

The value of your rear-end accident claim depends on the losses you suffered as a result of your injuries. So how much is a rear-end accident worth?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover the following:

• Medical expenses,
• Rehabilitation costs,
• Costs of prescription medication,
• Lost wages,
• Loss of future earning capacity,
• Vehicle repair costs,
• Emotional suffering,
• Physical pain, and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

While some financial losses are easy to calculate, quantifying abstract harms like pain and emotional suffering can be difficult.

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we can consult with experts to help calculate the value of these abstract losses and ascertain the full value of your claim. 

What to Do in a Rear-End Accident in Philadelphia

A car accident is often a confusing and traumatizing experience.

You may think there is nothing you can do at the scene of the accident to help your case, but there are a few steps, explaining what to do in a rear-end accident, you can take to help your rear-end accident lawyer in Philadelphia investigate and build your claim. 

Call the Police and Report Your Rear-End Collision

Immediately after your accident, you should contact law enforcement and request that an officer come to the accident scene. The responding officer will create an accident report.

The accident report may contain information about the parties involved in the crash and the officer’s impression of who caused the accident.

If you leave the scene of the crash before you talk to the police, you run the risk of being charged with a criminal violation. 

Seek Medical Treatment

If you sustain any injuries in your rear-end accident, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Even if you don’t notice any obvious injuries, you should still seek a medical evaluation to verify that you aren’t hurt.

Rear-end collisions can result in injuries to your neck and spinal cord that may present themselves after some time has passed.

Collect Relevant Evidence

The strength of your rear-end accident case will depend on the quality of evidence available to prove the opposing party’s fault.

Some of this evidence will be available at the scene of the crash in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

Evidence you should collect at the scene, if it is available, includes: 

• Insurance information of any involved parties;
• Information about the scene of the accident, such as whether there are any surveillance cameras nearby that may have recorded the collision, 
• Photographs of the accident scene; and
• Statements and contact information from anyone who witnessed the rear-end collision.

It’s also a good idea to jot down what you remember about the moments before, during, and right after the crash.

Those notes can help you refresh your memory later on when your attorney is building your case. 

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rear-End Accident? 

The settlement process for a rear-end accident varies from case to case. Because each case is unique, there is no average time for reaching a rear-end accident settlement.

The opposing party’s insurance company may send you a lowball offer right off the bat to tempt you to settle your case for less than it’s worth.

A Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can negotiate with the opposing party’s insurance representatives on your behalf and fight for you to receive all of the compensation you deserve.  

Call (215) 999-2244 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Accidents

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Accidents?

Rear-end accidents can result in various injuries, with some of the most common including:

• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during impact, often leading to pain and stiffness.
• Back Injuries: This includes herniated discs and muscle strains that can result from the impact.
• Head Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries may occur if the head strikes the steering wheel or another object during the collision.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.
• Facial Injuries: These can occur from hitting the steering wheel or airbag, resulting in cuts, bruises, or fractures.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rear-End Accident in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s crucial to initiate the claim within this timeframe, as failing to do so can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver is uninsured, you have several options for recovering damages:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have this coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim through your insurer for your injuries and damages.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage can help cover medical expenses regardless of fault, provided you have it in your policy.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the uninsured driver has assets, you may still pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them, but collecting damages can be challenging if they lack the means to pay.

Can I Pursue a Claim for Emotional Distress After a Rear-End Accident?

Yes, you can pursue a claim for emotional distress following a rear-end accident. Emotional distress claims may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects resulting from the accident.

To succeed in such claims, you may need to provide evidence, such as medical records, therapy notes, and testimony from mental health professionals detailing the impact of the accident on your emotional well-being.

No One Will Work Harder For You If You`ve Been Injured, You Need To

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(215) 999-2244

Contact a Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Attorney at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers for a 100% Free Consultation Today

Contact a rear-end accident attorney today. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we have over 75 years of combined experience protecting the rights of injured people.

We are committed to helping victims who suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to fight aggressively for our clients.

Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.

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