At Ylla | Gosney, our motor vehicle accident attorneys serve those in the Tulsa community who have suffered injuries in a life-altering collision. We understand that you may be at a loss as you deal with the insurance companies and attempt to recover fair financial recovery for your losses. With our help, we will ensure that no damages are left out and that you can move forward after a serious accident. Please contact us today so that we can help you better understand your many legal rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Though a personal injury claim can be filed without a lawyer by anyone who has been hurt in a car accident, having an attorney on your side can be beneficial. Insurance companies tend to bully individuals and offer victims of accidents much less than they deserve in settlement. Because of this, you may need the help of a lawyer if your injury:
- Was caused by the negligence of another person
- Required a hospital stay or follow-up medical visits
- Forced you to miss out on time at work
- Forced you to miss other things that you enjoy in your everyday life
If an accident has financially impacted you in any way, speaking with a lawyer is likely in your best interests following an accident.
What is a Rear-End Accident and How Do They Occur?
Rear-end collisions occur when a driver is traveling in traffic and they suddenly slam into the vehicle in front of them from behind. Though these accidents tend to involve two vehicles at intersections, in congested traffic, or at a red light, they can involve more than two vehicles in a chain-reaction as well. Every year, more than 1.7 million rear-end accidents are estimated to take place in the U.S. and Tulsa is no stranger to them.
Rear-end accidents take place due to many different reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Distractions: The National Transportation Safety Board reported that approximately 87% of rear-end accidents occur due to distracted driving. When a driver is distracted, they might not notice that the driver in front of them is turning or came to a stop until it is too late. Common distractions that lead to these accidents include texting, eating, and interacting with passengers inside the vehicle.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving can take on many forms including tailgating, speeding, cutting a driver off in traffic, or following too closely to intimidate. Any of these activities can quickly lead to a devastating rear-end accident.
- Adverse Weather: When a driver hits the road during adverse weather conditions, they might not realize that the road has turned hazardous. A rear-end accident can occur if a driver is not traveling at a safe speed and they are affected by road conditions.
- Intoxication: When a driver is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their ability to drive safely is impaired. This means that a rear-end accident is imminent in some cases.
- Fatigue: Drivers who get behind the wheel while fatigued might not have the same judgment and attention as those who are feeling refreshed from a good night’s sleep. This can cause a rear-end collision, especially when a driver falls asleep at the wheel.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Accidents
Though some rear-end accidents are minor fender-benders, others are incredibly severe. This is especially true if these accidents happen at high speeds. Serious injuries can result from these collisions, which include the following:
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Fatalities in some of the most severe cases
Because many of these injuries can be ongoing and painful, an individual may be entitled to various damages to get back on their feet after an accident.
Holding a Party Responsible for a Rear-End Accident
Determining fault in a car accident is one of the most important aspects of a personal injury claim. In a majority of rear-end collisions, the driver in the back will be determined to be at fault. This is due to the fact that drivers are supposed to always be watching the roads around them and anticipating the next move of the driver in front of them. However, there are some circumstances where the front driver could be at fault:
- Reversed into the vehicle behind them
- Made a sudden stop to make a turn but then changed their mind
- Stopped suddenly in the middle of the road due to some distraction or other related reason
- Stopped due to a mechanical failure but did not put on hazard lights
- Performed a brake-check on the vehicle behind them due to road rage
With the help of an experienced attorney, you will be able to show evidence that another party is to blame for your rear-end collision. This can help you recover damages you need to get back on your feet.
Damages in a Rear-End Car Accident Claim
If you have suffered injuries and any other type of damage due to a rear-end collision, you may be struggling to get back on your feet financially. Some of the damages that you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim after a rear-end accident include the following:
- Medical expenses you have sustained
- Medical expenses you expect to face in the future due to your injuries
- Lost income and future lost wages due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs caused by your injuries
- Punitive damages
Contact a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
At Ylla | Gosney, our Tulsa car accident lawyers take your rear-end accident claim seriously from the beginning. We will negotiate on your behalf so that you do not have to face the insurance company on your own after an accident. We will help you deal with the stressful aspects of your claim and assist you as you seek financial recovery for your injuries. If you or someone you love has been affected by a Tulsa rear-end collision, please contact us today for more information and a free legal consultation.
