rear end collision Accident Attorney

No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in Lexington. According to the Kentucky Department of Transportation, there were nearly 120,000 total car accidents that occurred across the state during the latest year of data available. One of the most common types of collisions is rear-end collisions. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that approximately 29 percent of MVAs are rear-end collisions. These crashes are responsible for many deaths and injuries every year. Even at low speeds, these collisions can cause serious injuries due to the violent motion they cause.

If you were injured in a rear-end accident a negligent driver caused, the car accident lawyers in Lexington at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help. Our aggressive personal injury lawyers have successfully recovered more than $300 million for our deserving clients. We pride ourselves on our compassionate representation of injury victims and our one-on-one attention we provide to each of our clients. Give us a call at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online to get started on your claim today.

Why You Should Seek Legal Help After a Rear-End Collision

The days and weeks after an accident leave many personal injury victims feeling uncomfortable and stressed. They may also suffer pain and discomfort, which can create an additional layer of frustration. Connecting with an experienced rear-end accident attorney can help alleviate stress and give you peace of mind that your legal claim is in capable hands.

When you hire our rear-end accident lawyers in Lexington, KY, we commit to taking the following actions:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into your case and considering all potential options for recovery
  • Gathering evidence such as the accident report, eyewitness statements, pictures and videos of the accident scene, and reports from accident reconstruction experts to prove who was at fault for the accident
  • Helping you document all of your losses, including medical bills, employment records, pain and suffering, and property damage
  • Reviewing all relevant insurance policies for coverage details
  • Handling all communications with other parties
  • Negotiating a fair resolution of your claim

Recent Rear-End Accidents Near Lexington, KY

Sadly, Lexington, Kentucky is no stranger to serious rear-end collisions. In one recent wreck, two people were taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and another was airlifted to another facility after a rear-end accident on U.S. 27.

Common Places Where Rear-End Collisions Occur

Rear-end crashes can occur anywhere, but here are some of the more common places where these types of accidents happen:

  • At red lights – When a driver is not paying attention, they may collide with the back of the vehicle in front of them if they didn’t notice the light turned red.
  • At sudden stops – If a driver in the front suddenly stops because they are trying to avoid a collision or road hazard, the rear driver may not stop in time to prevent crashing into the vehicle in front.
  • In parking lots – Drivers who are looking for a spot and not paying attention to other vehicles in parking lots can also cause rear-end collisions.
  • When switching lanes – If a driver switches lanes without allowing enough clearance between them and another vehicle, a rear-end crash can occur.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:

  • Tailgating

Rear-end collisions often occur because of tailgating. The vehicle in the rear is following too closely so that when the vehicle in front stops, there is not enough time to avoid hitting the front vehicle. These types of accidents are nearly always preventable because the driver in the rear should be following from a safe distance that allows them enough time and space to safely stop if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.

  • Aggressive Driving

Rear-end collisions can also occur because of aggressive driving, which might include:

Tailgating

Speeding

Cutting off other drivers

Stopping erratically

  • Speeding

When drivers speed, they increase the time and distance they will need to brake to avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead of them. Speeding also causes more serious injuries because of the extra force of impact.

If a rear driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted, they may not pay attention when a vehicle in front brakes.

  • Impaired Driving

Drivers who are under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, medications, or certain over-the-counter medications may not be able to operate their vehicle safely due to:

Delayed reaction time

Loss of judgment

Lowered inhibitions

Difficulty staying conscious

Difficulty maintaining the same lane

Trouble with fine and gross motor skills

Blurred vision

Increased likelihood of engaging in unsafe driving behaviors

Slower thinkingDifficulty maintaining concentration

  • Fatigued Driving

Drivers who are fatigued mimic many of the symptoms of impaired drivers, including a slower reaction time and impaired judgment.

  • Hazardous Road or Weather Conditions

Weather like heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice can create dangerous driving conditions. This is why it is imperative for drivers to avoid driving during these conditions or to drastically reduce their speed. Roads may also be dangerous due to spills, potholes, debris, or other hazards.

Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

The driver in the rear is usually at fault in a rear-end collision because the rules of the road require all drivers to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. However, there are times when a driver in front may be found at fault for a rear-end collision, such as:

  • They are driving in reverse
  • Their brake lights do not work
  • They are driving aggressively and trying to cause a wreck
  • The vehicle has a mechanical defect like a flat tire and the driver continues to drive it

Common Injuries from a Rear-End Collision Car Accident

Rear-end accidents can result in various injuries, including:

It is important to seek medical treatment after a rear-end car accident so you can receive a proper diagnosis and begin treatment immediately.

Possible Compensation Following a Rear-End Car Accident

As explained above, rear-end car accidents can result in various serious injuries. Our rear end car accident lawyers understand the financial burden that can follow these injuries. We will seek to recover full compensation for your:

  • Medical expenses – We can seek recovery for medical care related to the injuries you suffered, including those expenses you reasonably anticipate incurring in the future.
  • Lost wages – We can also pursue compensation for wages you lost while receiving medical treatment or recovering from your injuries.
  • Reduced earning capacity – Our rear-end accident lawyers will fight to obtain compensation for the reduction in your wages caused by the accident.
  • Pain and suffering – You deserve to be compensated for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced because of the collision.
  • Loss of quality of life – You can also receive compensation for the things you can no longer enjoy because of your injuries, including recreational activities and physical experiences.
  • Loss of consortium – Our seasoned accident lawyers knows that a car crash affects more than just one person. It also affects their family. If your relationship with your spouse or children is negatively affected because of your injuries, we can seek compensation for loss of consortium.
  • Property damage – We can seek compensation for the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.

A rear end accident attorney can explain the compensation that might be available in your case when you give us a call at (877) 809-5352.

What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident in Lexington

If you were involved in a rear-end accident, take these immediate steps to protect your health and legal claim:

  • Check for injuries – Don’t assume that just because the accident happened at low speeds that you are alright. If you realize you or your passenger is injured, request an ambulance when you report the accident.
  • Call 911 – It is the law to report all accidents in Kentucky that result in injury, death, or property damage greater than $500. Contact the police so they can conduct an investigation and make an initial determination of fault. Request the accident report once it is ready.
  • Seek medical treatment – If you did not receive medical treatment at the time of the accident, do so as soon as possible. This crucial step can help you protect your health while also establishing a link between the crash and your injuries.
  • Gather evidence – Gather as much evidence at the scene as possible. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, any debris in the roadway, and your injuries. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver. If anyone saw the accident, write down their names and contact information, too.
  • Talk to an experienced rear-end accident lawyer – Your lawyer can take the case from here. They can handle communication with other parties and make the necessary claims.

Hospitals in Lexington, KY

Here are some of the nearby hospitals in Lexington, KY where you might be able to receive treatment following a rear-end collision:

  • University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital
  • Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  • Saint Joseph Hospital-Lexington

Get Help from Our Rear-End Accident Lawyers in Lexington, KY

If you were injured in a crash in or near Lexington, Kentucky, do not hesitate to reach out to the rear-end accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. We are committed to helping you recover maximum compensation following a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. We are available 24/7 to take your call. Contact us online or give us a call at (877) 809-5352 to learn more about how we can help.