Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, but their impact can be anything but minor. From painful injuries to mounting medical bills and lost wages, the aftermath can leave victims overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help.
With decades of experience representing car accident victims in Sacramento, our team knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. We can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes, and they often occur because of another driver’s negligence. A few of the most common factors that lead to rear-end crashes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, inputting an address into a GPS, changing a music playlist, or simply not paying attention to the road can fail to stop in time, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves drivers with insufficient time to react to sudden changes in traffic, such as a car ahead of them slowing down or stopping.
- Sudden Stops or Traffic Congestion: Abrupt stops in heavy traffic can catch inattentive or speeding drivers off guard, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads can reduce visibility and make stopping distances longer. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and maintain a safe following distance in poor weather conditions may be deemed negligent.
Negligence plays a central role in most rear-end collisions. Drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and adjusting their behavior to suit road conditions. Bad weather or traffic congestion doesn’t absolve drivers from liability in car accident claims. When drivers fail to drive responsibly, they can be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can cause several different types of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on victims’ health and quality of life. Even at low speeds, the sudden force of impact can cause significant injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions:
- Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries: Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are violently jerked forward and backward, stretching the muscles and ligaments. This injury is especially common in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: The force of a collision can place serious strain on the back and spine, leading to herniated discs, sprains, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries often require extensive treatment, including physical therapy or surgery, that crash victims often can’t afford without help.
- Head Injuries, Including Concussions: The sudden jolt of a collision can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or headrest, resulting in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. Even mild head injuries can have lasting cognitive or neurological effects.
- Soft Tissue Injuries and Fractures: Rear-end collisions can cause torn ligaments, bruises, or broken bones, particularly in the arms, wrists, or ribs. These injuries can limit mobility and require lengthy recovery periods that can impact crash victims’ ability to work.
California Laws on Rear-End Collisions
Understanding California laws surrounding rear-end collisions is essential for determining fault and whether compensation is owed. Here’s an overview of key regulations and how they impact rear-end collision cases:
Presumption of Fault for Rear Drivers and Exceptions
Under California Vehicle Code 21703, drivers must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, taking into account the speed of traffic, road conditions, and other factors. Rear drivers are typically presumed to be at fault in rear-end collisions because they have the responsibility to maintain a safe following distance. However, there are exceptions, such as if the lead driver makes an unexpected or unsafe stop or if their brake lights are not functioning.
Legal Obligations for Drivers Involved in Accidents
If you’re involved in a vehicle collision in Sacramento or other parts of California, the law requires you to stop immediately. Pull over to the side of the road if safe and possible to do so, but go no further. Continuing on without stopping after being involved in a crash with another vehicle can result in severe penalties, including hit-and-run charges. Drivers must:
- Provide their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, and current address to the other party or law enforcement.
- Move their vehicle off the roadway if no one is injured or killed, ensuring it does not obstruct traffic.
- Report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failing to meet these legal obligations can result in citations, fines, and further legal complications.
Comparative Negligence Laws in California and Their Impact on Compensation
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared between drivers in a collision. If both drivers are found to have contributed to the accident, their compensation will be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for a rear-end collision and your damages total $10,000, you can only recover 80% of that amount, or $8,000.
Proving Liability in Rear-End Collisions
Establishing liability in rear-end collisions is crucial for securing compensation. To build a strong case, key evidence often includes:
- Accident Scene Photos: Pictures of the crash site, vehicle damage, and road conditions can provide clear visual proof of what happened.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the collision can help corroborate your account of the events.
- Police Reports and Traffic Camera Footage: Official reports and footage from nearby cameras can help confirm fault and document critical details.
- Expert Testimony: Vehicle damage experts and accident reconstruction specialists can analyze crash dynamics to strengthen your case.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of rear-end collisions, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building a compelling argument to prove liability. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Rear-end collisions can leave victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life. That compensation might include:
- Medical Bills and Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation can cover expenses for emergency care, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and other necessary medical services.
- Lost Income and Reduced Earning Potential: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished future earnings.
- Vehicle Repair or Replacement Costs: Damages to your vehicle caused by the collision can be covered, ensuring you’re not left with out-of-pocket expenses.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Injuries from rear-end collisions can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma, which may also warrant compensation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to damages for this loss.
Why Choose Berg Injury Lawyers
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve been representing injured Sacramentans since 1981. Our goal is to help clients achieve the best outcome for their case and to make their lives as easy as possible throughout the duration of their claim.
Our firm has built a reputation for the hard work we do on behalf of our clients. Insurance adjusters know that our lawyers are always ready to take your case to court. This preparation allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, helping you get the maximum settlement for your injuries.
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact Our Sacramento Rear-End Collision Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you don’t have to face the challenges of recovery and pursuing compensation alone. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Contact our Sacramento rear-end collision lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
