If you were involved in a rear-end accident the likelihood that you sustained whiplash injuries is relatively high. These types of injuries generally require medical attention and rehabilitation, you may even be out of work for a substantial amount of time. All of this costs money and an experienced car accident attorney can help maximize your claims.
It is estimated that over 556,000 rear-end accidents every year. Thirty percent of the car accidents that occur each year are rear-ended accidents. The average person is involved in four car accidents in their lifetime. That is why you will likely be involved in at least one rear-end accident in your life, which means you have a very high probability of getting whiplash and having medical expenses that were caused by the negligence of someone else. An experienced car accident attorney can help you in determining if you have a claim.
What Can Cause a Rear-End Accident?
- Tailgating – All states have laws that require that people keep a reasonable difference while they are following another car. The general rule is to be at least three seconds behind the car in front of you. If the weather is bad, then you will need even more stopping time.
- Distracted Driving – Many accidents occur because people try to do multiple things while they are driving. Using a cell phone, putting on makeup, talking to passengers and listening to loud music are some of the things that can distract you while you are driving.
- DUI – Driving under the influence can greatly impact a person’s driving ability. Intoxicated drivers cannot accurately judge speed or distance. They are also prone to falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Sudden Stop – If the driver in front of the person comes to a sudden stop, then a rear-end accident can easily occur. However, all of the blame cannot be placed on the driver who was in the front. There are many reasons that drivers make an abrupt stop. They usually stop to avoid hitting something or someone.
- Symptoms of Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most common rear-end accident injuries. Increased pain with neck movement, neck symptoms, dizziness, and fatigue are some of the symptoms of whiplash. Most people are able to recover from whiplash in a few months. However, some people continue to have whiplash symptoms for several years.
What Evidence do You Need to Support Your Claim?
- Evidence at the Scene – It is important to collect evidence before you leave the accident scene. You will need to get a police report. If witnesses were at the scene, then you will need to get statements from them. Additionally, you should take photographs of the accident scene.
- Medical Records – The cost of your medical bills will determine how much compensation you have to get. Make sure that you keep track of all of your medical bills. You should also save receipts if you have to buy things like heating pads, topical ointments, and cervical collars.
- Vehicle Damage – Not only will you need to have photos of the damage but you also need to keep copies of the repair receipts.
- Journaling – You should start journaling after the accident. Write down what went on before the accident, what happened during the accident and what happened after the accident. You should also write about how your injuries are affecting your daily life.Your diary can show the insurance company how much your quality of life has been affected by the accident.
Why You Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Car insurance companies are not in business to make your life easy and pay you money. It can be a hassle for you to try to go up against the insurance company by yourself. There is always a chance that you will not get fair compensation. In fact, insurance companies usually under-compensate people. An experienced car accident attorney will fight for you to maximize your settlement. They will understand the tricks and tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny your claim. Whiplash injuries come with substantial medical bills, so these types of injuries make it even more important to retain the legal services of a car accident attorney.
