REAR-END COLLISION LAWYER IN BELLEVUE HELPING CLIENTS SECURE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR THEIR DAMAGES IN WASHINGTON
Rear-end collisions are one of the country’s most common types of traffic accidents, accounting for as much as 30% of all crashes annually. If you have sustained injuries or had your vehicle damaged after a rear-end collision, it is essential to know what to do to protect your rights. See how rear-end collision claims work in Washington and why working with an attorney may be in your best interest.
HOW DO REAR-END COLLISIONS HAPPEN?
Rear-end collisions can happen for various reasons, but the most common factors that may cause a rear-end collision are distracted driving and tailgating (or following too closely). If a driver is distracted and takes their eyes off the road to check their phone, turn on the radio or talk to someone in the back seat, that driver may not notice the vehicle in front of them has suddenly slowed down or stopped and may not be able to react in time.
Likewise, aggressive drivers who fail to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle they are following can often cause rear-end accidents. Depending on the vehicle’s speed, the following driver must maintain an adequate stopping distance. Following too closely makes it almost impossible to stop without colliding with the car ahead. Besides tailgating and distracted driving, other factors, such as driving while intoxicated or tired, can also cause a rear-end collision.
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES CAN YOU SUSTAIN FROM A REAR-END COLLISION?
Suffering any impact from behind can take a toll on your body and leave you with various injuries. The most common injury type observed after a rear-end collision is whiplash, a painful condition that causes neck discomfort and stiffness. When it is severe, it can lead to pain, weakness, numbness in the arms and shoulders, and even paralysis.
The same violent and sudden forward movement can cause back issues such as herniated or ruptured discs, which can be very painful and require surgery in some cases. Spinal injuries are also a possibility because the impact can damage nerves and cause pain, numbness, and even paralysis. In addition, other serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, leg and knee injuries, and crushed limbs can happen, in some cases.
IS THE DRIVER WHO REAR-ENDS ANOTHER VEHICLE ALWAYS AT FAULT?
While there is no specific traffic law in Washington that determines the driver who rear-ends another vehicle as being at fault for the accident, many rear-end collisions are determined to have been caused mainly by the driver that collided with the other vehicle. In addition, Washington drivers must keep a safe following distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Since most rear-end collisions are caused by distraction or following too closely, it is likely that the following driver may bear complete or the largest share of responsibility for the accident.
However, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is not always at fault. In some cases, the driver they collided with may have also contributed to the accident. Brake-checking, driving with a broken brake light or a known hazard such as a blown tire, or suddenly reversing without checking the surrounding area for other vehicles may all be factors that make the other driver partially or completely at fault for the accident. In any case, working with an experienced rear-end collision lawyer who can protect your interests is extremely important.
HOW CAN A REAR-END COLLISION LAWYER HELP?
Rear-end collision victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses, but the process of receiving an insurance settlement check is not always as straightforward as it should be. An attorney can not only give you the right legal advice but can also represent you and handle all the tasks necessary for your case so that you can focus on healing. If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in Bellevue, WA, and surrounding areas, reach out to Cascade Injury Law, PLLC, at 425-654-8121 to see how we can help.
