Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident. When the damage to the involved cars appears minor, many people call these types of accidents ““fender benders,”. Even low impact crashes can cause serious injuries, top the neck, back and brain. From constant pain, medical appointments and missed time at work, the injuries resulting from a tailgating wreck can significantly disrupt your life. If a careless driver caused your accident, you should not have to face the financial consequences alone. Our Allentown rear-end collision lawyers can work with you to obtain payment for your injuries.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have a record of wins in settlement negotiations and civil trials. Our law firm has obtained some outstanding recoveries in these types of rear crash cases. Here are some examples:
- A recent $400,000 verdict for a client injured in a rear end crash with minor damage to the back of her car. She suffered spine injuries, did not require surgery and the insurance company did not offer her a penny before trial. We obtained and recovered $400,000 for this client. Even though the applicable State Farm insurance policy was only $100,000, the entire $400,000 verdict was paid by State Farm within weeks of it being awarded.
- A $10 million dollar settlement for a client that was seriously injured in a rear end highway crash that occurred after he ran out of gas on a Pennsylvania interstate.
- A $50,000 settlement for a client that injured his back (no surgery required). All available insurance proceeds were recovered for this client within 9 months of this crash. The lawyer he hired before calling Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers rejected his limited tort case.
Our skilled car wreck lawyers, led by founding attorney Jon Ostroff, have helped tens of thousands of accident victims seek justice. Allow us to help you with your claim today.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Allentown
There are many situations that could lead to a rear-end crash, but some are more common than others. Our lawyers often see back-end accidents resulting from negligent acts such as:
- Distracted driving
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving too fast for the weather conditions
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
Defective brakes could also cause a severe accident. If you were in a rear-end collision in or near Allentown, our experienced Lehigh valley lawyers will be able to help you hold the other party accountable for the harm they caused to you and your family.
Liability in Back-End Collision Cases
The person who strikes the rear of another vehicle is generally deemed to be at fault unless the driver in front does something dangerous to precipitate being struck. For example, if a motorist suddenly stops on a highway for no reason, without turning on their hazard lights, they might be at fault.
Additionally, if a driver places their car in a dangerous position or backs up unexpectedly, they may be negligent. Otherwise, the car in the back is always responsible for the accident.
What is the Role of Contributory Negligence in a Tailgating Accident Case?
If someone slams on their brakes intentionally because they do not like what a driver is doing behind them, they might be found to have contributed to that crash. They also may be found to be the main cause of the accident. In cases such as these, the court may reduce the verdict by their percentage of contribution. Our Allentown lawyers are well-versed in rear-end accident cases and can help you overcome accusations of contributory negligence.
Role of an Attorney in a Rear-End Collision Claim
Working with the right attorney will be a very important step to protect your claim for damages after a tailgating crash. First, our legal team will gather any available evidence, including witness statements and relevant measurements from the scene of the accident. The more time that passes a crash, the harder it will be to recover evidence.
One example might involve an exterior camera at a store that captured a crash. Presenting footage of a severe accident could significantly raise the value of a case. However, these security cameras often erase footage automatically within seven or 30 days. Hiring a lawyer in Lehigh Valley soon after your accident allows us to collect evidence sooner and increase the value of your claim.
A seasoned attorney will also prevent you from giving unnecessary or damaging statements to the other party’s insurance company. The more you say to an insurance company without a lawyer present, the more potential harm you could be causing to your case.
Get Legal Help from an Allentown Rear-End Collision Attorney
Our attorneys do everything in their power to help accident victims get the payment they deserve for their injuries. We can help you secure evidence, find witnesses, communicate with insurance companies, and file all legal documents. We will take care of you while you take care of your injuries. Call an Allentown rear-end collision lawyer today to set up a free consultation and get started with your case.
