Some rear-end car accidents aren’t just fender benders. They can affect a victim for life. After the rear bumper of a car is pushed into its trunk by a careless and negligent driver, a victim can be left with permanent and debilitating injuries along with thousands and thousands of dollars worth of medical bills and a drastically diminished income. That’s when consulting with and retaining a seasoned and effective auto accident lawyer is imperative. He or she can review your case and advise you of the types of damages that you’re eligible to pursue along with the full range of your legal options.
The Percentage of Rear-End Accidents in Connecticut
According to the National Highway Transportation Administration, about 29% of all traffic accidents in the state were caused by drivers who were following too closely. This number is second only to accidents caused by drivers who were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It’s against the law in any state for a driver to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of such vehicles, the traffic upon the roadway, and weather conditions.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
The injuries suffered in a rear-end accident are going to vary from person to person. These might include some of the following:
- Serious neck injuries that last for more than one year.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Shoulder, arm, elbow and wrist fractures and dislocations
- Facial and dental fractures and injuries.
- Knee cartilage tears.
Compensation for Your Damages
After being seriously injured in an auto accident, there is a wide range of damages that you can pursue. Having a seasoned attorney can ensure that all types of damages that you suffered are raised in your claim or lawsuit. Those can include but not be limited to any of the following:
- Past and future medical bills.
- Lost earnings or diminished earning power.
- Any permanent disfigurement.
- Any permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
What To Do After a Rear-End Crash
After a rear-end collision, there are certain steps that you have to take to preserve and protect your rights. Police must be called and the investigating officer must complete and file an accident report. Without a police investigation and report, it’s highly unlikely that any opposing insurance company will take any claim that you might take seriously. Then, either by ambulance or under your own power, get to an urgent care center or emergency room right away. Your injuries will be documented, treated, and cared for at such a facility. Don’t delay with medical help. You’ll likely make treatment more difficult and give the opposing insurer reason to say that you’re not really hurt to the extent that you claim.
Don’t Give a Statement to the Opposing Insurance Company
An adjuster from the opposing insurance company might contact you and want a recorded statement from you. Politely refuse to give any type of statement. The law doesn’t require you to give a statement, and that adjuster will only try to use the contents of your statement against you in the future. That adjuster knows exactly what happened. He or she already has a statement from their insured person along with the police report.
Your next stop should be to consult with and retain a respected and effective car accident attorney to represent you. Don’t try to go it alone. The opposing insurer will treat you with disdain, and you’ll likely devalue your own claim. As nearly all car accident lawyers represent clients on a contingency fee basis, no cash retainer is required. Maximize what you deserve through a quality car crash lawyer.