Rear-End Accident Attorney
Rear-end collisions are not always minor “fender benders.” This type of crash can cause serious or catastrophic injuries. If you have been hurt in a rear-end accident that was someone else’s fault, contact Malloy Law Offices, LLC today. Our rear-end accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for injured people.
How Do Rear-End Collisions Occur?
Most rear-end accidents are the result of some type of driver error. Common causes include:
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more distance is required to stop, and the greater the impact upon collision. Speeding can lead to rear-end collisions that cause serious injuries.
- Following too closely: Drivers who tailgate put themselves and others at risk. Following too closely does not leave enough distance to avoid a collision in case the traffic ahead stops or slows down suddenly.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on a cell phone, operating a navigation system, fiddling with the stereo, conversing with passengers, or otherwise distracted may not notice that the traffic ahead has stopped or slowed down in time to avoid a collision.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: DUI drivers with impaired driving are more likely to cause all types of motor vehicle accidents, including rear-end crashes.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries, even low-impact crashes at slower speeds. Injuries commonly sustained in rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Back and spine injuries
- Shoulder and knee injuries
Who Is Liable?
Generally, when a moving vehicle hits a stopped vehicle from behind, the driver of the moving vehicle is presumed to be negligent and liable for resulting injuries. However, there are some exceptions. Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule by which the at-fault driver can defend against a negligence claim by proving that the driver who was hit was to some degree at fault for the accident. Situations in which the driver who was rear-ended can be shown to be contributorily negligent include:
- Backing up into the front of another vehicle
- Intentionally slamming on the brakes in a fit of road rage
- Abruptly changing lanes and cutting off another driver
- Failure to use flashers or give other notice when a vehicle is disabled
Compensation for Rear-end Accidents
Normally, when you file a claim for being injured, you may be compensated for medical expenses, treatments, property damage, and sometimes, depending on your case, lost wages. These accidents are common and often affect one’s life radically. That is why we recommend contacting an expert personal injury attorney, especially before accepting a settlement with the insurance company. This is because they often devalue one’s case and do not offer fair compensation. An expert attorney will negotiate on your behalf while you recover.
Connect with A Rear-end Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured when another driver rear-ended your vehicle, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced rear-end accident attorney as soon as possible. Call Malloy Law Offices, LLC right away for the sound legal counsel and strong representation you need after a rear-end accident.
Why Hire a Lawyer from Malloy Law Offices?
We treat each case with the specialized attention it deserves, providing assistance and support to clients at every stage of the legal process. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. Our attorneys have over 15 years of experience handling car accident cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.