Pittsburgh
Rear-End Collision Lawyer

A rear-end collision can cause significant injuries, but our team can help you hold the negligent party responsible for your losses.

Our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers can talk to you, investigate your case, negotiate directly with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf.

At Berger and Green, we work hard to deliver caring, responsive legal services to our clients. Our Pittsburgh rear-end collisions lawyers handle your legal matters while you focus on getting better. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the legal process, reach out to our team today.

If we take your case, your attorney can advise you on your financial recovery options as they become available. You can call us today for a no–cost, no–obligation consultation.

Why Rear-End Collisions Happen in Pittsburgh

Rear-end accidents often seem straightforward, but the causes can be more complex than they appear. Many of these crashes are the result of preventable driver behavior, and understanding what led to your accident is essential when building a claim.

Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:

Distracted Driving

Texting, checking GPS directions, or even adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road for just a few seconds — long enough to miss a slowing or stopped vehicle ahead. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of rear-end crashes nationwide.

Tailgating

Following too closely reduces the time a driver has to react if traffic suddenly slows down. On Pittsburgh’s busy highways, like I-376 or Route 28, tailgating is especially dangerous in congested conditions.

Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions

Drivers who are speeding or not adjusting their speed for rain, snow, or icy roads may not be able to stop in time. Rear-end collisions are particularly common during Pittsburgh’s winter months, when slick streets reduce traction and braking efficiency.

Sudden Braking

Sometimes the front driver may contribute to a crash by slamming on the brakes without warning. This can occur due to inattention, aggressive driving, or unexpected obstacles on the road.

Malfunctioning Brake Lights

If a driver’s brake lights are out or dim, other vehicles behind them may not realize they are stopping — especially in low-light conditions. Poor visibility contributes to many rear-end crashes, particularly at night or during Pittsburgh’s frequent rainstorms.

Road Conditions and Traffic Patterns

Stop-and-go traffic on local roads, construction zones, and sudden lane shifts (such as near tunnels or bridges) can also lead to rear-end crashes. These issues are common in downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland, and around the Liberty and Fort Pitt Bridges.

No matter the cause of your rear-end crash in Pittsburgh, our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers are here to help fight for full and fair compensation.

The Frequency of Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of vehicle accidents — both in Pennsylvania and across the country. According to the National Safety Council, nearly 41% of all motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2023 were rear-end accidents. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) shows that state-wide data mirrors this trend. In 2024 alone, there were over 20,800 rear-end crashes across the state, accounting for nearly 19% of accidents. A significant number of these occurred in urban areas, including Pittsburgh, where high-traffic corridors and frequent stop-and-go driving increase the likelihood of collisions.

Pittsburgh’s Crash Data Dashboard also recorded 693 rear-end accidents in 2024, reflecting how common these incidents can be for local drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Even a seemingly minor rear-end crash can lead to serious injuries and significant disruption to your life. If you were involved in one of these accidents, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.

Liability in a Rear-End Collision

Many people assume that the driver in the back is always at fault in a rear-end collision, but that’s not always the case. While the following driver is often responsible, liability can sometimes be more complex.

Here are some scenarios where different parties may share or bear responsibility:

• The following driver: Tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving are common causes of rear-end collisions. If the driver behind you failed to leave enough space or wasn’t paying attention, they may be held liable for the crash.
• The lead driver: In some situations, the driver in front may contribute to the accident. For example, if they suddenly brake without cause, drive erratically, back up into the car behind them, or fail to maintain their vehicle properly (such as having non-functioning brake lights or experiencing a mechanical breakdown).
• Other contributing factors: In certain cases, conditions outside either driver’s control — such as sudden hazards, poor visibility, or improperly maintained vehicles — can complicate the question of liability. These situations often require a closer investigation to determine who is ultimately at fault.

You don’t have to figure out liability on your own. A Pittsburgh rear-end collision lawyer at Berger and Green can review the facts of your case, identify responsible parties, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case review.

How We Prove Who Is Liable in a Rear-End Collision

We cannot pursue compensation from the other driver in a rear-end collision without sufficient evidence.

Your Pittsburgh rear-end collisions attorney will have to prove these elements to hold another party liable for your losses:

• Duty of care. We must establish that the other party owed you a duty of care. Everyone who operates a motor vehicle on a public street has the responsibility to exercise reasonable caution.
• Breach of duty. It is considered negligent when a person’s conduct does not measure up to the legal standard. Let’s say that the driver behind you was texting while driving. Distracted driving is an example of negligent behavior behind the wheel.
• Causation. Your lawyer must prove that careless conduct caused the accident in which you got hurt. For example, if the driver in back struck your car because they were texting, your lawyer must establish that the texting was the direct cause of the accident.
• Damages. You must have losses to succeed in a rear-end collision injury case. Physical harm satisfies this element. If the accident did not result in any financial losses, you are unlikely to qualify for compensation.

Once we prove these four factors, we can go after monetary damages on your behalf.

Injuries You May Suffer in a Rear-End Collision in Pittsburgh, PA

Rear-end collisions are often dismissed as “minor accidents,” especially when vehicle damage appears minimal. But even low-speed crashes can exert significant force on the body — particularly when you’re seated upright and unaware of an impending impact.

These crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may not appear immediately after the accident.

Common injuries from rear–end crashes include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: One of the most frequently reported injuries in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This motion can strain or tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and upper back, often leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Back and spinal injuries: Rear-end crashes can compress the spine, leading to herniated discs, nerve impingement, or lower back strain. In more serious cases, victims may suffer from spinal cord damage or long-term back instability.
• Head injuries and concussions: The sudden jolt from a rear-end impact can cause a driver or passenger’s head to strike the steering wheel, window, or headrest. This can result in a mild concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI), even without visible wounds.
• Facial injuries and broken bones: Airbag deployment, broken glass, or impact with hard surfaces can cause facial lacerations, bruising, or fractures. Hands, wrists, or ribs may also be broken when bracing against the impact.
• Psychological trauma: In some cases, rear-end collisions leave victims with emotional or psychological injuries, such as anxiety, panic attacks, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress — especially when the crash was severe or unexpected.

Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or back strain, may not become fully noticeable until hours or even days after the accident.

That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention right away and follow up if symptoms worsen. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also helps document the extent of your injuries for your legal case.

Damages You Can Pursue After a Pittsburgh Rear-End Collision

Because every case is unique, we cannot say how much compensation you are eligible for. We will need to talk to you and investigate your situation first before we can calculate the amount of your collision-related expenses.

Here are some examples of damages we have won for our clients:

• Lost wages, which compensate claimants for their missed time from work
• Diminished earning capacity, if you can no longer make as much money as you did before the accident because of your injuries
• Medical expenses, for the reasonable cost of the treatment you needed for your injuries
• Long-term care, if your injuries leave you in need of daily assistance with medical treatments and personal care
• Future medical treatments, if your doctor anticipates that you will need additional procedures to treat your injuries
• Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and psychological stress you experienced because of the accident
• Other non-economic damages, like disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life

Depending on the facts of your case, you might be able to seek compensation for additional damages from the negligent party.

Why It’s Not Always Easy to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Rear-end collisions may seem straightforward when it comes to fault — but that doesn’t mean recovering compensation is easy. Insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims, especially in accidents labeled as “low impact” or “minor.” These cases can become more complicated than expected, particularly when you’re handling them alone.

At Berger and Green, we understand these tactics and know how to respond. We’ve helped thousands of injured clients overcome obstacles just like these — and we can do the same for you. Here are some of the common challenges rear-end accident victims face:

Insurers Downplay Injuries

Insurance companies often argue that soft tissue injuries like whiplash aren’t serious, or that they result from other causes. They may claim that if your car wasn’t severely damaged, your injuries must be minor — even though medical evidence may show otherwise.

Our attorneys know how to work with medical professionals and present evidence that clearly connects your injuries to the crash.

Disputes Over Fault

While the rear driver is typically presumed to be at fault, that assumption isn’t guaranteed. If the other driver claims you braked suddenly or failed to signal, your case may be contested.

Berger and Green can investigate the accident, gather evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements, and build a strong case to establish liability.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurers may try to use your medical history against you, suggesting that your pain or limitations existed before the crash. Even if the accident clearly worsened a prior injury, this tactic is often used to reduce the value of your claim.

Early Low Settlement Offers

It’s common for insurance companies to offer quick settlements that fall short of covering all your losses. These offers often exclude future medical costs or long-term complications.

Berger and Green will assess the true value of your case and handle all negotiations, so you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

Delays and Denials

Some insurance carriers intentionally delay claim processing or demand excessive documentation to wear claimants down. Others may deny coverage outright or misapply policy language to avoid paying a fair settlement.

When you work with Berger and Green, we handle all communication with the insurer and push for timely, meaningful results — allowing you to focus on recovery.

Don’t Wait Too Long to File Your Rear-End Collision Claim

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, it’s important to act quickly. Pennsylvania law has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Under Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you could lose the chance to recover any compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, or other losses.

While most rear-end accident claims are settled outside of court, filing a lawsuit may become necessary — especially if the insurance company delays, denies, or undervalues your claim. Preserving your right to file ensures that you maintain leverage during negotiations.

At Berger and Green, we track all legal deadlines and filing requirements on your behalf. From day one, our team will make sure your case is on the right track and filed within Pennsylvania’s legal time limits. The sooner you reach out, the more time we’ll have to build a strong claim and preserve key evidence.

Get Help From Our Pittsburgh Rear-End Collision Lawyers Now

Our mission at Berger and Green is to help people who get hurt due to the carelessness of others. If you got injured in a rear-end collision in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a lawyer at Berger and Green can help.

You will not have to pay any upfront legal fees to get our help because we handle car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means that we get paid out of the settlement or court award at the end of the matter.

The initial consultation is at no charge, and there is no obligation. You can call us today to get started. We look forward to discussing how our Pittsburgh rear-end collision attorneys can help you.