What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania Rear-End Collisions

Many people are quick to assume that rear-end collisions are minor, but even a seemingly minor car accident could cause long-term, devastating injuries.

There are many things you need to know about Pennsylvania rear-end collisions. As you prepare to seek compensation for your rear-end collision, you should know how to determine who is at fault, and therefore liable, for the accident and what damages you could recover. When you’ve been rear-ended, you can partner with a lawyer to evaluate liability and secure the financial recovery you deserve.

Rear-End Collisions Can Cause Serious Injuries

Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, which strains the bones, muscles, and tissues in the neck. BMC Public Health notes that, in some cases, whiplash can take years to recover from.

Other rear-end collision-related injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments
• Sprains and strains
• Internal bleeding
• Nerve and organ damage

These accidents can also cause psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who Is Liable for Rear-End Collisions in Pennsylvania?

Many times, the rear driver is responsible for rear-end collisions. However, that’s not always the case. For instance, if a driver brakes too suddenly, this could cause another vehicle to strike them.

Pennsylvania is a modified no-fault state. So, following a crash, you file a claim with your own insurance provider for medical benefits and possibly income loss. If your damages exceed your policy limits or if you have losses other than out-of-pocket expenses, you seek coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.

Most Rear-End Collisions Result from Driver Error – But Not Always

Per the U.S. General Services Administration, 98 percent of all collisions stem from driver error. Rear-end accidents are no exception. But what about the remaining two percent?

Some rear-end collisions result from:

• Defective vehicles. If a car doesn’t have adequate brakes, it will not come to a complete stop. In this situation, you could hold the car’s manufacturer accountable for your losses through a product liability claim.
• Roadway issues. Issues such as defective traffic signals can cause accidents to occur. Here, you could pursue damages from a government municipality.

You Can Recover Damages After a Crash

Compensable losses depend on your situation. Your insurance policy will likely account for your property damage costs and healthcare expenses. However, other recoverable damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income, tips, and bonuses
• Loss of earning capacity
• Disability
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial costs

The value of your recoverable damages depends on your situation. If you partner with an attorney, they will use your medical bills, employment records, and personal testimony to determine what you’re owed.

You Have the Right to Partner with a Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a rear-end collision can be chaotic. There could be issues regarding fault, causation, and liability. The insurance company might even withhold the settlement you deserve.

You do not have to manage an injury claim alone. In fact, many lawyers will tell you not to. You have the right to partner with an attorney who can calculate your losses, negotiate for what you need, and manage the legal process.

Here is what you need to know about teaming up with a lawyer. They will:

Manage Your Case on a Contingency-Fee Basis

A rear-end collision can cause thousands of dollars in damages. You shouldn’t have to choose between buying basic necessities or affording legal aid. Our car accident lawyers work on contingency, so you don’t pay anything out-of-pocket for legal help.

Investigate Your Collision and Gather Evidence

Your lawyer needs evidence to support your case. We may work closely with car accident reconstructionists to determine what factors caused your accident. Then, we can identify the liable party and pursue what you deserve.

Seek Compensation for Each of Your Losses

As noted, your car accident lawyer will carefully examine your damages to calculate the value of your various losses. Once we know what your claim is worth, we can file a claim with the liable insurer.

If that doesn’t work out, we can file a lawsuit. You can trust our team to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, outlined by Pa. C.S.A. § 5524.

Protect You from Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Our lawyers have seen their fair share of uncooperative insurance companies. Sometimes, these entities will deny claims for no reason or offer claimants less than they’re owed.

They might also:

• Drag out the claims process
• Keep asking you for irrelevant information
• Pass your claim around from adjuster to adjuster
• Accuse you of causing the collision
• Question your claim’s validity

You have protections under Pennsylvania state law. Furthermore, your lawyer will protect you from any complications that impede your case’s success.

Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania Today

We have helped countless rear-end collision victims recover full and fair compensation for their damages. If you suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer at Berger and Green can manage your case.

Our firm is proud to offer free, no-obligation consultations to car accident victims across Pennsylvania. Take advantage of this opportunity when you call our office at (412) 661-1400. We can start advocating for you today.