A Maryland Rear-End Collision Lawyer Discusses Charges
Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of car accidents that can result in serious injuries. Because they usually involve one vehicle that is stopped while the other vehicle is moving, tremendous forces are exerted upon the occupants of the stopped car. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you need a Maryland rear-end collision lawyer who knows how to get fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Accidents
The driver and passengers in the car that is rear-ended can suffer injuries that range from mild to severe. Some of the most common injuries that occur include the following:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Spinal injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments and tendons
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that people suffer in rear-end accidents. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth whip-like movement of the head as a result of the forces exerted in a rear-end accident. While whiplash injuries are not typically permanent or life-threatening, they can result in strained neck muscles, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries.
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills and other losses. We recommend that you discuss your case with a Maryland rear-end collision lawyer to understand your options.
Your Injuries May Not Be Immediately Apparent
Seatbelts and airbags do a fantastic job of protecting us in the event of a rear-end accident. As a result, the injuries you suffer may not be obvious. You may feel fine immediately after the accident and decline treatment at the scene. However, your injuries may manifest themselves in the days that follow. You should seek immediate medical treatment if you begin to experience any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle soreness or stiffness, particularly in your shoulders, neck, or upper back
- Loss of range of motion in your extremities
- Loss of sensation or tingling in your extremities
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Tenderness or bloating in your abdomen
Listen to your body and get a thorough medical exam if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are diagnosed with an injury, you should consider contacting a Maryland rear-end collision lawyer to discuss whether you may be entitled to compensation.
The Connection Between Rear-End Accidents and Negligence
In any car accident case, you need to be able to prove that the other driver was negligent to receive compensation for your injuries and other losses. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, the good news is that it is almost always the other driver’s fault. Most rear-end collisions are the result of negligent driving, such as in the following examples:
- Driving and texting
- Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Speeding
- Failing to pay attention
- Driving while intoxicated
While the other driver’s negligence often causes rear-end accidents, you will still need to prove your case. A Maryland rear-end collision lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need in order to get the compensation you deserve.
Rear-End Accidents and Contributory Negligence
Maryland is one of only five states that follows the pure contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, you can be barred from receiving any compensation in a car accident if your own negligence contributed to causing the accident. As a result, the other driver may try to blame you for the accident by claiming one or more of the following:
- You stopped suddenly and for no reason
- You were driving far below the speed limit and far slower than the flow of traffic
- You suddenly changed lanes without signaling or looking
- Your tail lights or brake lights were not working properly
However, the other driver must be able to prove both (1) that you were negligent in some way and (2) that your negligence contributed to the accident. If the other driver is claiming that you were responsible for the accident in any way, we recommend that you contact a rear-end collision lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect yourself.
Injured in a Rear End Accident? Speak with a Maryland Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today
At Timothy A. Dachille & Associates, we have been helping car accident victims in the Baltimore area get fair compensation for their injuries for over 20 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Maryland rear-end collision lawyer from our office.