Were you hurt in a rear-end accident in Morgantown? If someone else caused the crash, they could owe you substantial compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Let the Morgantown rear-end collisions lawyer with Robinette Legal Group, PLLC help you demand it.
We have a reputation for getting our clients the money they need to heal and move forward with their lives, and it’s a reputation we’re ready to put to work for you. Get started with your case by calling a Morgantown car accident lawyer from our firm for a free consultation today.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision involves the front of one vehicle striking the back of another vehicle. They commonly happen at stop signs, red lights, and congested traffic. Most occur at low speeds, though they can also occur at highway speeds. And while rear-end crashes typically involve only two cars, they sometimes lead to a chain reaction affecting three or more.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Many rear-end collisions are caused by tailgating or inattentive drivers. Other common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Texting, eating, or engaging in other distracted driving behaviors
- Driving while drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Engaging in aggressive behavior, such as road rage
- Failing to maintain brakes or other critical components
- Brake checking
Common Injuries Caused by Rear End Collisions
When two cars collide, the force of that impact and sudden momentum change is transferred to the vehicles’ occupants. The speed and weight of the vehicles determine the amount of force the rear car places on the vehicle in front of it. The more forceful the crash, the more severe the injuries, which commonly include:
- Back injuries – Lower and upper injuries can be debilitating since the back is involved in almost every movement. Accident victims often require time off work and ongoing medical treatment to regain mobility.
- Neck injuries – Whiplash is an injury commonly associated with rear-end crashes. That’s because the force and angle of impact often cause the head and neck to snap violently back and forth. Pulled tendons, strained ligaments, and other soft tissue injuries in the neck can occur. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Brain and head injuries – Brain and head injuries can occur when a vehicle occupant’s head strikes a hard object like the steering wheel or dashboard. Even an airbag can cause serious injuries under certain conditions. Brain injuries can occur even if the head doesn’t make contact with anything, as its movement inside the skull is enough to damage nerves and tissue.
- Broken bones – The force of a rear-end impact is often enough to break bones. Knee and leg fractures can result from contact with the dashboard. Bones in the arms, face, and hands can break from the rapidly deploying airbag.
- Spinal injuries – The spinal cord is critically important to movement and sensation. It transmits messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body, facilitating movement and organ function. Any damage to the spine can sever this line of communication, potentially leading to paralysis. Other common spinal injuries include damaged or herniated discs.
Long-Term Consequences of the Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Accidents
The long-term medical treatment for injuries sustained from rear-end accidents can be extensive and expensive. Chronic conditions like whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries often require ongoing medical care that includes diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and potential adaptations to the home or vehicle to accommodate physical disabilities. The costs associated with such treatments can quickly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars, even for relatively minor injuries. For severe injuries, the expenses can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more over a lifetime.
Besides direct medical expenses, these injuries can also result in significant indirect costs. For instance, the victim may require long-term rehabilitation, necessitating time away from work. They might be unable to return to their previous occupation altogether. The resultant lost wages can be substantial, especially for those who are unable to return to work for extended periods.
Statute of Limitations to File a Rear-End Collision Injury Lawsuit
If you want to sue the at-fault driver after a rear-end collision, you must do so within the deadline established by the statute of limitations. West Virginia generally allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. If you initiate legal action after the required two-year period, the judge will likely dismiss your case, preventing you from recovering compensation.
Compensation Available in West Virginia After a Rear-End Accident
If someone else caused the rear-end accident that injured you, they could owe you compensation for the harm you suffered. That might include money for the following:
- Hospital visits, physical therapy, and other medical costs
- Lost income
- Lost future earnings
- Vehicle repair or replacement expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
A rear-end collision lawyer from Robinette Legal Group, PLLC can review your past and current losses and work with experts to anticipate your future losses to determine an appropriate value for your case. That way, you know the total amount you’re owed and can pursue adequate compensation.
Contact a Rear End Accident Lawyer in West Virginia for a Free Consultation
You may have only one chance to hold the negligent motorist responsible for harming you. Don’t let their insurance company take advantage of you by unfairly denying your claim or forcing you to accept a low settlement. Instead, turn to an experienced rear-end collision attorney for help demanding the money you deserve.
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC is here to protect your rights and fight for your future. If you were hurt in a rear-end crash someone else caused, call or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our rear-end accident lawyers in Morgantown, WV.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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