According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2017, there were about 311,679 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois. Rear-end auto collisions are the most common type of auto accidents in Naperville, Illinois. These rear-ended collisions can cause various minor or major neck, back, brain, or head injuries to individuals involved in the crash.
If you were hurt in a rear-end auto collision, and you believe the other driver was at fault, you are within your rights to pursue compensation for your injuries, property damage, and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys at Marker & Crannell can protect your rights and help you negotiate fair compensation.
We are proud to represent clients in the communities of Naperville, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield, Aurora, Joliet, and other neighboring areas of Illinois.
What to Do Following a Rear-End Car Accident
Rear-end collisions are often another person’s fault. Some common causes of rear-end car accident include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Faulty brakes
- Tailgating or not following at a safe distance
- Not using turn signals
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Inability to maintain control of the vehicle
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Texting and driving
After an accident, most people are in a certain degree of shock. Injury symptoms are usually masked. The first thing to do is to request medical help. Call an ambulance. The emergency medical team will be able to check out everyone’s condition and provide the necessary treatment. EMTs will also advise individuals involved in the crash on the treatment to seek, depending on the severity of their injuries.
Possible Injuries in A Rear-End Car Accident
Some possible injuries that can be sustained when involved in a rear-end auto accident include:
- Head Injuries: Concussion, brain injuries, trauma, bruises, or cuts to the head.
- Back & Neck Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, nerve injuries, and spinal cord damage.
- Broken Bones: Such a forceful impact car can cause broken arms, ribs, or legs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Painful sprains, strains, muscle, ligament, and tendon tears.
Once you have received medical care, call a personal injury attorney. However, ensure that the attorney is experienced in handling rear-end auto collisions. Your attorney will carry out further investigation on your case, assess your injuries and property damages, establish fault and liability, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Concept and Challenges of Determining Fault / Proving Liability
Illinois laws include a presumption that the driver who hit you from behind was responsible for the auto crash. Likewise, the damage to your car after a rear-end collision should serve as evidence that you were hit by another car from behind. However, knowing why they hit you will help determine fault and prove liability. If liability is disputed, you can prove that the other driver is at fault in various ways. A basic rule of the road requires drivers must leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The driver must be able to stop his or her vehicle safely if traffic suddenly stops ahead. The driver’s inability to do this meant the driver wasn’t driving safely. Witness statements, police reports, photographic or video evidence, and accident reconstruction by an expert are other means to determine fault.
Why You Want a Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
A lot of victims feel they can file insurance claims themselves after a rear-end car accident. However, it may not be as easy as you think. The insurance company is in business to make a profit. They do not serve your needs. Having a personal injury lawyer on your side is essential. Your personal injury lawyer can:
- Protect your rights and represent your interests.
- Carry out a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, and establish case value.
- Help you establish fault and liability.
- Provide suitable answers to your questions and worries.
- Allow you to focus on your recovery
- Fight to negotiate the best possible settlement with the insurance company
- Take your case to court if insurance isn’t offering you a fair deal
Proving fault and filing for claims after a rear-end collision can be complicated. You need an experienced auto accident attorney to help you prove fault, protect your rights, and hold the other driver accountable for your injuries, damage, pain, and suffering.
Related Topics
If you are involved in an auto accident or rear-ended collision, you must have a lot of things going through your mind. Here are some articles to answer your questions or concerns:
- Whose Fault Is It?: How to Determine Liability in Illinois Car Accidents
- Snow and Ice Don’t Cause Car Accidents, Bad Drivers Do
- Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents
- Car & Truck Accidents
- How to Take Pictures of Your Case
- What You Should Know If Your Car Is Totaled
Marker & Crannell — a Reliable Auto Accident Law Firm in Naperville, Illinois
Being involved in an auto accident can be a terrifying experience. If you think that the other driver was at fault, then you can take action. Call us today at Marker & Crannell to schedule a free case evaluation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are always available to help you with your case. We proudly serve personal injury victims in Bolingbrook, IL, Aurora, IL, Romeoville, IL, Joliet, IL, Plainfield, Naperville, Illinois, and other surrounding communities.