Rear-End Car Accidents

Have you or a loved one been involved in a motor vehicle accident in which you were rear-ended? Nearly one third of all motor vehicle accidents involve being rear-ended by another vehicle, and these often result in lasting and painful injuries that may not be immediately apparent following the injury.

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of auto accidents. They often occur at intersections while the victims are either coming to or at a complete stop. These types of crashes are often preventable and are usually related to the striking driver’s negligence or carelessness.

Rear-end accidents can cause severe and long-term injuries, as well as a substantial amount of financial and emotional damages. Victims generally will be able to file a claim to collect compensation for their damages. Contacting a personal injury attorney immediately will help you determine the next steps to take, legally and medically, to ensure that you and your rights are protected by the best team of attorneys available.

If you’ve sustained injuries in a rear-end accident, call Ron Meyers and Associates at 360-459-5600 for a free consultation.

Free Case Evaluation

Understanding Rear-End Car Accident Cases

Causes and Contributing Factors of Rear-End Accidents in Olympia

It’s drivers who are intoxicated or distracted that often cause rear-end accidents. Using a cell phone, daydreaming and driving while sleepy are all dangerous behaviors that can lead to rear-ending a stopped vehicle. Tailgating is another possible cause. When drivers follow cars too closely, they don’t provide enough space and time to come to safe stop if traffic slows abruptly.

There are a number of reasons a rear end accident may occur:

Driver inattention or distraction
Tailgating
Panic stops
Reduced traction due to inclement weather
Reduced traction due to worn pavement

Although there may be a number of factors to consider following a rear-end accident, the driver of the car that rear-ends is almost exclusively considered to be at fault either due to inattention, or failing to leave enough room between the two vehicles. As a driver or passenger that is in a car that is rear-ended, you may file a claim with the other driver’s insurance for all of the damage to your vehicle, as well as for any ongoing medical issues that may arise from your accident.

During a rear-end vehicle collision, your body goes through a rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration. Certain injuries, such as whiplash or neck strain, may not be obvious in the days or weeks following the accident, but may cause ongoing medical issues and pain for years to come. An important step after being involved in a rear-end accident is to make an appointment with a medical professional for a full medical examination.

There are certain situations in which the driver of the car that rear-ends may not be at fault. The driver in front may be at fault if:

They changed lanes suddenly
Their vehicle has faulty taillights
They made a sudden, unnecessary stop
Their car was in reverse gear
They failed to yield the right of way
They drove too slowly for driving conditions

Additionally, if the road conditions are poor, such as worn pavement reducing traction, there may be a third party or state agency at fault. In this case, you may only have a limited period of time to file a claim. Our personal injury attorneys are experts at determining which party is likely at fault and helping you make the right decisions for your personal case.

Whatever the specific cause of the rear-end collision, if one driver was negligent, then the other driver may have a valid claim for damages. Your financial recovery will depend on the types of damages sustained, such as any injuries and related expenses.

Common Types of Injuries in Rear-end Accidents in Olympia WA

A lot of victims struck from behind sustain whiplash injuries. While whiplash is a relatively minor injury in some cases, for some people, it can cause lasting pain and discomfort and may lead to a condition referred to as whiplash associated disorder.

Below are a few other injuries rear-end accident victims might sustain.

Leg and knee injuries – When the vehicle is struck from behind, it can crush the car, compressing the back of the car towards the front. Passengers’ and the driver’s legs can be crushed against the seat or dash in severe cases.
Back injuries – the force of being struck from behind can cause back sprains and strains, as well as spine compression and disc herniation.
Facial injuries – In many rear-end accidents, the airbags may not deploy because the impact is not great enough. But victims’ faces can still strike on the dash, steering wheel, or windshield, causing fractures, lacerations, and eye damage.
Seatbelt-related injuries – While seatbelts are a vital safety tool, when victims are thrust forward forcefully, the seatbelt will hold them in place but also can cause injury, such as bruising and lacerations. Pregnant women may sustain injury to the fetus as well.

Case Results

$3,000,000

Wrongful deaths of two minor children in highway collision with truck in Thurston County.

$850,000

Hazardous waste truck collision resulting in loss of spleen, gallbladder and liver damage in King County.

$620,000

Two auto collisions resulting in spinal surgery in Thurston County.

Our Approach to Rear-End Car Accident Cases

At Ron Meyers & Associates, we understand the devastating impact that rear-end car accidents can have on individuals and their families. We approach rear-end car accident cases with compassion, dedication, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients in Washington. Our approach is centered around the following key principles:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We start by conducting a thorough evaluation of each rear-end car accident case. Our experienced legal team examines all relevant details, including the circumstances of the accident, the extent of injuries, property damage, and any contributing factors. This comprehensive evaluation enables us to build a strong case strategy tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of our clients.
Expert Investigation: Our team of skilled investigators and accident reconstruction experts diligently gather evidence to establish liability. We work to determine the responsible party and identify any potential contributing factors, such as distracted driving, tailgating, or road conditions. This meticulous investigation helps strengthen our clients’ claims for fair compensation.
Focus on Client Communication: We prioritize clear and open communication with our clients throughout the legal process. Our attorneys take the time to understand our clients’ concerns, answer their questions, and keep them informed about the progress of their case. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients.
Aggressive Negotiation: We are experienced negotiators and strive to secure fair settlements for our clients without the need for prolonged litigation. However, we are prepared to take a case to court if necessary to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our strong negotiation skills often lead to favorable outcomes for our clients.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation: Our primary goal is to seek maximum compensation for our clients’ injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain, and suffering. We understand the financial and emotional toll that rear-end accidents can take, and we fight tirelessly to recover the full extent of damages owed to our clients.
Personalized Legal Representation: We recognize that each rear-end car accident case is unique, and our legal strategies are tailored to address the specific circumstances of each client. Our personalized approach ensures that our clients receive the attention and advocacy they deserve.
Support Throughout the Process: Dealing with the aftermath of a rear-end car accident can be overwhelming. We offer continuous support to our clients, guiding them through the legal process, assisting with paperwork, and addressing any concerns that may arise. Our team is here to shoulder the legal burden, allowing our clients to focus on their recovery.

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Rear-End Car Accident Cases

Our Olympia Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Pursue a Settlement

If you or your loved one were seriously injured in a rear-end accident, work with an attorney to help you get a fair amount of compensation for your injuries and other damages. Especially in cases when injuries are severe or have caused disability, it’s important to pursue the case to obtain a settlement that covers all your damages, current and future.

You usually do not want to sign the insurer’s first settlement offer because it will likely be far lower than the total amount to which you’re entitled. It’s wiser to have an attorney review your case, determine how much it is worth and then work on your behalf to negotiate or win the settlement you need and deserve.

Olympia Rear-End Accident Lawyers Serving Western Washington

At Ron Meyers & Associates, we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the best representation possible. Our team of experienced legal professionals have spent hundreds of hours fighting for the rights of our clients. We know how traumatizing and exhausting a serious car accident can be, and if you put your case into our capable hands, we will represent you and your rights, so you can focus on your personal recovery and picking up the pieces.

Our team has been representing clients in Washington for more than 30 years, and we have always been dedicated to helping accident victims get the maximum recovery to which they are entitled. Contact Meyers and Associates today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 360-459-5600.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Car Accident Cases

After a rear-end car accident, your safety and well-being should be the top priority. If you are injured or feel any pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact law enforcement to report the accident and ensure an official accident report is filed. Collect contact information from the other driver(s) involved, as well as any witnesses. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Finally, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

In the majority of rear-end car accidents, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault. This is because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and exercise caution to avoid collisions. However, there are situations where the driver in front may be partially or entirely at fault, such as sudden lane changes, faulty taillights, or making a sudden stop without reason. Determining fault may require a thorough investigation by legal experts and accident reconstruction specialists.

Yes, as a passenger, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages resulting from the rear-end car accident. As a passenger, you are not at fault for the accident, so you may file a claim against the driver responsible for the collision, whether it was the driver of the rear-ended vehicle or another vehicle involved in the accident.

It is generally not advisable to speak with the insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for the lowest possible amount, and they may use your statements against you to minimize their liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights, handle communications with the insurance company, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident, including rear-end collisions, is generally three years from the date of the accident. It is essential to take prompt action and consult with an attorney well before the statute of limitations expires to ensure your rights are protected.

If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, you may be eligible to seek various types of compensation, including: