Kenny Habetz Injury Law | August 9, 2023 | Car Accident
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in the United States. These collisions can cause severe injuries and damage even at slow speeds.
If you suffer injuries from a rear-end crash, you may be able to recover economic, and non-economic damages. The best way to protect yourself is to immediately seek medical attention and contact a car accident lawyer to help you understand and explore your options.
There are many causes of rear-end collisions and many types of damages that this type of accident could cause.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when two vehicles travel in the same direction – a leading car and a following car. If the following car is traveling faster than the leading car and makes physical contact with the car in front, a rear-end collision results. Occupants of both vehicles may sustain injuries.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include the following:
- Tailgating
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving
- Driving under the influence of illegal substances
- Aggressive driving
- Driving in low visibility conditions, such as fog or rain
- Inexperienced drivers
- Rapidly changing lanes
Even a good driver can cause a rear-end collision. Yet, refraining from the above behaviors can help lower your chances of being involved in any car accident.
Common Types of Rear-End Collision Injuries
A rear-end collision can lead to fatal injuries. Thankfully, most victims of this type of accident suffer non-life-threatening injuries that range from mild to severe. Even an accident that initially seems minor may result in life-changing damages.
Some common rear-end collision injuries are:
- Soft tissue damage
- Brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones and fractures
Indeed, other types of injuries may occur from rear-end collisions. If your loved one was fatally injured in a rear-end crash, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Under Louisiana law, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the following persons in order of priority:
- Surviving spouse or children – a surviving spouse or surviving children may bring a wrongful death claim.
- Surviving parents – If no surviving spouse or kids exists, a surviving parent may bring a wrongful death claim.
- Surviving brothers or sisters – if there is no surviving spouse, child, or parent, the wrongful death claim may be brought by surviving siblings.
- Surviving grandparents – if there is no surviving spouse, kids, parents, or siblings, a grandparent may bring a wrongful death claim.
A rear-ending driver is presumed to be at fault in a collision. Louisiana law provides that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonably prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.
You May Be Able to Recover Economic Damages for Rear-End Collision Injuries
If you have suffered financial losses because of a rear-end collision, you may be able to recover economic damages.
Many types of economic damages may be recoverable, including:
- Medical expenses for hospital, doctor, and ambulance fees, as well as the cost of medication, therapy, in-home services, and medical accessories
- Potential future necessary medical expenses
- Lost wages if you cannot work and earn the same wages you earned before your accident
- Property damages for the damage to your car and other property caused by the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses for victims who suffered fatal injuries from a rear-end collision
- Loss of financial support and economic benefits that a family member would have received from a person who dies in a rear-end collision
These losses are typically proven by medical statements, bills, invoices, and other documentation.
You May Be Able to Recover Non-Economic Damages for Rear-End Collision Injuries
If you have suffered damages that a dollar value can not easily define, you may be able to recover non-economic damages.
Some of the types of non-economic damages that may be recoverable after a rear-end collision include:
- Pain and suffering for your physical and mental distress
- Loss of consortium for married persons who have lost the affection of a spouse
- Loss of companionship and society
These damages are more challenging to prove than economic losses. You may need experts to assist with the valuation process.
A Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation for Your Rear-End Collision Injuries
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. They can result in severe injuries and damages.
You may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages for injuries suffered from a rear-end collision. You should seek the counsel and guidance of an experienced Crowley car accident attorney to help you understand your options.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
