Were you injured when another driver hit you from behind in Porterville, California? A Porterville rear-end crash lawyer at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate the collision, gather evidence of fault, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today at (559) 524-8944 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Rear-end collisions often occur at traffic lights, intersections, or when traffic suddenly slows. Even at lower speeds, the impact can cause injuries that require medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing care.
Why Choose Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help After a Rear-End Crash in Porterville, CA?
Rear-end crashes may seem straightforward, but insurance companies can still dispute fault or argue that an injured person’s medical problems were not caused by the collision. Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers helps people injured in Porterville, CA, pursue the compensation they deserve after an accident.
Our Porterville personal injury attorneys offer:
- 25 years of combined experience
- More than $100 million recovered for clients
- A 5.0-star client rating
- A practice focused on personal injury law
We can explain your legal rights and options after a car accident. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Porterville car accident lawyer.
What Causes Rear-End Crashes in Porterville?
Drivers must leave enough space to stop when traffic slows. A driver who is distracted, speeding, or following too closely may not have enough time to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead.
Common causes of rear-end crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to notice stopped traffic
- Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
Some collisions involve several vehicles. One rear impact can push a vehicle into the car ahead, creating a chain-reaction crash.
Determining how each impact occurred can be important when several drivers and insurance companies are involved.
What Injuries Can a Rear-End Collision Cause?
The force of a rear impact can suddenly move a person’s head and body forward and backward. Injuries are possible even when the vehicles do not appear badly damaged.
Rear-end crashes can cause injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Symptoms may not always be obvious at the accident scene. Neck stiffness, headaches, back pain, or other problems can develop or become more noticeable later.
Seeking medical attention can help identify and treat injuries that may not have been immediately apparent. Medical records can also document the injuries and treatment following the collision.
What Evidence Can Help Prove a Rear-End Crash Claim?
Insurance companies may dispute how an accident occurred or whether the collision caused the claimed injuries. Evidence can help establish both fault and damages.
Useful evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- Dash camera footage
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Cell phone records when distraction is suspected
- Electronic vehicle data
Photos of the vehicles before they are repaired can be especially useful in a rear-end collision. The location and severity of the damage may help show how the vehicles made contact.
Preserving evidence early can also prevent important records or video from disappearing.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Rear-End Crash?
A rear-end accident can create losses that continue long after the damaged vehicle is repaired. Medical treatment, missed work, and ongoing symptoms can affect an injured person’s finances and daily life.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Disability or impairment
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, available insurance coverage, and other facts of the case.
A lawyer can review medical records, employment information, and other evidence to determine the losses that should be included in a claim.
Can You Recover Compensation if You Were Partly at Fault for a Rear-End Crash?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, people are generally responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care, subject to applicable legal rules.
Under California’s comparative fault system, an injured person may recover compensation even if they share responsibility for an accident. Their damages can be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
What Should You Do After a Rear-End Accident?
The steps taken after a collision can help preserve information about the crash. If possible, report the accident, exchange information with the other drivers, and take photos of the vehicles and scene.
Seek medical care for injuries and follow the treatment recommended by your healthcare providers. Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, wage records, and other documents showing your losses.
Be careful when discussing the car accident with an insurance adjuster. Avoid guessing about details you do not remember or agreeing to a settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries.
Contact Our Porterville Rear-End Crash Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Rear-end collisions can lead to disputes about fault, injuries, and the value of an insurance claim. Even when another vehicle struck you from behind, evidence may be needed to establish what happened and document the full extent of your losses.
A Porterville rear-end crash attorney at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate the collision, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
