Rear-end accidents in Westerville are one of the more common kinds of car accidents, with one car hitting another from behind. Even though they are common, a rear-ending can still cause injuries and damage your car, requiring repairs and medical attention for seemingly minor fender-benders.
A way to recover from such injuries and costs is through legal claims. An experienced car accident attorney could help you make a claim for damages based on your injuries after an accident occurs.
A rear-end accident involves any collision with the back of a vehicle, most commonly when one car strikes the rear of another. These accidents frequently occur in parking lots, on busy streets, and on highways, often due to excessive speed or inattentive driving.
A driver might tailgate another and then run into the rear of the car in front, or they might change lanes too quickly and hit the back bumper. A rear-end accident could even include a car moving in reverse and hitting another vehicle or obstacle with its own rear.
A distracted or impaired driver can easily cause a rear-end accident, whether because of taking their eyes off the road or by not being able to react properly because of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. Reckless and angry driving can also lead to one car rear-ending another.
A rear-end accident in Westerville can cause significant harm to a driver and passengers, often snapping the head back and forth and forcing the body against the seatbelt and airbags. The impact can also push the struck vehicle into traffic, leading to additional collisions with other vehicles or objects and compounding the force exerted on the driver.
Identifying who is responsible for a rear-end accident might seem simple enough, but bringing a claim for compensation against that person requires more. A claim will likely be based on negligence, which requires proof of several elements:
Establishing negligence in a rear-end collision requires more than proving one driver struck another from behind. The striking driver’s actions must be examined and found to be unreasonable. Additionally, there must be no intervening causes contributing to the accident or resulting damages, which may include medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Without clear evidence of both unreasonable conduct and causation, the claim cannot succeed.
An attorney can gather the necessary evidence at the scene of the crime and through other sources of information, including eyewitness accounts, police reports, and surveillance camera footage. After a rear-end accident, an attorney in Westerville can weave those pieces of evidence together to make an effective claim.
An attorney also ensures that the injured party files a claim within the statute of limitations. Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 requires filing within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline can forfeit the right to seek compensation.
Rear-end car accidents in Westerville can be legally complex. Acting quickly after an accident can make the difference in bringing an injury claim, but you do not have to consider your legal options alone. Instead, an attorney could guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court if necessary. With the right legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney works to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.