Rear-end accidents occur when a trailing vehicle hits the back of the car in front of it. While many people think of rear-end accidents as minor accidents or “fender benders,” any collision involving vehicles weighing thousands of pounds can cause serious injuries. If you were involved in a rear-end accident, you could be owed compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can help.
Why Rear-End Accidents Occur
Rear-end accidents typically occur because the rear driver is following too closely. The trailing driver may be distracted or not paying attention. When the vehicle in front of them stops or slows, the rear driver hits the back of their car. Because all drivers are supposed to allow sufficient space between their vehicle and the one in front of them, the rear driver is usually found at fault for rear-end accidents.
However, the front driver can be found at fault in some situations, such as if they were reversing, did not have working brake lights, or experienced a mechanical malfunction that caused the vehicle to suddenly stop in another driver’s path.
An experienced OKC rear end accident attorney can investigate your accident and determine who is responsible for it.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents can result in severe injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Some rear-end accidents even result in fatalities. In such cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver.
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident
There are certain steps you can take to protect your legal rights after a rear-end accident, including:
- Report the accident to the police. When a law enforcement officer responds to the scene, stick to the facts, but avoid giving opinions about fault.
- Ask the other driver for their information. Driver’s license information, insurance details, name, and contact information.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that not all symptoms are immediately apparent. A prompt medical evaluation can help accurately diagnose your injuries.
- Take pictures of the accident scene. Include cross streets, nearby traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, damage to your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Keep all documentation related to your case. This might include medical records, medical bills, wage loss statements, letters from the insurance company, and pain journal entries detailing how the accident has affected your life.
- Request a copy of the police report. This crucial document may provide essential details about the accident and who might be at fault.
Speak to an experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer as soon as possible to retain a legal advocate to help you with the next steps of your personal injury claim.
Contact the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm for Help
If you were injured in an accident, an experienced Oklahoma City rear-end accident lawyer from our law firm can investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove the other driver was at fault, and negotiate for fair compensation with the insurance company. The legal team at the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us online or call us at (405) 310-8800 today to get started with a free consultation.