Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-End Collisions

In 2002, there were more than 6 million automobile accidents in the United States, and over 38,000 of those accidents were fatal. According to the National Safety Council, more than 2.5 million rear-end collisions are reported each year, making rear-end collisions the most common type of automobile accident in the United States. If you or someone you love has been struck by another vehicle in a rear-end collision, we urge you to contact a Santa Monica car accident attorney from our firm, McGee Lerer Ogrin without delay.

A rear-end collision refers to an automobile accident wherein a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions are frequently the byproduct of tailgating and panic stops. When two vehicles collide in a rear-end collision, it is said to be the equivalent of crashing into a rigid surface (such as a wall) at half the closing speed. The most common consequence of a rear-end collision; even at moderate speeds is a whiplash injury. However, in more severe cases injuries may include: herniation, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death.

Minivans, in particular, are at a specifically high risk in a rear-end collision due to their relatively short rear crumple zone; therefore, the passengers sitting in the rear of a mini-van are more inclined to become seriously injured or killed in a rear-end collision. Tragically, the vast majority of passengers sitting in the rear of a minivan are often times small children and teenagers.

Rear-End Collisions: Who is at fault?

For personal injury settlements and insurance purposes, in almost all rear-end collisions, the driver of the car that rear-ends the car in front of them is nearly always considered to be at fault. The reason is that they are assumed to have either been inattentive or to have failed to maintain a safe following distance between their vehicle and the car in front of them. In the vast majority of cases, when the driver of the car that was rear-ended files a claim against the driver who hit him from behind, the responsible party could be financially responsible for any damages incurred to the other party's vehicle, as well as any other economic or non-economic damages suffered as a result of the accident.

Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney

Driving is not only a privilege, it's a large responsibility. When drivers fail to use common sense and maintain a safe following distance, or when they allow themselves to be distracted and subsequently rear-end the car in front of them, they need to be held accountable. If you or someone you care about was injured in a rear-end collision, we ask that you contact our firm immediately. Whether you sustained minor or serious injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for any resultant losses. Our firm is highly adept at pursuing large settlements on behalf of our clients and with decades of collective experience in personal injury law, we are confident that we can help.