Waldorf, MD Rear-End Collision Attorneys

Lawyers Assisting With Injuries and Damages in Rear-End Car Accidents in Waldorf, Maryland

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents that take place throughout the United States. People who have not experienced these types of accidents may dismiss them as minor situations, believing that they are unlikely to cause serious damage. However, there are many cases where rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries and other damages that may affect the lives and finances of the people involved. Taking legal action to address negligence that led to a rear-end accident can help ensure that a person who was hurt will be able to receive compensation for their losses.

Farmer & Klopfer represents people who have been injured in rear-end collisions in Waldorf and other parts of Maryland. Our attorneys have represented clients in many different types of car accident cases, helping them obtain compensation for damages caused by negligent drivers. We take an aggressive approach to these matters, working to make sure our clients' rights are upheld at all times.

Why Rear-End Crashes Happen

In the vast majority of cases, rear-end collisions are caused by the negligence of a driver who crashed into another vehicle from behind. Negligence that can lead to rear-end accidents may include:

Tailgating

Every vehicle will require a certain distance to slow down and come to a complete stop. The full distance needed may depend on a vehicle's speed, its weight, its braking capabilities, the conditions on the road, and the driver's ability to react in time to changes in traffic. When a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle, they may not give themselves enough room to stop when necessary. Tailgating can be dangerous, since it can place a driver in a situation where a rear-end accident may be unavoidable.

Speeding

When a driver is traveling above the speed limit or is driving too fast in heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions, they may not be able to brake in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Accidents can occur when traffic slows down suddenly, when a vehicle needs to turn onto a side street, or when a driver who is speeding slams on their brakes and goes into an uncontrolled skid. At higher speeds, rear-end crashes will be more likely to cause serious injuries.

Distracted Driving

When a person is not fully paying attention to the road, they may not notice that traffic ahead of them has slowed down or stopped. Distracted driving can prevent a person from recognizing important details and braking in time to avoid a rear-end accident.

Fatigued Driving

When a driver is exhausted, their reaction times may be delayed, and they may struggle to fully pay attention to the road. They may even fall asleep, preventing them from slowing down at all before crashing into another vehicle from behind.

Impaired Driving

The use of alcohol and drugs may cause a person to experience slower reflexes, problems judging speed and distance, or other issues that can affect their ability to maintain control of a vehicle. A drunk driver may not be able to respond in time to avoid a rear-end collision, or they may fail to brake properly before hitting another vehicle.

Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions

The force of a rear-end impact can cause a wide range of injuries. The ways victims may be affected may depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicle that crashed into another vehicle from behind and the size difference between the two vehicles. Some common injuries in these cases include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

When a vehicle is struck from behind, the people in the vehicle may be thrown backward and then forward quickly. This sudden jolt to the head and neck can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash can lead to issues such as chronic neck pain, persistent headaches, reduced range of motion in the neck or shoulders, and neurological symptoms that may affect a person for months or years.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

The forces that can cause strain to the neck may also affect other parts of the back and spine. Herniated discs or fractured vertebrae may occur in a rear-end collision. Back injuries may lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and other ongoing health problems that may have an impact on a person's quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

In a rear-end crash, a person's head may strike a dashboard, steering wheel, window, or headrest, causing injuries to the brain. The jolting motion of the head in a collision may also lead to traumatic brain injuries, and the symptoms of these injuries can affect a person for months or years.

Broken Bones

A rear-end collision can cause fractures throughout the body. A person's wrists or arms may be broken if they are holding a steering wheel or when bracing for an impact. Rib fractures can occur due to the impact with a seat belt, or leg and hip fractures may occur in high-impact collisions.

The Financial Impact of a Rear-End Collision

The serious injuries that take place in a rear-end crash can lead to financial burdens for victims and their families. Emergency room visits, doctor visits, physical therapy, chiropractic care, prescription medications, and other forms of treatment that may be needed can lead to large medical bills. When injuries prevent a victim from returning to work, the income they lose can add to the financial strain they experience.

Vehicle damage is also a factor that victims of rear-end accidents may need to address. A collision may lead to damage that will require extensive repairs, or it may result in a total loss of a vehicle. The expense and inconvenience of being without a vehicle can add additional hardship to a situation that is already difficult.

Contact Our Waldorf Rear-End Collision Lawyers

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you should not assume that your injuries are too minor to address through a personal injury claim, and you should not accept an insurance settlement before speaking with an attorney. At Farmer & Klopfer, we can help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to obtain the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Waldorf, MD rear-end accident attorneys at 301-843-3890 to arrange a free consultation.