Chicago Rear-End Accident Lawyer

This content is also available in: img-4Español

Although all types of road accidents can be frightening, rear-end accidents can be particularly dangerous. The reason is that they can cause substantial damage, which can be more than just that of a vehicle. 

Hence, we think it is significant to be well aware of all the key factors involved in rear-end collisions. Even if you are a safe driver, there is a high chance you may end up in such a situation due to someone else's fault. A Chicago rear-end accident lawyer can get you the compensation you deserve.

Key Rear-End Statistics

If you are still unsure about the issue's legitimacy and seriousness of rear-end accidents, looking at the rear-end accident statistics will give you a fair picture. The figures mentioned here have been gathered from a report presented by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration on rear-end crashes in the US.

Out of all the different types of accidents on the road, rear-end is the most common type. To be more specific, around 29% of all car crashes are a result of rear-end accidents. While the percentage itself may not give you a clear picture, the number of accidents that take place every year will help you to understand its severity.

Chicago Rear-End Accident Lawyer Chris Ktenas talking to his client

The statistics lie somewhere around 2 million rear-end collisions that take place in the US each year. Out of these, around 17,000 people lose their lives, and almost 50,000 citizens are injured.

After taking a look at the rear-end accident statistics, we are sure that you would have gotten some sense of why these accidents are taken seriously. As citizens, it is our responsibility to drive safely while also being prepared for any situation that comes our way when we are on the road.

Ktenas Injury Attorneys will serve you to get any compensation that is your legal right if you ever find yourself in such a situation. We believe in providing justice to our clients. Hence, we do not charge our fee until you can recover whatever loss you had to go through because of the other party.

If you or a loved one is in such a condition, all you have to do is contact us by completing our online case intake form. By doing so, the best lawyers in Chicago for car crashes will discuss the intricacies of your case with you for free.

What to do After a Rear-end Accident?

While our lawyers will make sure that you have the case on your side, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, there are a few initial steps that you need to follow. By doing so, you will ensure that the case does not get complicated, and you are not to be blamed for something that your defendant is responsible for. Here is the list of things you should do immediately after experiencing such a situation.

The first and foremost thing to do is to remain at the scene of the accident. You will only make things complicated by trying to escape. Once the accident has taken place, check for all sorts of injuries, and immediately call 911. After that, you need to file a police accident report to make your case stronger. If the other party is not enraged or acting out, make sure you get the contact information for future reference.

A good addition could be the contact information of people who were there to witness the accident. One major thing to keep in mind is not to apologize or show that you are guilty. You can do this due to stress, but your actions will affect your future so stay clear of that. The next thing you need to do is call your insurance company to better know the legal procedure.

Additionally, know your rights and do not agree on speaking with any other party representatives before contacting your Chicago rear-end accident lawyer. Lastly, make sure that you get yourself checked. There is a high chance that even if you do not have immediate external injury signs, there may have been some internal damage. A personal injury claim may be an option if you have any pain and suffering from an auto accident.

rear-end accident

Is the Fault Automatic?

While it can be the case in some other situations, the fault is never automatic in a rear-end accident. We agree that most of the time, the accident takes place because of the rear-end driver. This happens because they often are driving too close.

However, the lead driver could also be at fault. Moreover, external factors like other vehicles or even the road condition itself can cause the accident. Hence, it is always better to consult with your Chicago rear-end accident lawyer before agreeing on anything.

Car Accidents and Negligence

The other driver's fault is mostly proved by the other if they can prove negligence in a car accident. This is because, in a car accident, a person whose negligence could be established will be held liable for the damage caused to the other driver or passengers. Hence, it would help if you were extremely careful about that.

For the purpose mentioned above, you need to drive with care so that the failure to do so does not help prove your negligence. What you can do to ensure your duty of care while going is to look out for pedestrians and other vehicles or obstacles while driving, use reasonable care, and make sure to operate under the speed limit.

When is the Lead Driver at Fault?

As mentioned above, most of the time, the fault is of the rear-end driver in such cases. However, there are some instances where the lead driver could be held accountable for the collision. These may include but are not limited to:

  • Pulling out in front of a car
  • Reversing into a car
  • Trying to get hit intentionally
  • Having broken brake lights
  • Driving while drunk

In such cases, even if you were the rear-end driver, you can hold them accountable for their actions.

Collision with Multiple Vehicles

There is a possibility to get caught in a rear-end accident with multiple vehicles. This happens when a pileup is created. In such cases, comparative negligence can be considered. This is possible because more than one car has been a part of a rear-end accident. In such a case, if you are less at fault compared to everyone else involved, you may still have a chance to recover some of the damage caused.

Proving Liability

If you know for sure that it was not your fault, you can prove the other driver's liability in several ways. The first thing that could be done is to obtain the testimony of people who witnessed the accident. Another way could be to contact the police and find evidence that could help identify exactly what happened in that area.

Lastly, if it were an extreme case, you can also get an expert in accident reconstruction so that technical details could be obtained to identify significant evidence.

Signaling while Driving

In Illinois, the law demands drivers to give a signal 100ft before making a turn in the city, and at least 200ft before turning on the highway. Signaling is done by using lights and appropriate arm gestures to give the other person on the road a signal of what you are about to do.

While signaling is necessary, not every driver will follow the rules. Hence, even if you follow them, make sure you still keep a safe distance from the driver in front of you so that their end-moment plan of making a turn does not disrupt your driving.

What Sort of Damages Are Included When You File for a Lawsuit?

Damages that become a part of a rear-end collision lawsuit can include any cost or damage caused by an accident. These damages may include but are not limited to, medical bills, prescriptions, therapy bills, lost wages due to the injury, pain, and suffering, and other such damages.

We hope that the above information has helped answer all your queries. If there is anything else that you would want to know or if you want to book a consultation session to discuss a rear-end accident contact our Chicago car accident lawyers at (312) 300-2515.

FAQs

What should I do if an uninsured driver rear-ended me?

One way to go about it could be by making use of uninsured or underinsured coverage, which is optional but will be beneficial if you ever find yourself in a situation where the other driver is at fault, but either doesn't have insurance or does not have enough to cover all the damages.

How do insurance companies settle auto claims?

To make a settlement with the insurance company, you will have to be very vigilant from the beginning. Ensure everything and follow all the steps stated above to have a smooth process with the insurance agency.

Can I file a lawsuit if I were partly to blame for the accident?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit if it was a comparative negligence case, and you were less to be blamed in comparison to other parties.

How much does a lawyer get from a car accident settlement?

At Ktenas Injury Attorneys, we do not ask for any fee until we can recover your damages from the accident. Only then, a reasonable cost is to be charged.

How long does it take to get a settlement from a car accident?

It depends on how complex the case is and how much you have followed such an accident protocol. Register your case with as at your earliest so that we can help you out.

How much money can you get from a car accident settlement?

Any costs or damages caused due to the accident can be recovered by filing a lawsuit.

How to Document the Accident & Injury Claims?

Ensure that you talk to witnesses and get their contacts and take pictures of the place where the accident happened, if possible. File an accident police report and make sure that you get yourself checked and keep all the documents intact.

homesmartphonebubblecrossmenuarrow-rightcross-circlechevron-up-circle