When you are driving and are hit from behind by another vehicle, injuries and vehicular damage are likely. This type of collision is known as a “rear-end” car accident. If you have been in a rear-end car accident, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Hale & Monico.
This type of crash is one of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions. By some estimates, there are an average of more than two million rear-end car accidents annually. Rear-end collisions are the third leading cause of serious injuries from vehicular accidents. If you or someone you love has been hurt in this type of car crash, you are not alone.
When another person’s negligent driving has caused you harm, you may be owed significant financial compensation. That is why it is critical to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. For premier legal representation in Chicago, look no further than Hale & Monico. Our experienced trial attorneys will pursue the financial recovery that you are rightfully owed.
Common Factors in Rear-End Car Accidents
Vehicular collisions can occur as the result of many different factors. However, negligence is typically a key element in rear-end car accidents.
When a negligent driver causes injuries or property damage, they can be held legally and financially liable. Some of the most common types of driver negligence that lead to rear-end collisions include:
Distracted Driving
If a motorist is not paying close attention to the roadway, they can put others in danger. Distracted driving includes driving while on the phone, putting on makeup, entering in GPS coordinates, eating, drinking, or even having too many people in the car.
When a motorist is driving while distracted they can miss the car in front of them braking or they can swerve into the wrong lane. This is obviously very dangerous and can lead to severe collisions.
Tailgating
When one vehicle follows another too closely, it is known as “tailgating.” This is a negligent driving practice that puts everyone on the road in danger.
Tailgating drivers do not leave enough room between their vehicle and the one in front. This prevents them from stopping safely if needed.
In most cases, rear-end collisions that result from tailgating are the fault of the driver in the back. This means that the person following too closely is responsible for the associated damages and injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is illegal and dangerous. This type of negligent driving increases the risk of accidents drastically.
Those who drive under the influence and cause accidents may be held criminally accountable. However, victims can also seek financial damages through civil legal action.
If you or someone you love has been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact an attorney immediately.
Texting or Calling
With the ubiquity of digital devices, texting and driving has become a common cause of collisions. Because of the dangers of texting and driving, Chicago routinely issues moving violations to motorists who commit this offense.
No matter the cause of your rear-end car accident, it is critical to speak with a legal professional. Make sure to hold at-fault parties accountable for the harm that their negligent behavior caused.
Common Damages from Rear-End Car Accident Claims
Following an accident or injury, victims often face mounting financial challenges and personal difficulties. Fortunately, filing a civil legal claim can allow victims to recover the money they need to get their lives back on track.
In most personal injury claims, there are two main types of compensation available to victims. These categories are known as “economic” damages and “non-economic” damages.
Economic Damages from Rear-End Car Accidents
This type of financial payment is intended to restore the victim to the economic status they enjoyed before the accident. These payments only make up for direct monetary losses.
Some of the most typical examples of economic damages in rear-end car accident cases are:
- Current and future medical bills
- Property damage costs
- Lost wages and income
- Decreased earning capacity
A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine appropriate economic damages in your case.
Non-Economic Damages from Rear-End Car Accidents
Payments to compensate victims for personal and physical harm from an accident are known as “non-economic” damages. Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Decreased quality of life
No matter what the circumstances of your rear-end car accident, a personal injury attorney can help you pursue the financial compensation that you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer at Hale & Monico
When you have been involved in a rear-end car accident in Chicago, it is critical to secure legal representation as soon as possible. The skilled legal professionals at Hale & Monico will fight diligently to get justice in your case.
Contact our offices to arrange a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. You should not have to manage the costs from a car accident that you did not cause.