If you were in a rear-end car accident in Cambria County, you might have required medical attention and missed time from work. You have a right to demand compensation from the responsible party for these and other losses.
An experienced car crash attorney understands the issues that arise in these accidents and could advocate strongly for you to receive an appropriate settlement. There is a limited time to act, so it is critical to seek legal assistance as soon as possible after a wreck.
A rear-end crash happens when a vehicle moving forward collides with the back of another vehicle moving in the same direction. Rear-end accidents often, but not always, happen at low speeds.
In many cases, the rear vehicle was following too closely, its driver was distracted and did not notice traffic stopped ahead, or the rear driver was speeding or driving recklessly. The driver of the rear vehicle is often at fault for back-end collisions in Cambria County.
However, the driver of the forward vehicle could be to blame in some cases. The front vehicle’s driver could be responsible for a backside crash if he or she suddenly changed lanes, or if the vehicle’s brake lights were not working. A back-end accident could also happen if a driver forces a merge without sufficient clearance. The forward driver is likely at fault in such instances. However, in most cases, the trailing vehicle is at-fault. A proactive lawyer could investigate a particular crash to determine who is responsible.
Any type of motor vehicle accident could cause a car’s occupants to suffer fractures, internal injuries, abrasions, and even traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. However, rear-end crashes in Cambria County are notable for causing hyperextension of the neck, also called whiplash.
Whiplash occurs when the head jerks back and forth suddenly, straining the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Whiplash might not appear on standard imaging tests, making the injury difficult to prove. However, people who suffer from whiplash might experience lingering symptoms such as:
People with whiplash might be unable to work for days or weeks after the accident. Some could have trouble managing activities of daily living such as dressing, preparing a meal, or eating without assistance. A Cambria County rear-end collision attorney could help a whiplash victim document his or her experiences after an injury, which could later be important in establishing damages.
People who have been in back-end accidents benefit from consulting with a legal professional immediately after the wreck. Because the injuries a person suffers might not be diagnosable through imaging, it is critical to establish the symptoms and effects the person suffers after the injury through a medical record.
A Cambria County attorney could offer guidance in the days and weeks after a backside accident that could help the injured person prove the impact the accident had on his or her life. In addition, a proactive legal professional could handle communication with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and ensure that the insurer does not pressure the injured person into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Importantly, the law limits the timeframe for an injured person to seek damages. 42 P.S. 5524 requires someone injured in a rear-end wreck to bring a claim for personal injuries within two years of the accident in most cases.
Rear-end collisions can cause death, as well as debilitating injuries. You deserve compensation for any ill effects caused by a negligent driver running into your vehicle.
If a rear-end car accident in Cambria County resulted in your injuries, reach out to the dedicated team of attorneys at Marcus & Mack. With the guidance of a capable legal professional, you could build a strong case for damages. Call today to get started.
Marcus & Mack
