If another driver injured you during a rear-end collision, you might think proving fault will be easy. In reality, cases like this have many complications.
At the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd., we know the tactics used by insurance companies to deny an accident victim’s claim or persuade victims to accept small settlements. We don’t allow them to take advantage of our clients. We make sure to obtain crucial evidence that proves car accident victims deserve the maximum compensation available.
Rear-end car crashes occur frequently and lead to severe injuries, property damage, and fatalities. Tailgating remains the most common cause of these crashes. When someone follows another driver too closely, they’re unable to slow down or come to a complete stop. There’s not enough stopping distance or time to avoid a collision.
The driver who caused your rear-end accident likely did something careless behind the wheel. The Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. can help you hold them accountable for their actions. To find out more about us or schedule a free consultation with one of our Warwick car accident attorneys, call (401) 751-8855 today.
Reasons Why Rear-End Collisions Happen
Tailgating can cause serious problems. When there isn’t much space between two cars, the driver behind doesn’t have the stopping distance to avoid a collision. Most experts recommend using the three-second rule to determine an appropriate amount of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t follow this rule.
Other than tailgating, the most common reasons for rear-end accidents include:
- Speeding
- Traffic congestion
- Distracted driving
- Impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Slow-moving cars
- Drowsy driving
- Road defects
- Faulty vehicle parts or malfunctioning systems
If you notice a person tailgating you, it’s critical that you take immediate action. Don’t engage with them. Stay calm and refrain from behaviors that could make the situation worse. The most important thing is to remove yourself from any potential danger.
Handling a Rear-End Collision in Warwick
Car accidents often cause trauma. It’s an experience that could cloud your judgment. If you are in shock, you might not know what to do. But the aftermath of a crash is a critical time. The steps you take could directly impact the outcome of your case. If you want to hold the other driver responsible and pursue compensation, you should follow the steps below:
- Report the accident – Call the police to report what happened. State laws require that you notify law enforcement and remain at the scene if there’s an injury or fatality. An officer will investigate and write a traffic crash report.
- Take pictures – If it’s safe to get out of your vehicle and walk around, make sure to take photos of the accident site, the damage to all cars involved, and anything else that might help your legal case.
- Exchange auto insurance – Ask the other driver for their auto insurance information so you can file a claim.
- Talk to bystanders – If there are witnesses, ask them what they saw. If they can confirm your version of events, get their names and contact information. They could provide a witness statement during your claim or testify in court if you file a lawsuit.
- Seek treatment – After leaving the accident scene, go to the doctor. They will likely recommend a specific treatment plan and refer you to other medical providers. It’s crucial that you follow their instructions and continue attending your doctor’s appointments until your injuries heal.
- Collect evidence – Keep a copy of every document associated with the rear-end accident, including medical records, vehicle repair estimates, and letters from the insurance company. Evidence is important in proving someone else was at fault, and that injuries resulted from the accident.
- Retain legal services – Hire a Warwick rear-end accident attorney.
Insurance claims and lawsuits can be complex legal processes. If you don’t seek representation, you will likely end up with lower compensation than you deserve. Most people don’t know how to build a successful case. It’s a time-consuming and overwhelming experience. When you hire the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd., we will handle each step. We have extensive resources at our disposal and decades of experience.
We can launch an investigation into the crash and obtain evidence that proves the other driver caused your injuries, such as:
- Video surveillance
- Eyewitness statements
- Your medical records and bills
- Accident scene photos
- Traffic crash report
- Car repair estimates
We know what insurance companies look for when they’re reviewing claims. Your Warwick rear-end accident attorney will work hard to recover a fair settlement amount that pays for all your losses. We know the suffering you endured and believe the at-fault party should be held liable. You can count on us to use aggressive negotiating tactics and fight for the justice you deserve.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Accidents
Many accidents that involve a rear impact happen when the rear driver is speeding. The force of the collision jolts vehicle occupants forward or propels them through the windshield if they’re not wearing their seatbelt. Many victims endure severe injuries that require months of physical therapy and other forms of treatment.
The most common injuries sustained in rear-end collisions include:
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Ejection injuries
- Crush injuries
- Concussion
- Neck and back injuries
Any injury can cause future complications. A broken bone that does not heal properly could cause chronic pain. A traumatic brain injury could lead to permanent disability. Some victims lose their ability to work because of their physical or mental impairments. Others have to spend money on assistance with daily tasks or caring for their family.
Accident victims must also face the financial strain that accompanies many car accidents. At the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd., we want to ensure you don’t have to pay for someone else’s recklessness. We will pursue the at-fault motorist and their insurance company, so you receive the monetary award you need to cover your medical bills and other costs associated with the crash.
Damages Available After a Rear-End Car Accident
Rear-end collision victims might file an insurance claim to see if they can negotiate a fair settlement with the help of their Warwick car accident attorney. Under Rhode Island’s fault system, the party that caused the crash is automatically liable for the injured party’s damages.
Damages are the total losses suffered from an accident. Economic damages are actual expenses, while non-economic damages are physical and emotional pain. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company to pursue the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Disability
- Property damage
Even though state law requires all motorists to hold auto insurance with liability coverage, you could encounter someone without insurance. If the person who caused your rear-end accident doesn’t carry liability insurance, you might be able to file a claim with your insurance carrier.
Uninsured motorist (UM) is a form of coverage that provides compensation to the injured party if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. The following damages are available in a UM claim:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and earning capacity
You could also file a lawsuit against the other driver if they don’t have liability insurance. If you want to sue someone for compensation for your damages, you must follow the statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a strict deadline for bringing legal action against another person. Rhode Island follows a three-year statute. That means you have three years from the rear-end accident date to file suit, or you will lose your right to do so in court.
Economic and non-economic damages are available in a lawsuit. There’s also a third type known as punitive damages. Instead of compensating the victim for their damages, it’s a punishment issued against the at-fault party. It’s also a rare financial award. A jury will only decide the plaintiff deserves punitive damages if there’s evidence that the defendant acted with wantonness, willfulness, or malice.
Schedule a Free Consultation with the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd.
Our Warwick rear-end accident attorneys are ready to take your call and meet with you for a free consultation. There is no risk to discuss the details of your case and determine the available legal options. If you retain our services, we won’t expect upfront payment. We work on contingency, which means we don’t collect our legal fees or costs unless we win compensation for our clients.
We have been representing accident victims for more than 50 years. In that time, we have been able to build a superior reputation. We have received recognition from prestigious legal organizations, such as the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers, and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Partner and Founder Ronald J. Resmini also holds the highest AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
If you were the victim of a rear-end collision, trust your future to the dedicated legal team from the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. Our Warwick rear-end accident attorneys will fight hard for the maximum financial compensation you deserve and get you on the road to recovery. Call (401) 751-8855 for a free consultation.
