If you or a loved one were injured in a rear-end accident in California, trust the experienced personal injury professionals at MI ABOGADO ®. We will fight relentlessly so you can see justice and maximize your settlement.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents account for the majority of vehicle crashes that occur each year. California has around 200,000 car crashes each year, the majority of which are rear-end collisions.
While rear-end accidents generally result in comparatively-less severe injuries, their impact is far from negligible. Even at low speeds, a rear-end accident can lead to serious injuries with a lifelong impact. In fact, rear-end accidents account for 7.1% of all fatal car accidents across the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Following a car accident, you should be focusing on your recovery. However, insurance companies don’t have the same point of view. With dedicated investigators and legal teams, they will fight hard to undervalue your claim to avoid paying out what you deserve for your losses. That’s why you need an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight even harder for you and your best interests.
Common Causes of California Rear-End Accidents
A rear-end accident occurs when the front of one car crashes into the back of another. Typically, this is because the driver behind doesn’t have enough space or time to stop their vehicle when the car in front of them comes to a stop.
Common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Tailgating
- Stopping short or suddenly
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding, especially in an attempt to beat a yellow light
- Rubbernecking
- Limited visibility
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Vehicle malfunction, including defective breaks
There is an unfortunate misconception that the driver who rear-ends the other is always at fault, but that is not always the case. The car in front, and third-party motorists, can also contribute to the accident.
California Rear-End Accident Law
Car accident law in California can be unnecessarily confusing. It’s difficult to navigate without advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. The statute of limitations, or deadline to file a case, is two years from the date of the accident or the discovery of the injuries.
Negligence is the cornerstone of any personal injury case. In order to establish negligence, you must demonstrate that four elements existed.
- The driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle in a safe manner using reasonable caution and obeying traffic laws.
- The driver breached that duty of care.
- The driver’s breach caused the accident.
- The accident caused your injuries and losses.
Under California law, even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover for your losses. California is an at-fault state, meaning a value, or percentage of fault, is assigned to each person involved, and you can collect the value of the other person’s fault. That means that if you were 10% at fault in the accident, and the other driver was 90% at fault, and your claim is valued at, say, $10,000, you could recover $9,000 worth of damages.
Typical Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents typically occur at a low speed, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Whiplash can occur in accidents at a speed of even 5 MPH.
Some common injuries that result from rear-end accidents include:
- Airbag and seatbelt injuries
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Bruises
- Whiplash and similar neck injuries
- Concussion
- Chest injuries
- Bone fractures
- Back and spine injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Mental and emotional traumas such as anxiety conditions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm MI ABOGADO ® Can Help You
With over a quarter of a million clients served, and a 96% success rate, MI ABOGADO ® is experienced in the field of personal injury law, and our accomplishments have been lauded by many prestigious organizations. We understand that, following a rear-end accident, the last thing you want or need to be dedicating your valuable time and energy to is arguing with uncooperative insurance companies. Your recovery needs to be your first priority.
As a boutique law firm, we offer our clients timely, responsive, and effective services. Founding Attorney Javaheri worked for a big law firm, and he didn’t like the way clients were treated. That’s why he founded MI ABOGADO ®. Unlike big law firms, where clients are routed through an endless maze of support staff before reaching (if they even ever do reach) their actual attorney, who probably has passed their case off to a paralegal or inexperienced associate, Attorney Javaheri and his team take a personal interest in every client and every case. We also limit the number of cases we take to ensure we can be responsive and available to every client who trusts MI ABOGADO ® for their legal services.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today
Attorney Javaheri and the team at MI ABOGADO ® believe that, after a car accident, with medical bills and lost wages weighing heavily, you shouldn’t be burdened with upfront fees in order to see justice for your losses. That’s why we take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis. We don’t take a penny from you until you see your rightful settlement.
Our firm is proud to serve clients across the state of California. While our office is located in Los Angeles, we have implemented sophisticated technology and have a vast network of trusted professionals across the state. This allows us to serve clients from San Diego to San Jose.
Contact us today. We offer free consultations and free second opinions. Let us get started fighting for you, your best interests, and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common injuries in a rear-end accident?
The most common injuries in a rear-end accident include whiplash, back and neck injuries, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Am I always at fault for a rear-end accident in California?
In California, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is usually considered at fault for the accident. However, there are some situations where the driver who was rear-ended may be partially or fully at fault, such as if they suddenly stopped or swerved without warning. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
What happens if you get rear-ended and the person doesn’t have insurance?
If you are rear-ended by an uninsured driver in California, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. You may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver personally, although the recovery may be limited if they do not have insurance.
How long does it take to settle a rear-end car accident claim in California?
The length of time it takes to settle a rear-end car accident claim in California can vary depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Some cases can be resolved quickly, while others may take months or even years to litigate. Factors that can impact the timeline include the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the legal and factual issues, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end car accident in Los Angeles, contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We can help you understand your legal options, protect your rights, and maximize your recovery.