Seeking Compensation After a Rear-End Collision in Illinois

 Posted on August 13, 2019 in Car Accident

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur throughout the United States, each and every year. Unfortunately, many of these collisions can result in serious injury to those involved. Of the 1.7 million rear-end crashes each year, an average of 500,000 results in injury to a passenger. After suffering an injury in a rear-end collision, it is critically important to know what steps to take next. Seeking medical attention if necessary is first and foremost, then contacting a personal injury attorney is essential for recovering damages. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions, and how an individual can secure injury compensation in the aftermath of a crash. 

Common Rear-End Collision Injuries 

When seeking injury compensation in a personal injury case, the severity of the injuries suffered will play a significant role in how the judge ultimately decides the amount of compensation to be awarded. Whiplash, or a neck sprain, is the most common injury that occurs in rear-end collisions. The long-term symptoms of whiplash can range from headaches to neck stiffness and dizziness. In more severe cases, rear-end collisions can result in spinal fractures or traumatic brain injuries. A spinal fracture can leave a person unable to work and thus unable to provide for his or her family. Traumatic brain injuries can cause irreparable damage to the brain, and change a person’s life forever. 

Establishing Fault for the Accident

In order to secure compensation after a rear-end collision, one must be able to prove that the other driver involved in the accident was at fault for the accident. Fault can be established fairly easily in a rear-end crash, considering the fact that the vast majority of these types of crashes are caused by the motorist who was following directly behind. With a significant rise in distracted driving over the past few years, due in large part to the increased usage of smartphones, a large number of rear-end collisions are caused by a person texting while driving. In other cases, the fault may be established if the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the collision, or was traveling at unsafe speeds. 

Contact an Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer 

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we fully understand the way in which a motor vehicle collision can impact you and your entire family. Injuries suffered in a car accident can result in loss of work hours and crippling medical expenses. Recognizing this, our experienced legal team is prepared to aggressively represent you, as we seek to secure the injury compensation you deserve. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a compassionate Schaumburg personal injury attorney, call our office today at 847-797-8000.  

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-whiplash

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/?noredirect=on