Being in a rear-end accident can be confusing and stressful, especially if you have suffered injuries. Doctor visits, time lost from work, and mounting bills can add to your stress. Fortunately, a rear-end accident lawyer at the Law Office of Aaron Herbert can guide you through the compensation claim process and protect your rights.
Why Hire a Texas Rear-End Accident Attorney?
If you were injured in a rear-end accident, hiring a lawyer can help make the legal process easier for you to navigate. Here are a few top reasons you should consider hiring a rear-end accident attorney after a rear-end accident in Texas.
Experience with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are for-profit organizations whose goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. An experienced Texas rear-end accident attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to help you more effectively fight for the compensation you deserve.
Knowledge of Applicable Laws
Rear-end accident cases can be complex, but an experienced car accident attorney will understand the relevant laws and how they apply to your case. Your attorney will be able to provide you with valuable advice and help protect your rights during every stage of the legal process.
Ability to Build a Strong Liability Argument
Proving who is at fault in a rear-end accident can be difficult. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence and interview witnesses to support your claim.
Peace of Mind
Navigating the aftermath of a rear-end accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can build your case and negotiate on your behalf so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
What Causes Most Rear-End Accidents?
What causes most rear-end accidents? Rear-end accidents can happen for many different reasons. However, there are a few common causes of these types of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road, they are engaging in distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous because a distracted driver might not react in time to changes in traffic and cause an accident. Texting, talking on the phone, and checking a GPS are three examples of distracted driving.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of rear-end accidents. When someone drives too fast for the conditions, they might not have enough time to stop before colliding with another vehicle.
Following Too Closely
Rear-end accidents often occur when one vehicle is following another vehicle too closely. These types of collisions often happen when a driver is in a hurry or is simply not paying attention.
Sudden Stops
Any sudden stop can lead to a rear-end collision because other drivers do not have time to stop safely. For example, a driver who slams on their brakes to avoid a hazard might find themself the victim of a rear-end accident if the driver behind them does not have time to stop.
Adverse Weather
Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make it more challenging to see the road and react to changes in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end accident. Additionally, when the road is slick, tires can lose traction, which can cause vehicles to collide.
How Much Is a Rear-End Accident Worth?
How much is a rear-end accident worth? The amount of compensation you can receive after a rear-end accident depends on several factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, and whether the other driver was at fault.
Some common types of compensation that you may be eligible to receive are explained below.
Medical Expenses
You may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and diagnostic tests. Compensation for medical expenses can include your past medical bills and future medical expenses related to your injury.
Lost Wages
If you had to miss work due to your injuries or to visit your doctor or physical therapist, you can seek compensation for lost wages. Be sure to save your pay stubs to help support your claim for lost wages.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, and other non-monetary losses. These damages are the most difficult to quantify because there’s no accompanying financial loss. An experienced lawyer can help you calculate a fair amount for your noneconomic damages.
Property Damage
If your vehicle suffered damage in the accident, you might be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement. You can also seek compensation for personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as your phone or other items that were in your car.
Future Expenses
If your injuries are long-lasting or permanent, you may be able to receive compensation for future expenses, such as:
- Expected medical bills,
- Long-term rehabilitation,
- Future loss of earning capacity, and
- Necessary modifications to your home.
The compensation you receive will depend on the specifics of your case. An experienced Texas rear-end accident attorney can help you calculate a fair settlement value and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve.
What to Do in a Rear-End Accident?
What to do in a rear-end accident? The steps you take following a car accident can help you protect your rights and help prevent you from inadvertently jeopardizing your case. You should take the following steps after a rear-end accident:
- Seek medical attention. If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention immediately. That will help you get the treatment you need and create a record of your injuries to support your claim.
- Report the accident. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Be sure to get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information, and take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
- Be cautious of what you say. Don’t admit fault for the accident to the other driver, the police, or the insurance company. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as you taking responsibility for causing the accident.
- Hire a Texas rear-end accident attorney. Consider hiring an experienced rear-end accident lawyer to represent you. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and advocate for you.
- Keep records. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This information will be valuable when you are negotiating a settlement or pursuing a claim in court.
If you were in a rear-end accident, the Law Office of Aaron Herbert can review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rear-End Accident?
How long does it take to settle a rear-end accident? The length of time it takes to settle a rear-end accident can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle.
Some rear-end accident cases can be resolved within a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer to resolve. Hiring a lawyer can streamline the process and help speed up the potential settlement timeline. However, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
The Law Office of Aaron Herbert Can Help You
If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses. The Law Office of Aaron Herbert has years of experience helping car accident victims hold the drivers responsible for their injuries accountable.
Aaron Herbert is a tenacious rear-end accident lawyer who will protect your best interests at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. If you were injured in a rear-end accident, contact the Law Office of Aaron Herbert to schedule an initial consultation so that we can help you seek justice.