Rear-end collisions can happen in an instant, leaving you little opportunity to avoid the crash or protect yourself from injury. Even at relatively low speeds, the force of impact can cause painful injuries, vehicle damage, and lasting physical complications that disrupt your daily life.
Unfortunately, recovering compensation after a rear-end crash is not always straightforward. Insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injuries or attempt to minimize your claim. At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we help individuals injured in rear-end car accidents in Birmingham understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the compensation they deserve. Reach out to learn more from a skilled car accident attorney.
Rear-End Impacts and How They Happen
Drivers may hit another car from behind because they were:
- Driving too fast to stop
- Tailgating the driver in front
- Intoxicated, impairing their judgment
- Handling the car poorly in challenging conditions
- Texting or otherwise distracted
Although many people assume that the rear driver is at fault for the accident, that is not always true. A Birmingham driver may brake suddenly, change lanes without enough space, or otherwise make it impossible to avoid a collision with the rear of their car.
Common Injuries After a Collision
A rear-end auto wreck can leave Birmingham drivers with severe injuries, including chronic pain and long-term disabilities, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord fractures, and nerve damage. Damage to soft tissue, muscles, ligaments, and nerves can lead to whiplash and other disorders.
Together with the cost of emergency treatment, victims can face long courses of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Injured people may also require mobility aids and adaptive technology. As they recover, they may be unable to work. Depending on their circumstances, some people may not be able to return to their previous role.
How Can Survivors Claim Compensation?
Birmingham drivers can file an insurance claim after a rear-end car crash, but the process can be challenging. Although some accident claims may be covered by a driver's optional coverage, these rarely cover all expenses. In addition, Alabama's contributory negligence law can make it very difficult to file a claim against another driver.
In most cases, if a survivor is not entirely without fault in an accident, they cannot pursue a claim for damages against the other person involved. There are a few exceptions for accident victims, however.
For example, reckless behavior could make a motorist responsible for the injuries in an accident, regardless of the other driver’s fault. When a driver has what the law refers to as “the last clear chance” to avoid a collision, they may also be responsible for the resulting injuries. Our attorneys could help investigate an accident and determine what evidence may support a claim.
Call Our Birmingham Team After a Rear-End Car Crash
The survivors of rear-end car accidents in Birmingham do not always get the representation they need to manage the insurance claims process with a fair outcome. Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys is a local firm with national resources, and we know your claim deserves respect.
Contact us today to review what happened and find out how we can help. It is important to act promptly, as insurance policy deadlines and laws may affect your ability to pursue a claim.
