It is one of the most common factual situations under which a car accident occurs: one car strikes the rear end of the car traveling in front of it in what is commonly known as a rear-end accident. Despite the frequency of these accidents, they are not a minor event: while some rear-end accidents will only result in property damage or minor injuries, others result in severe, disabling, and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Do not be lulled into a false sense of security after a rear-end collision – even if you have been involved in such crashes in the past, you may have suffered serious harm that will require prompt medical care to resolve and experienced legal representation to ensure you do not unnecessarily bear the financial costs of your injuries. Speak with an Ohio car accident lawyer at Groth & Associates, and allow us to help you take appropriate action following a rear-end collision in Ohio.
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COMMON INJURIES FOLLOWING A REAR-END CAR ACCIDENT IN OHIO
Even though each rear-end collision is unique, when injuries do occur they typically fall into the same general categories. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries which can result from the force of the accident making your head and neck move violently and suddenly forward and then backward (a “whiplash” type injury. Traumatic brain injuries that result in any loss of consciousness or loss of memory are particularly serious and should be evaluated right away.
- Neck and spine injuries. Minor spinal cord injuries can cause serious pain but may heal over time. Severe spinal cord injuries can result in temporary or permanent paralysis to parts of the body (depending on where the injury actually occurs).
- Internal trauma from the forces exerted on your muscles and organs. These internal injuries may not manifest any immediate signs or symptoms; however, if not treated properly, internal trauma can lead to life-threatening conditions.
One of the first steps you should take after being involved in a rear-end collision is to seek medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries you may have sustained in the crash. Emergency medical treatment should be sought if you were rendered unconscious, if you struck your head, or if you suffered or may have suffered a serious injury in the crash. However, even if you think you are okay you should still visit your doctor or an urgent care center as soon as possible.
WHO IS AT FAULT IN A REAR-END ACCIDENT
While it may seem like the driver of the car who strikes the other vehicle from the rear would be at fault in every rear-end collision, this is not always true. To be sure, there are many negligent or careless acts that the driver of a trailing car can commit that would result in a rear-end collision such as talking on a cellphone, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and/or following the vehicle ahead of him or her too closely.
Nonetheless, the driver of the vehicle that is hit from behind can also engage in careless behavior that contributes to the occurrence of a rear-end accident. The driver may, for example, fail to properly signal a turn or a stop and thereby decrease the likelihood that the driver behind him or her will be able to react in time to avoid an accident. Or the car that strikes the lead vehicle may have been pushed into the lead vehicle by yet another careless driver.
Therefore, in any rear-end collision it is always helpful to retain experienced legal counsel to help you identify all parties who may have played a role in causing your rear-end collision to help ensure you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that is possible. Your attorney can also help defeat arguments that you were the primary cause of the rear-end collision and should therefore be denied recovery.
CONTACT YOUR TOLEDO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS TODAY FOR ASSISTANCE
Any delay in seeking legal representation and counsel after an Ohio rear-end collision can make it more difficult for you to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you experienced in your rear-end collision. Important evidence and witnesses can become lost or unavailable, which in turn can significantly impact your ability to present a winning rear-end car crash case.
Groth & Associates has been helping Ohioans injured in rear-end collisions for years. Our firm knows the steps you need to take to secure monetary damages and to begin moving forward from your accident. Let us help you as well: contact our office to discuss your case today.