Helping Victims of Rear-End Collisions in Baton Rouge
When you are driving, you expect the drivers around you to be paying attention to the road and to be driving safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many drivers are distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they can easily cause a rear-end collision. These accidents can cause serious injuries to the victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation. At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve. Our Baton Rouge rear-end collision attorney can help you file a personal injury claim in Baton Rouge and fight for your rights.
Call (225) 999-1111 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Baton Rouge rear-end collision lawyer.
Why Choose Us?
- We only practice personal injury law. Our firm’s entire focus is on this area of law, and we know it inside and out.
- Our Baton Rouge motor vehicle accident attorneys are dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation and have recovered over $10 billion for our clients.
- We have handled thousands of car accident cases and know how to prove causation, liability, and the full value of damages.
When you schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, we are confident you will find that Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys is the right choice for your Baton Rouge rear-end accident case.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. It’s one of the most common types of car accidents. Several factors can contribute to rear-end collisions:
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle doesn’t allow enough time to react if the front vehicle slows down or stops suddenly.
- Distracted Driving: Being distracted by cell phones, adjusting the radio, eating, or any other activity that takes attention away from the road can lead to a driver not noticing the vehicle in front slowing or stopping.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces the time a driver has to react to changing traffic conditions, leading to a higher chance of rear-end collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can decrease visibility and reduce traction, making it harder to stop in time.
- Sudden Stops: If the front vehicle brakes unexpectedly due to a hazard or traffic situation, the following vehicle might not have enough time to stop.
- Faulty Brakes or Vehicle Malfunctions: Mechanical issues with a vehicle’s brakes or other components can prevent a driver from stopping in time.
- Driver Fatigue or Impairment: Being tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise impaired can slow reaction times and increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
These collisions can vary in severity, ranging from minor fender benders to more serious accidents causing significant damage and injuries.
Typical Rear-End Accident Injuries
If you were rear-ended while driving, you may suffer a variety of injuries. Some of the most common types of rear-end accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries – These injuries occur when your head is jerked violently during a crash which can result in injuries to your neck muscles and connective tissues.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences. Some common rear-end spinal cord injuries include compression fractures, herniated discs, and nerve damage. These injuries can leave you with permanent mobility problems and chronic pain.
- Traumatic brain injuries – A TBI can have catastrophic effects. It is important to watch for signs of a brain injury after a rear-end accident. Some symptoms of TBI include seizures, worsening headaches, confusion, slurring speech, and memory loss.
- Broken bones – A rear-end accident can easily result in broken bones from the force of impact.
Sadly, some rear-end accidents cause fatal injuries. However, even if you think your injuries are not severe, you should be evaluated by a doctor. Many serious injuries are not immediately apparent.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Collision?
In Louisiana, liability in a rear-end collision typically falls on the driver who rear-ended the vehicle in front. This is because drivers are generally expected to maintain a safe following distance and be able to stop or slow down safely if the vehicle in front brakes or stops suddenly. The presumption is that the driver behind did not maintain a safe distance or was not paying adequate attention.
However, there are situations where liability might be shared or the driver in front could be partially at fault. For instance:
Sudden and Unexpected Stops: If the front driver made an abrupt and unexpected stop without a valid reason, such as stopping unnecessarily or intentionally causing the accident, they might share some liability.
Faulty Brake Lights: If the rear driver couldn’t see brake lights due to the front vehicle’s malfunctioning brake lights, it could impact liability.
Multiple Vehicle Collision: In cases where a series of rear-end collisions occur due to an initial collision, determining liability might involve multiple parties.
Contributory Negligence: Louisiana follows the comparative fault rule. If the driver in front contributed to the accident by acting negligently, their degree of fault might reduce the damages they can recover.
Insurance companies, police reports, eyewitness accounts, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts help determine liability. However, the presumption of fault usually lies with the rear driver. Each case is unique, so liability can vary based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Do I Have a Good Case?
If you were injured because another driver rear-ended the car you were driving or were a passenger in, you probably do have a good case. In almost all rear-end accidents, the driver who strikes the back of another vehicle is found to be at fault. However, in some cases, the lead driver may also be partially at fault.
Even if you are found to be partially at fault, you can still recover damages from the other at-fault parties. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Our Baton Rouge rear end accident lawyers work hard to avoid having any percentage of fault assigned to you and to maximize your compensation.
Most car accident injury cases are based on negligence. To have a successful negligence claim, you need to prove four elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty of care by their negligent actions or inactions.
- The defendant’s negligent action or inaction caused your accident.
- You suffered actual damages.
Our Baton Rouge rear end collision lawyer at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys has the experience, skills, and resources to prove every element of negligence and to prove the full value of your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492.1 provides the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including car accident personal injury claims.
If your accident happened on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, if your accident happened before July 1, 2024, you only have one year to bring a personal injury claim.
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations so you must consult an experienced Baton Rouge rear-end accident lawyer to determine your filing deadline.
Additionally, the two-year deadline does not apply to wrongful death or survival actions. If you lost a loved one in a car accident and have the right to bring a wrongful death or survival action, you only have one year from the date of your loved one’s death to file those claims.
What Will A Baton Rouge Rear End Collision Attorney Do For My Case?
Hiring a lawyer after a rear-end collision can offer several benefits. Here are some advantages of working with an experienced rear-end accident lawyer:
- Knowledgeable Legal Assistance: An experienced car accident injury attorney understands the nuances of the law and can navigate the legal process efficiently on your behalf.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: They will conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, and any necessary expert opinions to build a strong case.
- Determining Liability: Establishing fault can sometimes be complex. A car accident injury attorney will
- Maximizing Compensation: A good car accident injury attorney will fight to recover fair compensation for you. This includes pursuing damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses resulting from the accident.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. An attorney will handle all communications with insurers, advocating for your best interests and preventing you from being taken advantage of by insurance adjusters.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, an attorney will represent you in court.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. By letting experienced attorney handle the legal aspects, you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind, knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Contact us today at (225) 999-1111 to let our Baton Rouge rear end collision lawyer hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and maximize your entitled compensation from insurers.