Rear end accidents can drastically alter your life, even if it is just temporary. Typical rear end crash injuries like whiplash may take many months, and sometimes years, to heal.
It is rare for rear end accidents to be the fault of the driver in front. If you have been hit in the rear by a large truck, any sort of truck, you and any passengers would be lucky not to suffer some sort of significant injury.
It is your right to file a personal injury claim if the driver of the truck was at fault. You may need a personal injury attorney to advise you and help you negotiate fair compensation for any financial losses you have suffered as the result of the crash.
How a Rear Ended Truck Accident Could Take Place
Rear end accidents are primarily caused by vehicles that are too close behind the vehicle in front. There are several reasons why a driver may fail to keep a safe distance from another vehicle, such as:
- The driver was suffering from fatigue
- The driver was distracted and therefore failed to exercise due caution
- The driver was intoxicated or affected by drugs or medication
- The driver was attempting to pass and was acting impatiently
- The vehicle had defective components, particularly unsafe tires or brakes
Possible Rear End Car Accident Injuries
The most common injury caused by a rear end collision is whiplash and other related neck injuries. These are caused by the sudden impact which causes the driver’s head (or other passengers) to jerk forwards, then backwards, damaging the muscles and joints between the neck vertebrae.
Sometimes, these potentially chronically painful injuries do not actually reveal themselves for some time after the actual crash. They may also be hard to diagnose exactly. Anyone not wearing a seat belt or sitting in the back of the car if the vehicle is severely hit may suffer other injuries to their face, chest, and skull.
What You Can Do to Recover Damages
As with any personal injury claim, you will need to show proof of negligence, the extent of the damage to your vehicle, the injuries caused, and a clear link between the accident and the injuries caused.
Why You Should Use an Attorney to Help You With a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury attorney can help you decide whether it is sensible to go ahead with a claim against the driver or the company itself, as well as how you should go about doing so. Personal injury claims are never easy or straightforward, and there is pressure on you with a claim to get it filed within a shorter time frame than usual. That’s when an attorney’s experience can really make a difference.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against the USPS, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
