Rear end accidents are some of the most common vehicle accidents. They tend not to be as severe as front end or side on accidents, but can nevertheless cause serious injuries.
Most rear end accidents are caused by inconsiderate or negligent drivers getting too close behind you and then failing to stop in time when you have to brake or slow down quickly. Sometimes it is because their brakes fail.
Transportation drivers are often in a hurry to get to a customer or carry someone to wherever they want to go, so are quite often involved in rear end and other accidents. If you have been injured in such an accident, you may find it helpful to discuss the accident with a personal injury attorney before filing a claim for compensation.
Injuries From a Rear End Accident
Rear end accidents typically cause injuries that are identifiable because of the way the two vehicles have collided. The most common injury is whiplash. This injury is caused when a driver is thrown forwards suddenly. His or her neck is forced forwards, then backwards like a whip.
It can cause severe pain and last for many weeks or linger for longer in its chronic form. Because neck injuries like whiplash are so painful, the injured victim may need to stay away from work until the injury starts to heal.
Process for Filing a PI Claim for a Rear End Accident With a Ride Sharing Vehicle
The normal process after a rear end accident is to file a claim for compensation with the insurer of the driver who has rear ended you. Even though the driver is working with the other party, they may not be liable unless the driver was carrying a passenger at the time.
In that case, you may need to file your claim directly. If the driver was not carrying a passenger at the time, then he or she should have their own liability insurance, which is a requirement by some ride sharing services.
You then need to file your claim with the driver’s own insurer, providing supporting evidence that proves that the driver was at fault.
Why you Need a PI Attorney
Personal injury claims after a rear end accident should be straightforward as 9 times out of 10 the accident is caused by the driver behind. However, in practice, claims are not as easy as they should be.
It is important to submit claims with sufficient evidence of negligence and details of your injury and what you are claiming for. A personal injury attorney can help you with the legal process of submitting a claim.
Additional Resources
- Am I Protected by Insurance If I Am Hit By a Lyft Driver?
- Top Reasons to Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
*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 Lyft, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
