If you are already parked at a stoplight and a car rear ends you while you are patiently waiting for the light to turn green, the chances are the accident won’t be your fault. This means a personal injury lawyer is likely to take up your case as long as there is clear evidence proving that you weren’t in some way responsible for the accident. The car most likely didn’t stop in time due to the driver failing to pay attention and was busy doing something else like talking or texting on a mobile phone.
Damages You May Be Entitled to If Hit By a Car at a Stop Light
A rear end accident at a stop light could be quite serious depending on how fast the at-fault driver was driving at the time. Also, the driver who is stopped could be taken by surprise, causing some quite serious injuries like whiplash and neck injuries when his or her head is thrown backwards and forwards. So the damages you may be able to claim include:
- damage to your car;
- the cost of all your medical treatment;
- compensation for wages lost while recovering;
- an amount calculated for pain and suffering which typically depends on how serious the injuries are.
Evidence You May Require if Hit by a Car at a Stop Light
If the accident took place at a busy intersection there may be a security camera recording you can access which shows the accident taking place. Also, a police report may be available for you to look at and get a copy. You can take photos of the accident scene as well.
Eye witness’ accounts help to prove who or what caused the accident. Receipts showing the medical treatment you have received for your injuries are useful too. You will need the receipt for the damage repair to your car and lastly an assessment of your lost wages compiled by your employer.
Will a Lawyer Take My Case?
Most PI lawyers will assess your case first before agreeing to take your case. All personal injury claims are limited by the statute of limitations in force in your state which are typically 2 or 3 years from the date of the accident. Your PI lawyer will be aware of this and will ensure your claim is filed well before the deadline.
It’s possible to win a satisfactory settlement if all the evidence is clearly documented for your personal injury lawyer to use in your favor. Insurers always try to pick holes in evidence and are worse at doing this if you decide to file the PI claim on your own.
That’s why it’s so important to get a PI lawyer to work on your behalf and get a settlement that relieves your financial hardship when you were hit at a stop light that wasn’t your fault. Fill in the Free Case Evaluation form above and get your personal injury claim moving before it’s too late.
