Sacramento Rear End Collisions Accident Lawyer

One of the most common types of traffic accidents in the United States is rear-end collisions, and it’s no different in Sacramento, California. Such accidents can leave you injured, mentally disturbed, and in serious financial distress. Dealing with legal proceedings of vehicle accidents is daunting, especially when recovering from your injury. In such challenging times, victims need a dedicated legal advocate. Sacramento rear end collision lawyers at J.G. Winter Law are specialists, standing up for the rights of those impacted.

Our experienced legal team assists victims in navigating the complexities of the aftermath of a rear-end collision. Our rear-end collision lawyers in Sacramento guide you on how to claim compensation and ensure your rights are protected.

What Is A Rear End Collision In Terms Of Car Accident?

Rear-end collisions are car accidents where one vehicle crashes into the one directly in front. Given their nature, they are most common in heavily trafficked areas and traffic lights where vehicles frequently slow down or stop. The speed at which these accidents occur varies, but even a low-speed collision can cause substantial harm due to the sudden jolt the occupants experience. A Sacramento rear end collision attorney understands the unique dynamics of these accidents and can provide invaluable guidance in the aftermath.

Rear End Crashes Or Collisions Causes

It’s essential to identify the root causes of rear-end collisions. Understanding the reason, the parties involved can pinpoint who is at fault and, therefore, legally liable for damages. Let’s take a look at some common rear-end crash causes.

Distracted Driving

Distraction behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions. It involves taking a driver’s attention away from the road, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or changing radio stations. A distracted driver may fail to notice that the vehicle in front of them has slowed or stopped, resulting in a collision.

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to safely steer around curves or objects in the roadway. It extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. High speeds make a crash more likely because it takes longer to stop or slow down. They can also make collisions more deadly because crash energy increases as you go faster.

Tailgating

Tailgating (following too closely behind another vehicle) significantly contributes to rear-end accidents. If the car ahead stops suddenly and when drivers do not maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, they may not have enough time to react and avoid a crash.

Drunk Driving

When drivers are drunk or under the influence of drugs, their reaction times are significantly slower, and their judgment is impaired. They may fail to recognize when a car ahead of them slows or stops, leading to a rear-end collision.

Poor Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or icy roads, can reduce visibility and cause the roadway to become slippery. They make it more challenging for drivers to see and stop in time to prevent a collision.

Rear End Collision Injuries

A variety of injuries can occur in rear-end collisions. Some may be minor, such as scrapes and bruises, but others can be severe and life-altering. Below are listed some common rear-end collision injuries.

• Whiplash: It is the most common injury in rear-end collisions. The sudden impact of these accidents can cause the head and neck to jerk forward and backward, resulting in soft tissue damage in the neck and upper back.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, rear-end collisions can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. The impact can cause the spine to compress or even fracture.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when the head jolts or strikes an object violently during the collision. They can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Fractures: The force of the collision can cause various fractures, particularly in the limbs, if braced against the steering wheel or dashboard at the moment of impact.
  Internal Injuries: Rear-end collisions can also cause internal injuries to organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver, as well as internal bleeding.

Who Is Responsible (At Fault) In A Rear End Accident?

Generally, in California, the driver who hits another car from behind is considered at fault in a rear-end collision. However, there might be exceptions where the front driver’s negligence could have contributed to the accident. Determining who is at fault in a rear-end collision isn’t always straightforward. Consulting with an experienced rear end collision attorney in Sacramento can help determine the liable party. Below are listed three potential responsible parties in a rear-end accident.

The Driver of the Rear Vehicle, The driver of the rear vehicle is often found to be at fault in rear-end collisions. This is because every driver is responsible for maintaining a safe following distance that allows enough time and space to react to sudden stops or changes in speed by the vehicle in front.

The Driver of the Front Vehicle, Sometimes, the front vehicle driver may be partially or fully liable. This could happen if they suddenly reversed, stopped abruptly without a valid reason, or their vehicle lights were not working.

Vehicle Manufacturer or Mechanic, A defect or failure of a vehicle’s parts may also cause a rear-end collision. If it is proven that a deficiency led to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or mechanic who last serviced the vehicle could be liable.

Sacramento, California Vehicle Code For Rear End Collision

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21703 states that a driver must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. A violation of this code can be deemed negligence and therefore be used as evidence of liability in a rear-end collision case.

What Damages And Compensation Can Be Recovered In Rear End Collisions?

Victims of rear-end collisions can face physical and emotional trauma and financial burdens due to medical expenses and loss of income. California law allows victims to claim compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable monetary losses that result directly from the accident. These damages compensate for out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses related to the collision. Some of the most common economic damages include:

• Medical bills: This includes the cost of hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, surgeries, medication, and any future medical expenses related to the collision.
• Lost wages: If the victim misses work due to injuries sustained in the collision, they can claim compensation for the income lost during that period.
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects the victim’s ability to work, they can claim for future income loss.
• Property damage: It includes the cost to repair or replace a vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the collision.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that are more subjective and harder to quantify than economic damages. These can vary greatly depending on the individual case. Here are some examples:

• Pain and suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
• Emotional distress: This compensates for the psychological impact of the collision, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This compensates for the reduction in a victim’s ability to enjoy the everyday activities they used to enjoy before the accident.
• Loss of consortium: Spouses can claim this damage for the loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations following a severe injury to their partner.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, unlike economic and non-economic damages, are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. These damages are not awarded in every case but only when the liable party’s conduct was extraordinarily negligent or intentional. For instance, a drunk driver who causes a rear-end collision may be subject to punitive damages to deter such behavior in the future.