Rear End Accident Lawyer Easton and Behlehem, PA
Practice Areas
The Easton rear-end accident lawyer team at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy is dedicated to providing legal services to rear-end accident victims throughout Lehigh Valley, PA. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, often leading to major vehicle damage, serious injuries, or even fatalities. These car crashes can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and long-term medical complications, making determining fault crucial in personal injury cases. Our Easton rear-end collision lawyer group is equipped with the understanding needed to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been rear-ended in Easton or surrounding areas, do not hesitate to seek legal support.
Our law firm offers a free consultation, and our car accident lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no legal fees unless we secure a fair settlement or jury award in your personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, call 610-258-9955 today to learn about your legal rights and options.
What is a Rear End Collision?
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle. These automobile accidents can happen in slow-moving traffic and on major highways. Despite their commonality, the impact of a rear-end collision can be significant, leading to major injuries, vehicle problems, and substantial financial burdens for the victims.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision or have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, an Easton rear-end accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help ensure the other driver is held accountable.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries in Lehigh Valley
Rear-end collisions can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the force of impact and the circumstances of the rear-end car crash. Some of the most common injuries sustained in rear-end collisions in Easton and the broader Lehigh Valley area include:
Serious Whiplash
Our personal injury lawyers often see whiplash cases resulting from rear-end collisions, as most car accidents that are severe cause neck injuries. A neck injury occurs when the body is forcefully thrown forward, straining the neck muscles and soft tissues. In severe cases, the impact can result in hitting the steering wheel, worsening the trauma and leading to chronic pain and restricted movement. Victims may be entitled to whiplash injury compensation in Pennsylvania to cover medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation. A whiplash lawyer in Easton, PA, can help pursue fair compensation and hold the other driver accountable.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Our Easton rear-end accident lawyer group knows how rear-end crashes can cause spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs, whiplash, and nerve damage, leading to chronic pain and costly medical bills. The impact strains neck muscles, worsening the damage and long-term injuries. Car accident victims may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for their pain and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys can help secure compensation. To learn about legal options for your car accident case, speak with our Easton spinal cord injury attorneys today.
Brain Injuries
Easton rear-end collision lawyers know that brain injuries from car accidents can happen when a victim’s head strikes the steering wheel, headrest, or dashboard, causing concussions or more severe trauma. A car accident brain injury in Lehigh Valley can cause memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive impairments, with many victims requiring long-term medical attention. Filing a personal injury claim is essential for accident victims with brain injuries to secure compensation for medical bills and loss of earning capacity. Still, insurance companies often dispute insurance claims, making legal representation essential. A skilled car accident attorney can fight for maximum financial recovery. Call our Easton brain injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Easton rear-end accident lawyers know that the impact of a rear-end crash can cause major body trauma, leading to broken bones, bruises, and other serious injuries. Car accident victims may suffer from hand injuries in car accidents in Lehigh Valley, along with wrist, rib, or leg fractures that require surgery and extensive recovery. When an at-fault party causes broken bone injuries, victims have the right to collect damages for medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation costs. A skilled car accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve. If you have suffered a fracture in a crash, seek legal support from an Easton bone fracture attorney from our law firm today.
Internal Injuries
Our Easton rear-end collision lawyer group knows that rear-end crashes can cause internal bleeding and other hidden injuries, even if victims initially feel fine. The impact of the crash can damage organs, leading to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as delays in getting proper medical care can worsen the condition over time. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have legal rights and may be able to seek compensation for medical attention costs and lost pay. A dedicated car accident lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation. Contact an Easton internal injury lawyer for legal guidance today.
Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents in Bethlehem and Easton, PA
Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence, and rear-end crashes in Lehigh Valley are a frequent occurrence on busy roads. Understanding the common causes of rear-end collisions is critical for both preventing accidents and determining liability.
A trailing driver may follow too closely, making it difficult to brake before hitting the other vehicle. In some rear-end collision cases, a lead driver may engage in brake checking, creating a dangerous situation.
These accidents often result in serious physical injuries. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, a rear-end accident lawyer in Easton, PA, can help you seek compensation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you obtain a fair settlement or jury award.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal concerns and next steps.
Distracted Driving
An Easton rear-end accident attorney knows that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of rear-end crashes, often resulting in drivers suffering injuries due to delayed reaction times. When a driver is texting, using a cell phone, or simply not paying attention, they may fail to stop in time, causing serious collisions. Minimizing distractions on the road is critical to preventing these accidents and reducing roadway dangers. If you were injured in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, a distracted driving accident attorney in Easton, PA, can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Speeding
Our Easton rear-end collision attorney group knows that speeding is a major factor in rear-end accidents, often leaving victims with common injuries that have lasting effects. Navigating the insurance claims process after a high-speed collision can be difficult, especially when insurance adjusters try to reduce payouts. If you’ve been injured in a speeding-related rear-end car accident, discuss your legal options with a speeding accident lawyer in Easton, PA.
Tailgating and Brake Checking
Following too closely reduces the distance between automobiles, making tailgating and brake checking two of the common causes of car accidents in Lehigh Valley. When the other driver suddenly slams on their brakes, or a tailgating driver fails to react quickly, a serious rear-end collision can occur. These car accidents often result in significant injuries and vehicle damage, leaving victims struggling with medical attention costs and lost income. An Easton rear-end accident lawyer can help prove fault and hold the negligent driver accountable. Our experienced car accident lawyers are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and can help you obtain the fair compensation you deserve.
Driving Under the Influence
An Easton rear-end collision lawyer knows that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times, often leading to rear-end accidents. Navigating insurance claims after these accidents can be challenging, as insurance companies often try to reduce payouts. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Easton, PA, can help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Vehicle Defects
Our rear-end accident lawyers in Bethlehem and Easton, PA often handle cases involving auto failures caused by defective vehicles. Faulty brakes, steering issues, or sensor malfunctions can prevent drivers from maintaining a safe distance, leading to crashes and serious injuries. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring vehicles remain in working condition to prevent accidents. If you’ve been injured due to a defective vehicle, consult a defective product lawyer in Easton, PA to explore your legal options.
Who is At Fault in a Rear End Collision in Pennsylvania?
In most rear-end collision cases, the trailing or rear driver, or the person who strikes the lead driver, is typically held liable. This is based on the premise that the trailing driver should maintain a safe following distance, allowing enough distance to stop safely and avoid a collision, regardless of how abruptly the lead driver slows down.
However, proving fault in a rear-end collision is not always straightforward. There are instances where the leading driver may share responsibility or even be primarily at fault for the accident.
For example, if the leading driver was engaging in negligent behavior – such as texting – or if they violated traffic laws – like failing to signal when changing lanes or stopping suddenly without cause – they share liability.
Cases involving malfunctioning brake lights on the lead driver’s vehicle can also complicate liability, as the other driver might not have been warned in time about the vehicle slowing down.
Given the complexity and the unique nuances of each car accident case, it is crucial for accident victims injured in a rear-end collision to consult with an experienced Easton car accident attorney. A skilled rear-end accident attorney can thoroughly investigate the car accident scene, calculate fair settlements, negotiate, and handle the insurance claims and legal process on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident or lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, contact our rear-end collision law firm in Easton, PA, for a free consultation to discuss your wrongful death or personal injury case.
Who is At Fault in a Rear End Collision Involving 3 Cars?
Determining fault in a three-car rear-end collision, or chain reaction accident, can be complex under Pennsylvania law due to potentially multiple at-fault parties and contributing factors. Typically, the last rear driver (Auto C) is presumed at fault for hitting the middle car (Auto B), which then rear-ends the lead driver(Auto A), as drivers are expected to maintain enough distance to stop safely.
However, Auto B may share the blame if it was following the lead driver (Auto A) too closely. Likewise, the lead driver (Auto A) may bear some responsibility if it made a sudden, unjustified stop (brake-checking). Other factors, such as road conditions, and other driver actions, also affect fault distribution.
Due to the complicated insurance claims process, gathering evidence and consulting a car accident attorney is crucial to ensure fair liability assessment and proper compensation.
Contact a rear-end accident lawyer in Easton, PA, for a free consultation.
Comparative Negligence in Rear-End Accidents in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that a driver can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% responsible. However, their payout is reduced by their percentage of liability. For example, if a driver is found 20% to blame, their total settlement will be reduced by 20%. If a driver is 51% or more at fault, they cannot obtain recovery. Because blame in rear-end collisions can be disputed, gathering evidence and consulting an Easton rear-end accident attorney is critical for proving negligence and maximizing compensation.
What is the Average Payout for a Rear End Collision in Lehigh Valley
The average rear-end collision settlement can vary widely based on the severity of the physical injuries, the extent of vehicle damage, and the circumstances of the car accident.
Minor collisions with no may result in a smaller rear-ended settlement or award, which primarily covers property damage and medical expenses. In contrast, collisions resulting in severe injuries or disability can lead to much larger settlements, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania operates under a unique choice no-fault system for auto insurance. In a no-fault system, drivers are compensated for minor injuries and lost wages by their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. However, with the option for traditional coverage, drivers can retain the right to sue the other driver for damages.Easton Rear End Collision Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries or property damage in a rear-end collision, navigating the complexities of legal claims and fighting to be compensated shouldn’t be a journey you take alone. The Easton personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy provide experienced legal representation to help clients during this challenging time. With a proven track record in handling a wide array of car accident cases, Edward P. Shaughnessy and his team are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected during the legal process and that justice is served. Reach out to the experienced Lehigh Valley rear-end accident lawyer group at our law firm to discuss your legal options. Take the first step towards pursuing compensation and obtaining the peace of mind you deserve. Call 610-258-9955 to schedule your free consultation with an Easton motor vehicle accident attorney.Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation!
