One of the most common types of car accidents is the rear-end collision. They happen when one car drives into the back of the car ahead of them.
Rear-end accidents are rarely fatal, but they can cause injuries that severely disrupt your life. Fortunately, you are entitled to appropriate compensation from the at-fault driver after a rear-end car accident in Tucson. Contact a local auto accident attorney from Phillips Law Group with decades of experience in the community to protect your rights and ensure you receive sufficient money to cover your damages.
What to Do When You are Involved in a Rear-End Collision
When a rear-end collision happens at low speeds, it often seems minor. There may be slight damage to one or both vehicles, and none of the vehicles’ occupants might seem injured. Drivers might be tempted to just exchange insurance information and not make a big deal out of the incident.
However, the wiser strategy is to call the police and report the accident. After all, there could be hidden damage to one or both vehicles. Without a police report, insurance companies are unlikely to pay to repair the damage.
More importantly, many injuries people might sustain in a rear-end collision do not produce symptoms for several hours or even days after the injury. Getting a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the crash is essential to rule out serious injury and begin treatment for less severe injuries. A Tucson attorney can use the police report of the rear-ending plus medical records generated soon afterward to support an injured motorist’s claim for compensation.
Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions in Tucson could cause severe injuries, especially when they happen at higher speeds. An occupant of the forward vehicle could be propelled into the windshield or dashboard and suffer facial injuries or traumatic brain damage. Airbags can cause injuries when they deploy. Someone could even be ejected from their vehicle and suffer life-altering injuries or even death.
Fortunately, most rear-end collisions happen at lower speeds, but injuries still occur. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common. Although they can be debilitating and cause significant distress for weeks or even months, soft tissue injuries are not apparent on most imaging exams. Doctors rely on a patient’s report of their symptoms to determine the severity of the injury and its treatment.
Insurance companies often aggressively dispute claims for compensation for soft tissue injuries and might deny payment. Our team is not afraid to take a case to court and utilize our connections and resources to fight for what you need.
Act Quickly After an Accident
Most insurance policies contain a provision that requires prompt reporting. A driver involved in an accident should report it to their insurance company immediately. If they are injured, they should report it as soon as they are sufficiently recovered to do so.
Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542 requires an injured person to file a lawsuit within two years of the incident that harmed them. The wisest course of action is to engage a Tucson attorney immediately after a rear-end accident. Our team can investigate the incident, determine whether there are other potentially responsible parties besides the at-fault driver, and assert claims against everyone who might have liability.
Most car accident claims settle out of court, often before the injured person files a lawsuit. However, the threat of a lawsuit provides an incentive for an insurance company to settle. Working with an attorney who is comfortable taking claims to court when necessary can enhance the chances of receiving a reasonable settlement quickly.
Pursue Compensation After a Rear-End Accident With a Tucson Attorney
Even a relatively minor rear-end collision could produce injuries that require medical care and cause you to miss work. In some cases, you might feel the effects of the crash for weeks or even months.
Work with a law firm that has been representing people involved in rear-end car accidents in Tucson for decades. Call Phillips Law Group today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. We will not charge you anything unless we can successfully win compensation on your behalf and you are under no obligation to work with us after your initial meeting. Please call today to learn more!