Des Plaines Attorneys for Rear-End Collision Injuries
Lawyers in Rosemont, and Elk Grove Village for Rear-Impact Crashes
Did you know that there are nearly 2 million rear-end car crashes in the United States each and every year? The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that such accidents are the cause of approximately 500,000 injuries and some 1,700 fatalities. These staggering numbers indicate that rear-impact crashes kill an average of four people every day and injure 1,400 more throughout our country.
At Kaiser Law, we recognize the serious dangers that rear-end accidents present, and we know how devastating it can be to be injured in any type of car crash. Since our founding in 1990, we have helped countless clients recover full compensation for car accident injuries, including many who were injured in rear-impact crashes. With our experience, knowledge, and resources, our lawyers are equipped to help you collect the damages to which the law says you are entitled.
Determining Liability in DuPage County Rear-End Crashes
While there are exceptions, when a rear-end crash occurs, the driver of the vehicle that made contact with the back end of another vehicle is usually liable for having caused the accident. This liability typically remains, even if the vehicle in front slowed quickly or stopped suddenly. The basic rules of the road require a driver to be able to stop safely and avoid a crash if the car or truck in front of him or her were to do just about anything—including braking sharply. If the driver that is trailing cannot stop fast enough to avoid impact, he or she was most likely not driving in a safe enough manner. Rear-end crashes can be the result of distracted driving, and thousands of crashes each year are linked to the use of a cell phone by the trailing driver.
In some cases, however, liability is not quite so clear, especially in chain-reaction crashes. For example, if a driver crashes into the rear of a vehicle that is at the end of a line at a traffic light, the first impact could send the struck car into the rear of the next vehicle. By the time the energy dissipates, several more vehicles may have been struck one after another, making the determination of fault considerably more challenging. At our firm, our attorneys understand the importance of establishing liability, and we will work hard to determine how the crash occurred and the party or parties that should be held liable.
Common Injuries in Rear-Impact Accidents
A car accident can cause a wide range of injuries, but certain types of injuries are especially common when a rear-end crash occurs. Such injuries often include:
- Whiplash: A violent back-and-forth motion of the neck can cause whiplash
- Back injuries: Injuries to the spine and vertebrae may result from a rear impact.
- Facial injuries: A rear-end collision can cause a victim's face to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or even the windshield.
- Head and brain injuries: Impacts and violent jolting can cause head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Seat belt injuries: Being pushed hard against a seat belt can cause contusions, broken ribs, and other internal injuries.
- Burns: When the impact is severe enough or the striking vehicle is carrying significant weight, such as a semi-truck, the resulting collision may result in one or more gas tanks igniting, causing severe burns and even death to the trapped passengers.
Depending on the circumstances, your injuries might not always be evident immediately following a rear-end collision. It is always a good idea to seek medical attention after a rear-impact crash, even if you do not think you are injured. Doing so could protect your rights to compensation in the future.
Protecting Your Rights in Addison and Elmhurst
The personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Law have more than 100 years of combined legal experience, and we know what it takes to get results in rear-end collision cases. When you contact our firm, we will conduct a full review of the circumstances of your accident so that we can determine how your injuries occurred. From there, we will work hard to hold any and all at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. We will represent your best interests in negotiations with insurance companies, but we are fully prepared to litigate in court on your behalf if necessary. Our primary goal is to get you the compensation you need to start putting your life back together.
Schedule a Free Consultation
For more information about our firm and our approach to rear-end accidents in Illinois, contact our office. Call 630-233-9946 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review at Kaiser Law today. From offices in Bensenville, IL, we serve clients in Cook County, DuPage County, and throughout the surrounding areas.