Jacksonville Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Did you sustain injuries in a rear-end collision in Jacksonville, N.C.? You should not have to bear the financial consequences if someone else was to blame. Let a Jacksonville rear-end accident lawyer from The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. help you seek compensation and justice from the party(s) responsible for your injuries. Our firm has served the wrongfully injured in Jacksonville, Onslow County, and surrounding North Carolina communities for three generations.
Our legal team will listen to your story, explain your options, and assist you during every stage of your recovery. Whether you need help getting medical care or finding a rental car while your vehicle is repaired, we can help. Our car accident lawyers can also shield you from unfair treatment from insurance companies, which often offer lowball settlements to accident victims while they are most vulnerable.
Getting started is simple. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Contents
- How Common Are Rear-End Car Accidents?
- What Are the Top Causes for Rear-End Collisions?
- What Are Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents?
- Is the Driver in the Rear Automatically at Fault?
- What Compensation Can I Recover for Damages from My Rear-End Accident?
- Is There a Time Limit in North Carolina for Filing an Injury Lawsuit for My Accident?
- What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Rear-End Accident?
- Contact a Jacksonville Rear-End Accident Lawyer
How Common Are Rear-End Car Accidents?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions accounted for nearly one-third of all U.S. motor vehicle crashes in a recent year. Another study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that rear-end accidents were responsible for 2,248 traffic deaths in a single year.
What Are the Top Causes for Rear-End Collisions?
Common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Vehicle defects, including defective brakes
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Slick road conditions
- Poor visibility
What Are Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents?
Because occupants of a rear-ended vehicle typically do not see the collision coming, these accidents have the potential to cause painful injuries, including:
- Lacerations and bruising
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Tendon and muscle strains and tears
- Internal organ injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Like most North Carolina car accidents, a rear-end collision is almost always caused by driver negligence.
Is the Driver in the Rear Automatically at Fault?
By law, drivers must operate their vehicles safely. This includes leaving enough following distance from the vehicle ahead to slow down and stop if the lead car brakes. When a rear-end collision happens, the driver behind is presumed to have been following too closely or otherwise distracted, failing to brake in time.
However, there are cases where the rear driver is not at fault. For example, the leading driver may be found partly or entirely at fault for a rear-end crash if they suddenly and unnecessarily slammed on the brakes, cut in front of the driver that rear-ended them, or made a sudden turn without signaling.
Identifying who is at fault is essential to recover compensation in a North Carolina car accident claim. The state has some of the harshest negligence laws in the country. An experienced Jacksonville rear-end accident attorney can protect your right to maximum compensation if another driver hits you.
What Compensation Can I Recover for Damages from My Rear-End Accident?
After a rear-end accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for expenses and losses that you incurred due to the accident, such as:
- Repair costs to fix your vehicle or reimbursement for the value of your car (if totaled)
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Cost for home health care or personal services due to disabilities caused by the wreck
- Lost wages or income
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
You deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries after an accident that wasn’t your fault. A proven Jacksonville rear-end accident lawyer can shield you from unfair claims of fault from insurance companies.
Is There a Time Limit in North Carolina for Filing an Injury Lawsuit for My Accident?
Yes, there is. Under North Carolina General Statutes §1-52, you have three years from the date of a rear-end accident to file a claim against the at-fault party. If you do not file suit before the deadline expires, you could lose your right to pursue compensation from the responsible party(s) in court. Other deadlines may apply depending on the facts of your case, so speak to a rear-end collision attorney from The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. immediately to protect your right to the money you deserve.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Rear-End Accident?
Take the following steps to protect your legal rights after a rear-end accident:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. You need a doctor to diagnose your injuries and begin treatment immediately.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene. Get photos, videos, and insurance information from all drivers involved. Collect witness names and contact information. This evidence will prove valuable during settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report. The police report can provide important information about the date and time of the crash, as well as the responding officer’s initial assessment of who is at fault.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident. Check your insurance policy. Some insurers require you to notify them of a crash within a set period. Limit what you say to the accident’s date, time, and location. Do not mention injuries or fault until you speak to a car accident attorney.
- Keep copies of your accident-related expenses. Bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income statements can document your expenses and losses from the crash.
- Request copies of your medical records. These documents can help an attorney understand the extent of your injuries.
- Speak to a Jacksonville rear-end accident lawyer. You deserve full compensation if you’re coping with the consequences of a car accident injury. An attorney can develop an effective strategy to recover the money you’re entitled to.
Contact a Jacksonville Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Do not wait to pursue financial compensation for your losses after rear-end collision in Jacksonville. Turn to a trusted law firm with a track record of success and a reputation for excellence. Contact The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. today for a free consultation.
