Raleigh Rear-End Collisions Attorney
Rear-end collisions can lead to significant pain, emotional trauma, overwhelming medical bills, costly car repairs, and an inability to earn a living. But if someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation.
The rear-end accident attorneys at Hardison & Cochran have over 40 years of experience representing Raleigh residents as they seek justice and financial recovery for their injuries – and we’d be honored to work for you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.
How Hardison & Cochran Can Help After a Rear-End Collision
Working with an experienced Raleigh rear-end accident attorney when seeking financial compensation for your injuries can take the burden off your shoulders and ensure your rights are protected. When you choose our personal injury lawyers to represent you, we will help by:
Offering Legal Guidance
Pursuing a Raleigh car accident claim on your own can be challenging. Doing so while you’re suffering pain from your accident-related injuries is even harder. Our rear-end accident attorneys will take over the entire process on your behalf. We’ll start with a free case assessment, advise you about all your legal options, and proceed from there.
Investigating and Documenting the Accident
Establishing liability and proving the harm the collision caused you requires an in-depth investigation and extensive documentation. Our Raleigh rear-end car accident lawyers can handle this critical aspect of your case for you. We can:
- Obtain police reports
- Interview witnesses
- Investigate the crash site
- Seek out surveillance footage
- Document your losses
- Gather any other evidence needed to build a strong case
Negotiating with Insurers
Insurance companies will do whatever they can to deny or minimize your claim. They are for-profit enterprises, so they don’t want to pay any more money to claimants than they absolutely must. When they learn that you’re represented by reputable, experienced Raleigh rear-end car accident lawyers, they’ll know you mean business. They’ll also know that they won’t be able to get away with offering you a minimal settlement to try to quickly close out your case.
Representing You in Court
The ideal outcome of a rear-end collision claim is an out-of-court settlement for maximum compensation. But if the insurance company won’t make a fair offer, your attorneys will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Typical Injuries from Rear-End Accidents
A rear-end crash doesn’t need to be catastrophic to have devastating consequences. Even a relatively “minor” fender bender can result in serious harm. Common injuries caused by these collisions include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some injuries, such as whiplash, don’t show symptoms for days or even weeks after a rear-end collision. If you’re in an accident, seeking medical attention is crucial, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. This can not only protect your health but also your rights if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Determining Liability in North Carolina Rear-End Collisions
In many cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault. North Carolina law makes it illegal to follow another driver too closely, which is one of the top causes of these crashes. However, proving that the other driver wasn’t keeping a safe following distance isn’t always simple.
Plus, not every rear-end car accident case is clear-cut. In some cases, the driver in front made an unnecessary, sudden stop. Or another party entirely may be responsible, such as the manufacturer of faulty brakes that caused the collision.
To determine liability in your case, your Raleigh rear-end accident attorney will review:
- Police reports – These reports can offer details of the accident, any traffic citations issued, statements from the other driver and eyewitnesses, and an initial fault assessment from the officer.
- Eyewitness testimony – Third-party statements can offer valuable insight into the cause of the collision. If any witnesses are mentioned in the police report or you got their contact details at the scene, your rear-end car accident attorney can interview them.
- Accident analysis – Analyzing the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles can offer clues as to what caused the car crash. For instance, if the damage to the back of your vehicle is particularly severe, it may indicate that the other driver was speeding.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage – Video evidence can offer a clear, objective view of what caused the accident. Your attorney can determine if there is any available surveillance or dash cam footage and work to obtain it for you.
Types of Compensation Available for Rear-End Car Accident Victims
The damage caused by a rear-end collision can be physical, emotional, and financial. If another party was responsible for your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical expenses, both present and future
- Lost income while recovering
- Lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Raleigh
Rear-end collisions account for about 30 percent of all motor vehicle accidents nationwide, making them the most common type of accident. They happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Sudden stops
- Reckless driving
- Vehicle defects
- Not adjusting to poor weather conditions
When another party’s negligence causes a rear-end accident that injures someone, they should be held accountable.
Contact a Raleigh Rear-End Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a rear-end collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a dedicated attorney who will fight to hold the responsible party accountable. Our reputation for compassionate, client-first representation and aggressive advocacy is backed by an extensive track record of substantial recoveries and a long list of appreciative client testimonials, including this one:
“My interaction with Hardison & Cochran was superb. They kept me fully informed of my case and advise on what to expect and everything went accordingly. I especially was elated with the client/attorney confidentiality and relationship. Hardison & Cochran was at my disposal for my every need and question! Thumbs up!” – Toney H.
Hardison & Cochran is dedicated to protecting injury victims across North Carolina. When you’ve been harmed by someone else, we can help. Contact us online or call our office today for your free consultation with a Raleigh car accident lawyer.