Experienced and Trusted Rear-End Accident Law Firm

Rear-End Accident Lawyers in San Diego

Attorneys in San Diego Take on Rear-End Accident Cases

Whatever the underlying cause may be, the number one type of car accident in San Diego is the rear-end accident. There are a variety of scenarios in which these accidents may occur, but all involve some form of negligence or lack of attention on the part of the rearmost driver.

It’s easy to understand why the propensity for distracted driving leads to thousands of rear-end accidents, both in San Diego and across the United States. Even the most attentive of motorists are likely to have experienced at least one moment where a split-second of distraction meant you became closer than you should to hitting the rear of another vehicle.

There are no positive sides to a car accident, but you can rest assured that Eugene Bruno & Associates has extensive experience handling this type of case with success. If you feel you may be eligible to file for damages following a collision, our San Diego car accident lawyers could be your key to maximum compensation.

Call our firm at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free initial consultation today.

How a San Diego Lawyer Can Help You in a Rear-End Accident

Rear-end accidents can happen in pretty much any situation. However, some of the most frequent locations of San Diego rear-end accidents include traffic lights, where a speeding, intoxicated, or otherwise distracted driver does not notice that the light has turned red, with the cars ahead stopped. While a rear-end accident may seem to be a minor accident, the resulting injuries, such as whiplash, may have a considerable adverse impact on your quality of life.

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, a San Diego attorney could help you to recover compensation for the loss of earnings as you recover, the medical expenses you have incurred and are expected to incur in the future due to your injuries, and other associated damages.

As your San Diego rear-end accident lawyer will confirm, these collisions tend to be caused by speeding, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Did you know that distracted driving kills more teenagers than drunk driving? Distracted driving, potentially leading to a rear-end accident, can take many forms, including:

• Texting while driving
• Talking on a cell phone while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Talking to a passenger
• Picking an item up from the floor of your vehicle
• Using a GPS
• Adjusting the radio, AC, or heating in the car
• Personal grooming

No matter the cause of your rear-end accident, our San Diego car accident attorneys can ensure you recover the damages you deserve.

What Is a Rear-End Car Accident?

A rear-end car accident occurs when one vehicle collides with the rear of another vehicle. Typically, this happens due to the trailing vehicle’s failure to maintain a safe following distance or to react in time to sudden stops. Common scenarios include accidents at traffic lights where a driver fails to stop in time, in heavy traffic where sudden slowdowns occur, or at intersections where a driver may fail to yield or misjudge the stopping distance. These collisions often result in damage to the rear vehicle and may cause injuries depending on the speed and force of impact.

Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents

In general, rear-end accidents result from inadequate reaction times when one driver is following another. Specifically, rear-end accidents can occur in the following circumstances:

• Distracted Driving: Rear-end accidents often occur when drivers are distracted by activities such as texting, eating, or using GPS, diverting their attention from the road and hindering their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic.
• Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle reduces the following distance and limits the time available to react to sudden stops by the front vehicle, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Excessive speed and aggressive maneuvers decrease the margin of safety between vehicles, making it difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision, particularly in congested or changing traffic conditions.
• Failure to Adapt to Weather Conditions: Rear-end accidents can result from failing to adjust driving behavior to adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog, which affect visibility and increase stopping distances on slippery roads.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures or other mechanical issues can impair a driver’s ability to stop effectively, leading to rear-end collisions if the driver cannot control or stop their vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

Types of Injuries That Result from Rear-End Car Accidents

Rear-end car accidents commonly result in various injuries, including:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully jerked backward and then forward, straining the neck’s soft tissues and ligaments. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, tingling or numbness in the arms.
• Back and Neck Injuries: These injuries range from sprains and strains to more severe conditions like herniated discs. They can result in chronic pain and restricted mobility and require extensive medical treatment such as physical therapy or surgery.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive function, memory, and physical abilities. Long-term consequences can include headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, and emotional changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function below the injury site. Rehabilitation efforts may focus on restoring function and adapting to permanent disabilities.
• Fractures and Internal Injuries: Impact from rear-end collisions can cause fractures in bones like ribs or limbs, as well as internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention and possibly surgery.

Long-term consequences may include chronic pain, mobility issues, and neurological deficits, necessitating ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to manage complications and improve quality of life post-accident.

Determining Liability in San Diego Rear-End Car Accidents

Determining liability in rear-end car accidents presumes fault lies with the rear driver due to their duty to maintain a safe following distance. Exceptions include scenarios where the front vehicle abruptly stops, reverses unexpectedly, or fails to signal, potentially sharing fault. Comparative negligence principles may reduce compensation based on each party’s degree of fault. Evidence such as witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage assessments are crucial in investigations. Gathering comprehensive evidence helps clarify circumstances, validate claims, and ensure fair attribution of liability, which is essential for legal proceedings and insurance claims resolution.

Contact Our San Diego Rear-End Accident Attorney for Legal Help

If you or a loved one has become one of the 22,000 people injured by distracted driving on California roads annually, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help. With a success rate of over 97 percent, Eugene Bruno & Associates is ready and willing to put our legal knowledge to work for you.

After a rear-end accident, you deserve nothing less than the best legal representation. Schedule your free initial consultation with a rear-end car accident attorney in San Diego—contact our firm at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-866-824-8937).