Being involved in a rear-end car accident is always a jarring experience. When these kinds of incidents happen at high speeds, the driver and their passengers can sustain severe and life-threatening injuries. If another motorist caused your rear-end accident by driving recklessly, not paying attention, or acting irresponsibly, you might be entitled to damages for your suffering.
Holding a negligent driver liable for a rear-end car accident in Bridgeport can be challenging without legal guidance, but our car accident attorneys can help. Allow a dedicated lawyer at Berkowitz Hanna to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Compared to head-on and side-impact collisions, rear-end car accidents in Bridgeport are not as deadly. However, that does not mean that debilitating, life-altering injuries are not possible.
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end crashes, caused by sudden impact forcing a driver or passenger’s head to snap backward. It is characterized by neck stiffness and pain, headaches, numbness in the shoulders and arms, and in extreme cases, lasting paralysis. Other injuries that can affect those involved in rear-end crashes include:
The severity of injuries has no bearing on determining civil fault for the accident. However, it can significantly impact the amount of compensation you could receive in a settlement or lawsuit. A seasoned attorney can help factor both economic and non-economic damages into a comprehensive claim.
Although it is true that such accidents are often the fault of the rearmost driver, this is not always the case. Anyone seeking civil restitution after a rear-end collision in Bridgeport must prove through a preponderance of all evidence that the person who hit them was primarily to blame before they can recover any compensation.
It is possible for the frontmost driver to be partly or mostly at fault for causing the accident. For example, a rear-end collision may ensue by suddenly slamming on their brakes (outside of an emergency). If a court finds that the plaintiff bears some responsibility for the crash, the court may assign them a percentage of the total fault. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §52-572h, this can reduce your available compensation proportionately or even bar you from receiving any damages at all. Because of this, it is crucial to enlist the help of an experienced attorney who can work to ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable for their fair share of fault.
Even in situations where fault may seem obvious, such as in a rear-end crash case, liability for the accident can be challenging to prove in civil court. Because these cases are so complex, guidance from seasoned legal counsel can greatly increase your odds of obtaining a favorable outcome for your case.
If you or a loved one were injured in a tailgating wreck, do not wait to take legal action. A conversation with a car accident lawyer could help you understand your rights and options following a rear-end car accident in Bridgeport. Contact Berkowitz Hanna today to get started.
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