Hagerstown Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Attorney for Rear-End Accidents in Hagerstown, MD

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Hagerstown, across Maryland, and throughout the country. These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, and they can range from minor fender benders to serious collisions that result in severe injuries. In most cases, rear-end accidents are the result of driver negligence, and the driver who hits the vehicle in front is usually considered at fault. However, determining liability and recovering compensation can still be complex, especially when multiple vehicles are involved or when insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts.

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. Serafini Law can help you pursue compensation for these damages by investigating the accident, proving the other driver's negligence, and negotiating with insurance companies. With 10+ years of experience handling cases involving rear-end collisions and other types of accidents, Serafini Law can help injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Types of Driver Negligence That Can Cause Rear-End Collisions

There are several types of negligent behavior that can lead to rear-end accidents, including:

Distracted Driving

When drivers take their attention away from the road, they may not notice that a vehicle in front of them has slowed down or stopped. Common distractions include using a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. Even momentary distractions can have serious consequences, and drivers who engage in negligent distracted driving behaviors may be held liable for the damages they cause.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind another vehicle is a form of reckless driving that greatly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them to allow enough time to stop in the event of sudden braking. Tailgating reduces a driver's reaction time, and it can result in a collision if the front vehicle slows down unexpectedly.

In Maryland, drivers must adhere to a "reasonable and prudent" following distance based on factors such as road conditions, traffic, and speed. If a driver is tailgating and causes a rear-end accident, they can be held responsible for the damages.

Speeding

Excessive speed is a major contributing factor to many types of car accidents, including rear-end collisions. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to changes in traffic, such as a car in front of them slowing down or stopping. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end crash.

Speeding is particularly dangerous in congested traffic or during inclement weather conditions where the risk of rear-end accidents is already higher. In these cases, the driver who was speeding can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence affects a driver's judgment, reaction time, and their ability to maintain control of their vehicle. Drunk drivers are more likely to misjudge distances, fail to notice traffic signals, and have slower reflexes, all of which can contribute to rear-end collisions. When an impaired driver causes a rear-end accident, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries and damages they inflict on others.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery, and certain types of weather can also reduce visibility, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to match the conditions on the road. This means slowing down, maintaining a greater following distance, and being cautious when braking. If a driver fails to take these precautions and causes a rear-end accident in bad weather, they may be held liable for any resulting damages.

Mechanical Failures

In some cases, rear-end collisions may be caused by issues such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts. While these accidents may not always be the result of driver negligence, a vehicle owner may still be held liable if the accident occurred because of a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. If a defective vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer or a mechanic who installed part incorrectly may also be held liable.

Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

The severity of injuries in a rear-end accident can vary depending on the speed and force of the impact. Common injuries in these situations include:

• Whiplash: When the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and backward due to the impact of a vehicle from behind, a person may experience strain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. These injuries may lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Back Injuries: The impact of a rear-end collision can cause damage to the spine and the nerves in the spinal cord. Victims may experience herniated discs, sprains in tissues in the back, and fractured vertebrae. A high-speed impact may even sever or irreparably damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Back injuries can result in long-term pain and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery.
• Head Injuries: Victims of rear-end collisions may hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or headrest, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or other head trauma.
• Broken Bones: The force of a rear-end collision can fractures in the arms, wrists, or ribs, as victims may brace for impact or be thrown forward.
• Facial Injuries: Airbag deployment, broken glass, or contact with the steering wheel can result in cuts, bruises, or more serious facial injuries, such as broken noses or dental damage.

Injuries in a rear-end collision can lead to significant medical expenses, time away from work, and long-term pain and suffering. For accident victims, compensation for these damages is crucial to their recovery.

Contact Our Hagerstown, MD Rear-End Collision Attorney

When you have been injured in a rear-end car accident, you can take steps to recover financial compensation that will address your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Serafini Law is can help you pursue justice and recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact us at 240-744-1600 to schedule a free consultation.