Injured in a Rear-End Crash? Get a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer
When you get rear-ended, Attorney James Morris will demand justice
If you got rear-ended by another driver and suffered an injury, a Buffalo car accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable and get the highest amount of compensation possible for you. *Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
The Law Offices of James Morris has recovered millions for personal injury victims in Buffalo and throughout western New York. Find out how an experienced Buffalo car accident attorney can help when you’ve been rear-ended. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents and can happen for a wide variety of reasons – typically due to negligence by another driver. Some of the most common causes of rear-end car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely / Tailgating
- Ignoring a stop sign / Going through a red light
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting and driving, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, etc.)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inadequate car maintenance
- Defective tires, brakes, and other faulty parts
Maybe you were rear-ended by an 18-wheeler because a trucker was going too fast. It could be that you got hit from behind by someone who was texting while driving. You might have been rear-ended by a drunk driver or by someone who took their eyes off the road to talk to a passenger. Whatever the specific details of your accident are, it’s important to move fast to protect your rights. The longer you wait to take strong legal action, the more you risk missing out on the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What do I do if I get rear-ended?
It’s normal to feel angry or upset if you get rear-ended by another driver, but one of the most important steps you can take after you’ve been in a rear-end car accident is to remain calm and take a deep breath. After that, you should:
- Check for injuries – See if anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention. If so, call 911 right away and request an ambulance.
- Avoid another accident – If possible, move your car to the shoulder or side of the road to avoid another collision. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers there’s been a crash. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call police to report the accident. Tell the dispatcher your whereabouts and give them any other information they need so they can send an officer to the crash scene.
- Trade information – Exchange information with everyone else involved in the crash. Be sure to get names, contact information, insurance information, make/model of all vehicles involved, and license plate numbers. One easy way to get a lot of this information is to take a picture of the other driver’s license and insurance card, if they’ll let you. It’s also a good way to make sure the person is who they say they are.
- Get pictures – Take detailed pictures of the crash scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, important street signs and traffic signals, tire marks, visible injuries, and anything else that’s relevant to the accident. Track down anyone who may have witnessed your crash and get their contact information, as well. Before you leave the scene, write down everything you can remember, including how, when and where the accident happened.
- Don’t apologize – Don’t unintentionally admit fault or argue about the accident. Even saying something as harmless as “I’m sorry” could be perceived as admitting fault, so it’s best to just make sure everyone else is OK and keep your comments to a minimum. When police arrive, explain to the officer how the accident happened. Make sure to ask the officer how you can obtain a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention – Get checked out by a doctor within 24 hours of your crash. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been hurt, the adrenaline from your car accident could be masking serious and potentially fatal injuries. See a medical professional right away and tell them you were in a car accident. Follow your doctor’s treatment plans and do not miss any follow-up appointments.
- Notify your insurance company – Contact your insurance company and tell them you’ve been injured in a car accident. Tell them the truth and give them the facts of the accident. If they keep pressuring you to give a recorded statement or talk more about the accident, kindly refer them to your attorney. Don’t forget, anything you say to an insurance adjuster could be used to challenge or deny your claim.
- Contact a car accident lawyer – Discuss your legal options with an experienced car accident attorney. Know your rights and put yourself in a position to recover maximum compensation by retaining the services of Buffalo car accident lawyer James Morris.
Should I go to a doctor after being rear-ended?
If you get rear-ended in a car accident, you should get checked out by a medical professional within 24 hours to make sure you haven’t been hurt. You may be seriously injured and not even realize it. Some of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash / Neck Injuries
- Back injuries
- Brain injury/Traumatic brain injury
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Facial injuries
- Scarring / disfigurement
- Hand, wrist and arm Injuries
- Seatbelt injuries (e.g., cuts and bruises to the neck, chest, torso)
No matter what type of injury you’re dealing with after being rear-ended, contact our law firm right away so we can get started on your case immediately. You may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.
How much do you get if you get rear-ended?
The amount of compensation you get from a rear-end car accident will depend heavily on the severity of your injuries and specific facts of your case. Your claim could be worth hundreds, thousands, or much, much more. It all really depends. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (e.g., treatment, rehab, physical therapy, medical devices)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Replacement services, such as housework and care for children
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in certain cases only)
- Wrongful death
You can find out how much your claim is worth by scheduling a free consultation with Buffalo car accident attorney James Morris. Get answers to your questions, learn your legal options, and get honest advice on the best way to proceed with your claim. Move fast to protect your rights and leave your legal options open.
Move your case forward with a Buffalo car accident lawyer
Getting rear-ended by another driver can quickly turn your whole life upside down. You’re injured and in pain. You can’t work. You’ve got sky high medical expenses – and to make matters worse, you’re having a hard time with the insurance company.
Let our law firm fight for you. Buffalo car accident attorney James Morris knows how to handle the insurance company and will aggressively advocate for your best interests so that you can get the medical care you need and the financial compensation you deserve.
Best of all, we represent personal injury victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win. It’s that easy. Discover what the Law Offices of James Morris can do for you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.