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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Rear-end collisions can be dangerous, especially if the driver who hits you is going too fast. If you have been injured in a Chicago, IL collision, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.

Were you rear-ended in an accident in Illinois? If so, contacting a Chicago rear end car accident lawyer is essential. You may be able to file a claim against the driver who hit you if you have been injured in a rear-end wreck.

Contact A Chicago Rear End Car Accident Lawyer Today.

The sooner you start working with a lawyer, the more likely you will receive the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at the Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC law offices can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.

We can also help you negotiate a settlement with all insurance companies involved in the car accident case.

Call a Chicago car accident lawyer at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation and legal representation.

chicago rear end car accident lawyer

All About Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions are among the most common car crashes. They can often be quite serious, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. They account for more than one-third of all car crashes.

A rear-end vehicle crash scene typically happens when a motorist fails to stop in time and crashes into the car in front of them. Several factors can contribute to this, including distracted driving, speeding, and following too closely.

If you are involved in a car collision, stay calm and take appropriate action, and if you can, move your car to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately, and do not attempt to move anyone injured.

Rear-End Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), [1] there are more than 2 million car collisions annually in the United States. These accidents account for over one-third of all crashes, resulting in nearly 1,700 fatalities and over 500,000 injuries yearly.

On average, approximately 7,000 accidents occur each day. While this number may seem high, it is essential to remember that most minor accidents result in no injury.

car accident data for illinois rear end collisions

Causes of Chicago, IL Rear-End Collisions

There are many reasons why a rear-end crash might occur.

Some of the most common causes of these types of accidents include:

Driver Inattention or Distraction

Driver inattention or distraction [2] is one of the leading causes of a rear-end accident. It can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio.

In addition, drivers need to pay attention to the road to be able to apply brakes when they see a slowing vehicle ahead of them.

Following Too Closely

Following the vehicle ahead too closely is one of the major causes of rear-end crashes. While tailgating, drivers may not have enough time to stop when the car in front slows down, which leads to a rear-end collision.

Traveling Too Fast

Speeding [3] can lead to rear-end crashes. When drivers operate their vehicles at excessive speeds, they may not stop in time if there is a slowdown ahead. Additionally, they may not handle their car properly if they need to brake quickly, and this may lead to a rear-end accident.

Adverse Weather

Weather conditions can also cause a Chicago rear-end accident. For example, icy roads or rain can make it difficult for drivers to stop quickly.

Additionally, fog can reduce visibility and lead to road crashes.

There Is a Rear end Collision Every 8 Seconds

Serious Injuries From Rear-End Accidents

The most common injuries in car collisions include head and spinal cord injuries, broken arms or legs, and whiplash. Head and spinal trauma can be particularly devastating, as they can cause long-term or permanent paralysis or even death.

Whiplash

Soft tissue injuries to the neck and shoulders are caused by a person’s head and neck’s sudden back-and-forth movement. It can lead to immediate pain and stiffness when turning the head, headaches, skull numbness, and blurred vision, among other brain function symptoms.

Back Injuries

Any damage to the back can be serious, including spinal cord damage, herniated discs, and fractures. Spinal cord damage can cause chronic pain and permanent or temporary paralysis.

Head Injuries

Skull/facial/head trauma can range from mild concussions to life-threatening medical problems, like a traumatic brain injury when a driver’s head hits the dashboard or steering wheel. They are also a result of rear-end collisions. Seek immediate medical attention in this case.

Leg and Foot Injuries

Leg and foot trauma is common in rear-end wrecks, including fractures, ligament tears, broken bones, and amputations.

Spinal Cord Damage

The forceful impact of hitting the steering wheel in a vehicle accident could lead to severe trauma, including a spinal cord injury or other damage to the nervous system.

Liability in Rear-End Car Accident Cases

When you are rear-ended, the liability for the vehicle accident can be challenging to determine. Both drivers may sometimes share some blame for this type of car accident.

However, the rear vehicle is considered primarily liable for the accident in most cases.

Several factors can contribute to liability in a rear-end collision case.

Typically, a rear-end collision occurs from various factors, including:

  • The speed of the other vehicle involved in the accident
  • The distance between the rear vehicle and the lead vehicle before the time of impact
  • The angle of impact
  • Faulty brakes
  • The types of vehicles involved
  • The lighting conditions at the time of the collision
  • If the lead vehicle was stopped at a red light
  • Weather conditions
  • Driver’s behavior leading up to the crash, including distractions like a cell phone
  • The extent of property damage
  • If any other driver was involved

Were you injured in a rear-end collision? If so, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is vital to determine who is liable for your medical problems and what can be done to recover compensation.

Contact an experienced Chicago vehicle accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, for a free personal injury case evaluation.

Our crash reconstruction experts will help you determine who is responsible for your serious injuries and how to obtain compensation.

Key Takeaways

There are several takeaways to remember if you are ever involved in a rear-end car accident:

  • Remain calm and try to assess the situation.
  • If you can, move your car to a safe location out of traffic.
  • Check on the other drivers involved and make sure they are okay.
  • Contact the police and file a report.
  • Exchange insurance company information with the other drivers.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.

When injured in a car crash, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the rear motorist who hit them.

However, if the rear motorist who hit the victim does not have insurance, the victim may file a case against the driver. You may carry uninsured motorist coverage through your insurance company.

In some cases, injured accident victims may also recover punitive damages awarded when the defendant’s conduct was reckless or harmful.

Death Statistics for Rear End Car Accidents

What Compensation Can I Recover?

If you are involved in an accident, you may be able to recover full compensation for your damages. It is especially true if the rear driver was at fault for the car crash.

You must prove a few things to make a successful compensation claim. First, you must show that the other driver was negligent and not paying attention to the road, resulting in an accident.

Typically, the rear driver is at fault.

You will also need to show you suffered injuries from the accident, which will be relatively easy. You will also need to prove the damages you have suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Rear-end accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and file a claim against the at-fault driver. He can also set up a free consultation for your case.

Average Rear-End Collision Settlement Price

The average settlement price for rear-end car accidents is around $3,000 – $45,000. However, this amount can vary depending on the severity of the crash and the sustained injuries.

Speak with a Chicago rear-end collision attorney to understand your rights and legal options.

Most accidents are minor collisions, meaning the damages and common injuries are typically minimal. However, even a minor rear-end accident can cause significant damage to your car.

A mechanic must inspect your vehicle to assess the damage if you have been in a rear-end crash. [4]

It is also essential to seek medical treatment immediately. The insurance company will likely want proof of your injuries before agreeing to a settlement.

Ensure you keep all your medical records, bills and receipts, and documentation of your losses.

Hire a Lawyer for Rear-End Collision Injuries

Chicago rear-end collisions are some of the most common car crashes. They often occur when one driver follows too closely or fails to brake in time.

These accidents can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries.

You should immediately contact an experienced auto accident attorney if you have been injured in a collision.

A Chicago rear-end accident lawyer on our legal team can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver and obtain fair compensation for your injuries.

Our car accident lawyers accept every personal injury lawsuit on a contingency fee basis.

Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC by calling (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form to discuss all your legal options during a free consultation.

Resources: [1] NHTSA, [2] CDC, [3] NHTSA, [4] NHTSA

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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