Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Lancaster
Rear-end crashes can happen unexpectedly and lead to severe injuries. They are most commonly caused by reckless driving or other forms of negligence. Examples include:
- The car in front’s taillights not working
- The driver in front slowing suddenly to turn but not making the turn
- The driver in front suddenly reversing their vehicle
- Poorly maintained roads
- Pile-up incidents
- Distracted driving
At McDonald At Law, our experienced local attorneys could help isolate evidence to determine the exact cause of a rear-end collision. This information could help an injured person file their insurance claim more effectively.
Who is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
People generally assume that the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is always responsible for the accident. However, rear-end incidents are complex and it can often be difficult to determine exactly who is at fault.
Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3310 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Leaving space between cars can help prevent rear-end accidents. In most situations, drivers read-end other motorists because they were not following from a safe distance.
Tired, intoxicated, or distracted drivers also create many hazards. Texting behind the wheel, banned under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316, is a common instance of distracted driving that could lead to liability in a rear-end accident.
Injuries After a Rear-End Car Accident
Getting rear-ended can result in catastrophic physical ailments or property damages. These collisions are notorious for causing latent injuries. An individual may think that they feel okay following a crash, but after a few days they might begin to experience pain or discomfort. Common latent wounds include soft tissue damage, head trauma, and neck issues.
Medical experts should examine an accident victim immediately after a crash, regardless of whether the person is in pain. Healthcare professionals know how to identify latent injuries and could determine an appropriate recovery process.
What to Do after a Rear-End Accident
After seeking medical attention and reporting their accident to the authorities, a person injured in a rear-end collision should collect evidence and seek legal counsel. Information like photos, security footage, and witness accounts can be invaluable to a skilled attorney at our Lancaster office.
Despite statute 75 Pa.C.S. § 3744 requiring all car accidents involving injuries or property damage to be reported to the police, law enforcement officials do not always fully investigate rear-end crashes. Concrete evidence may help an injured person negotiate with the other driver or insurance companies.
Statute of Limitations for Back-End Crashes in Lancaster
Statute 42 Pa.C.S. §5524 states that the victim of a rear-end accident must file their claim within two years of the incident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. The majority of claims filed after the deadline expires are never considered. A lawyer at McDonald At Law could help the victim of a rear-end collision submit their claim on time.
Contact a Lancaster Attorney Today for a Rear-End Accident
If you are the victim of a rear-end car accident in Lancaster, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At McDonald At Law, a well-practiced lawyer could help you gather evidence, build your case, and file an insurance claim. Our legal professionals understand the laws surrounding rear-end collisions and could help you fight against the manipulative tactics used by insurance companies. Reaching out to an experienced attorney immediately after an incident could help maximize your reimbursement.