Fairfax, VA Rear-End Collision Attorney

Skilled Rear-End Collision Attorneys Fighting for Injured Drivers in Fairfax, Virginia

In many cases, rear-end car accidents happen without warning. A person may be stopped at a traffic light or in another location, and another vehicle may strike them from behind, giving them no opportunity to avoid the collision or prepare for the impact. These accidents may seem to be minor, but they can cause a surprising amount of damage, and the injuries that occur may continue to affect a person for months or years. In these situations, a person who was struck from behind will need to understand their legal options and the steps they can take to get financial compensation.

The attorney at Shevlin Smith, P.C. provides legal representation for people who have suffered harm in rear-end accidents. He can take steps to determine what happened and ensure that a driver who caused a collision will be held responsible for their negligence. With his decades of experience in personal injury cases, he knows how to handle these matters, and he believes in fighting for the rights of injury victims while providing them with personalized attention during their cases so that they will be able to recover compensation and move forward with their lives.

How Speeding Contributes to Rear-End Collisions

As a vehicle goes faster, the distance required to stop will increase dramatically. Many people underestimate how much space is actually required to come to a complete stop, and they may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a rear-end crash.

Traffic may slow down suddenly when a traffic signal changes, a vehicle merges into a lane, a vehicle is stopped at the side of a road or highway, because of congestion, or due to other factors. When a driver is speeding, they may not have enough time or distance to react to these sudden changes. In many cases, a rear-end collision could have been avoided if a driver was traveling at a safe speed.

Speeding can be especially dangerous in poor weather conditions. When driving in heavy rain, thick fog, or on icy roads, a driver who does not slow down and drive safely may lose control. Speeding in low-visibility conditions may prevent a driver from being able to react in time to avoid a crash. Speeding in snowy or icy weather can prevent a driver from being able to stop even when braking.

Distracted Driving and Rear-End Accidents

Distracted driving is another leading cause of rear-end collisions. A driver who is not fully focused on the road may not see changes in traffic, and they may not have enough time to react and slow down or stop. Distractions can take many forms, including:

• Cell Phone Use: Texting or making phone calls while driving can be dangerous. When looking at their phone, a driver may take their eyes off the road for several seconds, which may be long enough to crash into another vehicle from behind.
• Vehicle Controls: Adjustments to navigation systems, infotainment screens, and climate controls may prevent a driver from watching the road.
• Passenger Interactions: Paying attention to other people in the vehicle can prevent a driver from noticing that traffic in front of them has slowed down. A person who turns around to check on children may be unable to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of them.

Injuries That Can Occur in Rear-End Crashes

Even when a vehicle does not sustain serious damage in a rear-end accident, the people inside a vehicle that is struck from behind can suffer significant injuries, including:

Whiplash

In a collision, a person's head may be suddenly pushed backward, and even with support from a headrest, they may experience strain to the tissues in the neck, shoulders, and back. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but pain and stiffness can develop during the days following a crash. While some forms of whiplash may involve minor discomfort, others can be much more serious, leading to chronic pain, difficulty moving the neck and shoulders, tingling in the shoulders and arms, and other ongoing symptoms.

Head Injuries

When a person's head strikes a headrest, steering wheel, window, or another part of their vehicle in a collision, they may experience a concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury. Symptoms that a person may experience include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and emotional disorders. Moderate or severe brain injuries may lead to long-term physical and mental health issues.

Broken Bones

The sudden jolt of a rear-end impact can lead to fractures in numerous areas of the body. A person's wrists and hands may be injured when they are holding a steering wheel or bracing for impact. Rib fractures can occur when striking a seat belt or steering wheel. Facial fractures may occur if a person hits their head on a steering wheel or other surface.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Even though a rear-end crash may not seem to be serious, its effects can linger for a long time, leading to ongoing pain, discomfort, physical difficulties, and mental health concerns. Victims of these types of accidents can take steps to obtain financial compensation, and they can do so with the help of the skilled lawyers at Shevlin Smith, P.C. Contact our Fairfax rear-end accident attorney at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation and get legal help with your case.