Hampton Roads Rear-End Collision Lawyers Advocate for Crash Victims
Virginia Beach personal injury law firm seeks maximum compensation for clients
Whether you make an unexpected stop or brake as you approach a red light, the vehicle behind you is obligated to stop as well. Unfortunately, this does not always happen due to a failure to keep a safe distance, a distraction or some other factor. If you need a Virginia Beach rear-end collision lawyer, our legal team at Ernest Law Group, PLC is ready to help. We aggressively pursue compensation for accident victims and offers personalized service from start to finish. Our firm has a Norfolk location to meet with clients and represents accident victims across the Hampton Roads area, including in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk.
Frequency of rear end collisions in Virginia
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for 28 percent of all automobile accidents and 6 percent of fatal crashes. These types of accidents are common in Virginia Beach and other high-traffic areas where drivers get impatient with the “stop and go” movement. We also get a fair number of visitors who don’t know their way around, so they often look for streets signs and landmarks, and don’t see that the car in front of them has stopped. Moreover, pedestrians entering the street unexpectedly can prompt a driver to hit the brakes, inviting a rear-end crash.
Common causes of rear-end collisions
The following types of poor driving by the trailing motorist are commonly associated with rear-end collisions:
- Tailgating
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Weather conditions can also contribute to rear-end crashes, because slick roads and poor visibility make it more difficult to stop in a timely manner.
Determining fault for a rear-end collision in the Virginia Beach area
When a rear-end collision occurs, there is a strong legal presumption that the trailing car was at fault. After all, drivers are required to exercise appropriate caution, and following too closely is not a safe practice. In fact, tailgating is grounds for a moving violation. However, there can be situations where a driver could cause another vehicle to hit their car from behind by cutting in front of them and stopping quickly. For this reason, a detailed investigation should occur before assigning fault.
Injuries from rear-end collisions
Rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries, particularly to backseat passengers. Medical conditions that often result from these collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries in the cervical and lumbar regions
These injuries and their severity are not always easy to prove, which is why you need an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer to handle your personal injury case.
Damages a Virginia Beach car accident attorney can help you collect
If you are the victim of a rear-end collision caused by a negligent driver, your damages could include compensation for:
- Present and future medical bills
- Present and future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering
- Loss of quality of life or enjoyment of life
Our firm takes our professional responsibility to you seriously and makes every legal effort to maximize the amount you receive in a verdict or settlement.
Contact a dedicated auto accident attorney in Virginia Beach for a free consultation
Ernest Law Group, PLC provides highly professional and personalized legal representation for victims of rear-end collisions in Virginia Beach and the rest of the Hampton Roads area. Our firm has a meeting location in Norfolk and also serves Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk. To schedule a free consultation with a skilled auto accident attorney, call 757-289-2499 or contact us online.