Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents in Los Angeles, and they can cause serious injuries and costly consequences. From the congested 405 to stop-and-go traffic in Santa Monica, it only takes a moment of distraction or following too closely to end up in a crash.
If you’ve been rear-ended, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how the right attorney can help you recover maximum compensation. At Compass Law Group, LLP, our Los Angeles rear-end car accident attorneys represent injury victims across the city, helping to hold negligent drivers accountable.
What Is a Rear-End Car Accident?
A rear-end car accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, usually because the trailing driver failed to stop in time. These accidents are especially common in Los Angeles due to heavy freeway congestion, frequent stops, and aggressive driving behaviors.
Rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries even at low speeds. Many are caused by driver negligence and are easily preventable. With the right rear-end collision lawyer, you can receive financial compensation for the damages.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
No matter the cause, an experienced rear-end car accident attorney can help uncover the facts and determine who’s legally responsible. While each crash is unique, rear-end accidents in Los Angeles are frequently caused by:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS use, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road for seconds, which is just long enough to cause a collision.
- Tailgating: Following the car in front of you too closely, especially in stop-and-go traffic, is a top cause of rear-end crashes.
- Speeding: Excessive speed makes it harder to stop in time.
- Brake-Checking: When the front driver suddenly slams on the brakes, it can lead to a dangerous impact.
- Poor Weather or Low Visibility: Rain, fog, or sun glare can reduce stopping distance and reaction time.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes or broken taillights can contribute to a crash.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents may seem minor at first, but they often result in serious injuries, particularly if the victim’s head or neck was jostled upon impact.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Herniated discs or nerve damage
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD or driving anxiety
Many symptoms may be delayed, so it’s essential to seek medical care immediately after a crash, even if you feel fine.
California Laws Governing Rear-End Accidents
The Golden State has specific laws in place to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and hold the right parties accountable in the event of an accident.
Two of these laws govern behavior that often leads to rear-end accidents:
- Vehicle Code § 21703: Prohibits following another vehicle closer than is reasonable and prudent.
- Vehicle Code § 22350: California’s Basic Speed Law requires drivers to drive at a speed that is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Violating these laws can be used as evidence of negligence when proving liability in a rear-end car accident case.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision
In most cases, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault. However, there are exceptions to this rule. California follows a comparative fault system, which means the lead driver can also share some responsibility in cases involving:
- Brake-checking
- Sudden, unsafe lane changes
- Faulty or missing taillights
- Reversing unexpectedly
- Stopping unnecessarily in active traffic lanes
To prove fault, your attorney will gather critical evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. All of this evidence and legal help will strengthen your case and ensure insurance companies can’t shift the blame onto you.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Rear-End Collision
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injury symptoms. Seek medical attention to document any potential injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Save dashcam footage and gather witness contact information.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Keep your conversations factual and limited until you speak with a rear-end car accident lawyer.
Types of Compensation Available to Victims
Your lawyer will work to calculate the full value of your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to significant compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, rehab, surgery, medication, and any future care.
- Lost Wages: This covers missed work and reduced earning potential.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers any physical discomfort and reduced quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, PTSD, and mental anguish falls under emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, these damages punish the at-fault party for their behavior.
Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Accident Claims in California
Under California law, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim is against a government agency, the deadline to file a claim is even shorter at just 6 months.
Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation. Don’t wait to speak with the rear-end car accident attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP.
How a Rear-End Accident Attorney Can Help
Rear-end accident claims can seem straightforward, but insurance companies are rarely on your side. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we walk with you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our seasoned rear-end collision lawyers can help by:
- Providing a free case evaluation
- Gathering evidence such as crash scene photos, medical records, and expert testimony
- Dealing with insurers so you don’t have to
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Going to trial if the insurance company won’t cooperate
Unique Legal Challenges in Rear-End Cases
Rear-end accidents aren’t always cut and dry. A qualified rear-end car accident lawyer will know how to navigate these challenges and protect your interests.
Certain scenarios can complicate your claim, including:
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Determining who hit whom can be tricky in chain-reaction crashes.
- Rideshare Vehicles: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can involve multiple different insurance policies.
- Hit-and-Run Drivers: If the at-fault driver flees, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
- Insurance Issues: Sometimes, insurers delay or deny valid claims without cause.
Rear-End Collisions Involving Commercial Vehicles
Rear-end collisions involving delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, or commercial vans are often more severe and more complex than other accidents. These cases may involve:
- Serious injuries due to size and weight differences between vehicles
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that govern trucking companies
- Employer liability if the driver was on the clock or improperly trained
- Higher insurance limits, which can lead to larger settlements
Working with an attorney experienced in truck accidents gives you an advantage when holding commercial entities accountable.
Why Choose Compass Law Group for Your Rear-End Accident Case?
At Compass Law Group, LLP, we have built a reputation for compassionate, determined legal representation. Our lawyers have secured compensation for clients across Los Angeles, even for more complex claims.
Clients choose our team because we offer:
- Proven experience in California rear-end claims
- A personalized legal strategy tailored to your case
- Transparent communication and responsive support
- No upfront costs, and we only get paid if you do
Contact Our Los Angeles Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been rear-ended in Los Angeles, don’t delay. The clock is ticking under California’s statute of limitations, and evidence can disappear quickly.
Call Compass Law Group, LLP now to schedule your free consultation. Our team of rear-end car accident attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and fight to recover every dollar you deserve. We offer zero legal fees unless we win.
Rear-End Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Who is always at fault in a rear-end collision in California?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is presumed to be at fault. However, this presumption can be challenged in certain scenarios, such as brake-checking or unsafe lane changes.
Can I sue if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you may still recover compensation through your own policy. A lawyer can help you file a claim and ensure your insurance company handles it fairly.
How long will my claim take?
Some rear-end accident claims resolve in a matter of months through settlement. However, more serious claims, such as those involving serious injuries or disputed liability, can take over a year. An experienced rear-end collision lawyer can expedite negotiations and litigation where necessary.
