Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle drives into the back end of another. Although they often happen at lower speeds than other types of crashes, rear-end car accidents in Waterbury can cause more than just property damage; these crashes can cause significant injuries.
Consult an attorney from D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, when you suffer losses after a motor vehicle wreck. Our firm has provided successful and compassionate representation to accident victims for decades. We can explain your legal options, protect your rights, and help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Rear-end accidents often happen at low speeds when the rear vehicle is slowing down because of a traffic jam or a red light. In many cases, the occupants of the vehicles don’t feel as if they were badly hurt and may decline or delay medical treatment. This is a mistake; a medical record generated soon after a crash can be important supporting evidence for a car accident claim.
One of the most common injuries after a rear-end accident is whiplash, an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. The damage does not appear on X-rays or other imaging studies like ultrasound or MRIs. However, whiplash can cause:
If you have severe whiplash, you could suffer symptoms for weeks or even months and may not be able to work during that time.
When you get a medical exam immediately and report that you were in a rear-end collision in Waterbury, the doctor will screen you to rule out orthopedic injuries. They can describe the whiplash symptoms that may develop so you can get appropriate care.
The conventional wisdom is that the driver of the car in the rear is at fault for a rear-end accident. The assumption is that they were following too closely or not paying close attention and did not realize traffic ahead had stopped.
That’s often the case, but not always. Sometimes, the driver in the forward vehicle also bears some responsibility. The lead driver might be partially responsible if they braked suddenly for no apparent reason, changed lanes without signaling, or their vehicle’s brake lights were faulty.
Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h allows a negligent person to collect compensation from other negligent parties as long as they weren’t primarily responsible for the wreck. The amount of compensation they collect is reduced by a percentage that equals their share of responsibility. Our Waterbury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can ensure that you don’t bear an unfair portion of the fault for a rear-end crash; or if the circumstances warrant, no fault at all.
Many backside collisions don’t cause substantial damage to the involved vehicles, and injuries might seem minor at first. Under these circumstances, someone might think they can handle their insurance claim without legal help.
Getting professional assistance with a rear-end car accident claim in Waterbury is always the wiser choice. Our skilled team of lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, can negotiate a more favorable settlement than a driver could arrange on their own. Our knowledge of the law and experience dealing with insurance companies is a tremendous advantage, and you’ll come out ahead even after legal fees are deducted.
In addition, our legal professionals can immediately begin collecting evidence to use in court, if necessary. Although car accident cases often do not go to trial, sometimes they do, and the threat of legal action is leverage that can spur an insurance company to make an appropriate settlement offer.
Rear-end car accidents in Waterbury often seem minor, but the injuries you receive could cause lingering symptoms for weeks or even months, and at times chronic symptoms. It’s important to discuss your case with a legal professional to learn about your rights.
At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, we have been representing people injured in car accidents for decades. We will employ all our experience and skills to achieve the best result possible for you. Get in touch to schedule a free, in-person or remote consultation today.
