Fairfield Rear End Collision Lawyer

Being in a rear end collision is unfortunately a common and terrifying experience.  It can bring an enormous amount of stress and frustration to your life.  You might be worried about your medical bills, your car repairs, and whether you should look for a Fairfield Rear End Accident Attorney.  Here at the Brill Law Group, our team of Fairfield car accident lawyers can help reduce your stress and bring you closure. 

If you were involved in a rear end collision in Fairfield, you probably have lots of questions about the next steps.  Whether you are looking for general information, or are interested in contacting a Fairfield personal injury lawyer,  this article covers everything you need to know to getting your life back on track.

What is a Rear End Collision?

A rear end accident is one of the most common car accidents, especially on the bustling roads of Fairfield, CT. These accidents occur when the driver behind you collides with the back end of your vehicle, often resulting in damage, injuries, and sometimes fatalities. Rear end collisions are often caused by several different factors, even minor factors, yet they can cause immense amounts of damage.

What Causes a Rear End Accident?

There are many causes of a rear end accident. Some are controllable, while sometimes it’s inevitable. Some causes of these collisions are: 

• Distracted Driving – Despite many states, including Connecticut having laws pertaining to cell phone use while driving, this is one of the main causes of rear-end collisions. 
• Tailgating – Many people follow way too close to cars in front of them, and do not have enough time or space to react to sudden stops, or changes in direction.
• Weather Conditions – Snow, ice, and rain can make the roads slick, and especially if your tires are not in top condition, you are more prone to sliding and struggling to stop.
• Driving Under the Influence – As problematic as it is, driving after consuming alcohol or drugs still happens, but immensely impacts the ability of a driver and their reflexes. 

Steps to Take After a Collision

Experiencing a back end car accident is extremely inconvenient, and at the moment you may not know what to do. The most important thing to do is to ensure everyone is okay, but there are a variety of steps to take in an accident. Here is a list of steps to take after being in an accident:

1. Check your safety – Make sure you, and your passengers are not injured, and if possible, pull over to safety. If necessary, call 911 immediately to assess any injuries. 
2. Call the police – Call the local police department to report the collision, and have an officer arrive at the scene.
3. Exchange information – Once you and the other party have pulled over to safety, if possible get out of your vehicles and exchange information. Good information to exchange is name, contact information, and insurance information.
4. Obtain evidence and documentation – Take pictures of the accident, and any damages that were a result. If possible, try to find witnesses of the accident, and get their perspectives.
5. Go see a doctor – Even though you may not be experiencing any pain, it is still recommended to have a doctor’s opinion to make sure you are not injured. 
6. Make sure to inform your insurance company of the accident – Do not wait to notify your insurance company of the accident, and make sure you submit all forms of evidence regarding the collision. 
7. Consult a Fairfield Rear End Collision Lawyer – This is where the Brill Law Group can help you! Our team can guide you through the confusing process of filing insurance claims, as well as maximizing your settlement.  

What Injuries are Common after a Rear End Accident?

Being in a collision is scary, and oftentimes you may experience shock which could undermine your injuries. As previously mentioned, it is recommended to follow up with a doctor after your accident. Some injuries may not be apparent, but some common injuries are: 

• Whiplash – Whiplash is caused by the sudden jerk of your head and neck. When your vehicle is hit from behind, often your body and neck jerk forward and back, resulting in pain and stiffness in your neck. 
• Back Injuries – Being hit from behind is a large force that your car is not meant to handle which often affects your back. Some examples of back injuries are strains, disk dislocations and strains, or even fractures of the vertebrate. 
• Seat Belt Injuries – Seat belts are extremely important in ensuring your safety while driving, but when you are in a collision, they lock to keep you in place. Sometimes, the seatbelt can slice your skin, especially your neck, and cause bleeding or bruising. 
• Head Injuries – Depending on how hard you were hit, your airbags may go off which can cause trauma to your head causing concussions or even internal bleeding. 
• Emotional Distress and Trauma – Being in an accident is scary, and can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. 

Should You Hire a Fairfield Rear End Collision Lawyer

The Brill Law Group specializes in accidents and collisions, as well as personal injury. We are here to provide you with complete guidance during this difficult time, and relieve as much stress from you as we can. Our professional experts will offer their legal expertise, help you organize your evidence, and help you grow your case to receive maximum compensation. We are also willing to represent you in court appearances if necessary. 

 Who is at Fault in a Rear End Collision? 

Though it can be a difficult situation to determine, typically the driver who struck from behind is at fault. Although it may not be their entire fault, they are often considered liable, but this liability could be shared between drivers. There are some circumstances where the liability is shared between parties. An example where the liability could be shared are if the behind driver experiences mechanical difficulties regarding brakes, or other failures. Another example of shared liability is if the car in front stops suddenly for any reason. Sometimes, there is nowhere to go to avoid the accident, and it is inevitable. These situations are typically settled through insurance and legal teams, and shouldn’t be determined immediately at the scene.