phone
contact us today! (847) 357-0403

Being struck by another vehicle from behind can be a traumatic experience. Even minor rear-end collisions can shake your confidence in the ability of the drivers around you. But severe tailgating collisions can result in long-term, debilitating injuries that may make it difficult to enjoy life.

If you were rear-ended by another driver, contact a motor vehicle crash attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd to pursue a civil lawsuit against the negligent motorist. Establishing the other driver’s liability is critical to recovering the compensation you deserve. You could therefore benefit from speaking to a seasoned attorney about rear-end car accidents in Elgin before taking legal action.

Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Elgin

Rear-end wrecks happen for many reasons. Typically, the rear driver is considered responsible for the crash for failing to stop in time when the lead car slowed or came to a halt. Common causes of these accidents include:

  • Following too closely behind another vehicle
  • Texting while driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving too fast in bad weather conditions
  • Drunk driving
  • Aggressive driving, such as tailgating
  • Fatigued driving

In rare cases, the lead driver could be responsible for causing a rear-end crash if they carelessly backed into the vehicle behind them or changed lanes at an unsafe distance or without checking their blind spots. In these cases, the lead driver could be at least partially liable for any damages they suffer in a subsequent rear-end collision.

Attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd could look at your case and help determine who is at fault for your injuries and losses.

Who is Liable for a Rear-End Collision?

While there is a commonly held belief that the driver of the trailing vehicle is always responsible for a rear-end crash, state law does not presume the rear driver’s fault. When rear-end auto accident cases go to trial, you and your legal counsel must show that the other driver was negligent in causing the otherwise preventable collision.

There are four steps to proving negligence in a rear-end crash case. The driver must prove:

  • The defendant owed them a duty of care
  • The defendant breached that duty when they caused the accident
  • A causal link between the injuries that occurred and the negligence that caused the accident
  • They have suffered compensable damages, like lost wages and hospital bills

Despite there being no presumption in favor of the lead driver in a rear-end collision, the following driver is usually found liable because motorists have an obligation to monitor the road in front of them. State law also requires drivers to keep enough distance between themselves and the cars they follow to ensure that there is enough time to avoid a crash in the event of a sudden stop.

The Elgin lawyers at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. has many years of experience guiding clients through the civil claims process and would make an excellent ally in your rear-end motor vehicle collision case.

Common Rear-End Accident Injuries in Elgin

Whiplash is the injury most commonly associated with rear-end collisions. A rear-end crash often causes a person’s head to jolt forward before the momentum of the car causes it to whip back again.

In addition to this painful soft tissue injury, other conditions common with rear-end auto accidents include neck fractures, cuts, bruises, lacerations, spinal injuries, sprains and strains, internal bleeding, and concussions. A compassionate attorney understands how devastating a rear-end collision can be and could help you recover the full amount of your compensable losses.

Discuss a Rear-End Car Accident with an Elgin Attorney

A rear-end collision could lead to debilitating injuries that follow you for the rest of your life. Even minor injuries can cause chronic pain that takes significant time to heal.

If you were injured in a rear-end car accident in Elgin through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Call the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd to discuss your options with a dedicated attorney.

Contact Us Today