Getting rear-ended can turn an ordinary day into a stressful and painful experience. Unfortunately, rear-end accidents are all too common in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and can lead to severe injuries and life-changing consequences. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end car crash in Allentown, you need auto accident lawyers who understand how to fight for you and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. At Munley Law, we’re here to help you understand your legal options every step of the way.
Allentown Rear End Accident Attorney
Rear-end collisions rank among the most prevalent types of car accidents in Allentown and across the country. Rear-end crashes occur when one vehicle hits the back of another, typically because the driver behind wasn’t paying attention, speeding, or following too closely. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, it’s important to have a skilled Allentown rear-end car accident attorney to guide you through the legal process and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
At Munley Law, our law offices have been representing car accident victims for 65 years. We know the toll these accidents can take on your physical health, emotional well-being, and finances. Our personal injury lawyers will investigate your accident, gather the relevant evidence, file within the statute of limitations, and negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, our Allentown law firm is prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Injuries Commonly Sustained During Rear-End Collisions in Allentown
Rear-end collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor aches and pains to severe, life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries we see in rear-end accidents:
Neck and Spine Injuries
One of the most common injuries in rear-end accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly forced forward and then backward, causing strain and damage to the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues. A whiplash injury can be very painful and may require weeks or even months of recovery.
In more severe car accident cases, rear-end collisions can lead to spinal cord injuries. These serious injuries can cause partial or total paralysis and have a long-term impact on your ability to work and live independently. Even if you feel fine after an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention, as spinal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Brain Injuries
Rear-end collisions can also lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially if the victim’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. A concussion is a mild form of TBI, but even a mild concussion can cause long-term issues such as headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. More severe TBIs can result in permanent brain damage, affecting your ability to think, communicate, and perform daily tasks.
Broken Bones
The force of a rear-end collision can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and face. While some fractures heal with time, others may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. A broken bone can also limit your mobility, making it difficult to work or enjoy your usual activities.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Allentown
Understanding what leads to rear-end accidents can help prevent them, but it also plays a key role in determining the liable parties. Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions in Allentown include:
- Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of rear-end accidents is motorists distracted by their phones, eating, or other activities while driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause reckless driving, resulting in a serious crash.
- Speeding: Drivers who travel over the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions are more likely to rear-end the vehicle in front of them. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it hard to stop to avoid a traffic accident collision.
- Tailgating: When a driver follows the car in front of them too closely, it is harder for them to stop quickly if the other car slows down or stops suddenly causing dangerous conditions.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, causing unsafe conditions. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed and driving habits for bad weather conditions can cause rear-end collisions.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound decisions, causing careless driving. Drunk or impaired drivers are more likely to cause rear-end accidents due to their slowed reaction times and poor judgment.
What to Do After Being Rear-Ended in Allentown
If you’ve been rear-ended in Allentown, taking the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights is essential. Here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, getting checked out by a doctor is a good idea, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police: A police report is critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. The police will document the accident, gather information from both drivers, and determine if any traffic laws were violated.
- Collect information: Exchange contact and insurance coverage information with the other driver. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
- Contact an attorney: Before speaking with insurance companies, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced car accident attorney. Insurance companies may try to offer you a low settlement, but an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Damages and Compensation in an Allentown Car Accident Claim
After a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. The types of damages you can recover in an Allentown car accident claim include:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing medical treatments related to your accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries make it impossible for you to work, you could be entitled to recover compensation for the wages you’ve lost because of the motor vehicle accident, as well as any future earnings you may lose if your injuries impact your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: In addition to your physical injuries, you may be compensated for the emotional and mental impact of the accident. This includes any anxiety, depression, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life caused by the collision.
- Property damage: After a rear-end collision, you’re entitled to recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, depending on the extent of the damage. This can also include compensation for any personal items inside the car damaged during the accident. In some cases, you may also be eligible to receive reimbursement for rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.
- Punitive damages: In certain personal injury cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for reckless or egregious behavior, such as driving under the influence or texting while driving.
The experienced Allentown personal injury lawyers at Munley Law will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your losses. We’ll take care of the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Should I Contact an Allentown Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision in Allentown, don’t go through this difficult process alone. Our car accident team at Munley Law has the extensive experience, resources, and dedication to help you get the justice you deserve. We offer a free consultation, and you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
Contact Munley Law today to speak with a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced Allentown car accident attorney who will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to move forward. Call our legal team today to schedule your initial consultation for a case evaluation with a skilled car accident lawyer.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
609 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424