If you or a loved one has been in a rear-end car crash in Reading, Pennsylvania, you might be dealing with more than just vehicle damage. Rear-end collisions can result in painful injuries like whiplash, costly medical bills, lost time from work, and ongoing frustration with insurance companies. Even in cases that seem straightforward, determining liability can quickly become tricky.
You deserve to focus on your recovery—not the paperwork, negotiations, witness statements, evidence gathering, and other legal procedures in filing a personal injury claim.
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Reading
At Munley Law, our Reading auto accident attorneys understand the challenges after a rear-end accident. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers has helped countless accident victims in all types of car accidents in Reading and throughout Pennsylvania secure maximum compensation for their injuries.
Munley Law has a national reputation for our record-breaking verdicts for accident victims. But don’t take our word for it, our many testimonials from satisfied clients are all you need to know.
Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries after your auto accident, requiring ongoing medical treatment, or property damage, we’re here to guide you every step of the way of your car accident claim: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, our personal injury attorneys will fight to maximize your settlement and get you the justice you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Reading
If you’re unsure whether you need legal representation after a rear-end accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options without obligation. You can recover from your accident confident that your car accident attorney from Munley Law will be fighting for you.
I Was Rear-Ended in Reading. Should I Get a Lawyer?
If you’ve been rear-ended in Reading, Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if hiring a car accident lawyer is necessary. Rear-end accidents are common but can lead to complex legal and financial issues, especially if there are significant physical injuries, economic damages, medical bills, or disputes with insurance companies.
Even if your car accident injuries initially seem minor, protecting your rights is essential. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. At Munley Law firm, our experienced attorneys are here to help rear-end accident victims get the compensation they deserve, covering everything from property damage to medical expenses and emotional distress.
Who Is At Fault In a Rear-End Collision?
The driver who rear-ends another vehicle is usually considered at fault. All drivers must maintain a safe distance to avoid motor vehicle accidents. However, there are exceptions. If the front vehicle stops suddenly without cause, doesn’t have functioning brake lights, or engages in reckless driving, the motorist who was hit may share some of the fault.
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you could still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. A car accident lawyer at a reputable personal injury law firm, such as Munley Law in Reading, can help establish that the other driver is primarily responsible, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
What Settlement Amount Can I Expect After a Rear-End Collision?
After a rear-end collision, the settlement amount you can expect depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, property damage, and the impact the accident has on your daily life. Here’s what you might be able to claim:
- Medical expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, and future medical treatment.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income or reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, mental anguish, and any lasting physical pain.
- Wrongful death: If the accident resulted in a fatality, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim for their loss.
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it’s often far less than you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that your settlement reflects the true extent of your losses. At Munley Law, we work to maximize compensation for accident victims in Reading.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Reading
Rear-end accidents happen for various reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Understanding these factors can help establish fault in a car accident case. Common causes include:
- Tailgating: Drivers following too closely may not have enough time to stop if the car ahead brakes suddenly.
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions take the driver’s focus off the road.
- Speeding: Driving at high speeds reduces the time to react to sudden stops.
- Weather conditions: Rain, ice, or snow can cause slippery roads, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failure or other vehicle defects can lead to accidents. In these cases, liability may extend to manufacturers or mechanics.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and reduces judgment, leading to rear-end crashes.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes
Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you don’t feel pain right away. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by the sudden jolt of the head during impact.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even mild concussions can have lasting effects on your cognitive abilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: The force of a collision can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Broken bones: Arms, wrists, and ribs are particularly vulnerable in rear-end accidents.
- Emotional distress: The trauma of an accident can result in anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you’ve suffered any injuries, documenting them with medical records is essential for building your personal injury claim. Your attorney can use these records to negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you receive adequate compensation for your medical care.
Why Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Reading?
You wonder if hiring a lawyer is necessary after a rear-end collision. While it’s possible to handle an insurance claim on your own, having a car accident lawyer can significantly increase the chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s why hiring a lawyer is important:
- Experience with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney will negotiate with them and fight for a fair settlement.
- Proving liability: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as the police report, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to prove the other driver’s fault.
- Handling legal complexities: The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Your lawyer will handle every legal step, giving you peace of mind.
- Maximizing compensation: A skilled attorney will ensure that your claim includes compensation for all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Munley Law, our legal team has extensive experience handling Reading personal injury cases involving rear-end collisions. We fight for accident victims’ rights and work to secure the maximum compensation possible.
The Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. You have two years to take legal action or you lose the right to pursue compensation.
However, it is best to act quickly, as evidence can disappear and memories of witnesses can fade over time. The sooner you consult with a personal injury lawyer, the stronger your case will be. At Munley Law, we can help you file your lawsuit within the legal time frame and ensure all necessary steps are taken.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Reading Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident in Reading, Pennsylvania, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Munley Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Our team of experienced attorneys will guide you through the process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Call our phone number or fill out the online form on our website.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
606 Court St.
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 831-4234