Rear-end collisions in Scranton create unique legal advantages for injury victims due to Pennsylvania’s presumption of fault against following drivers. While these crashes may seem straightforward, complex liability issues can arise involving sudden stops, multiple vehicle chain reactions, and comparative negligence scenarios that require specialized legal expertise to navigate successfully.
The physics of rear-end impacts often causes distinct injury patterns, particularly whiplash and brain injuries from sudden deceleration forces. Insurance companies frequently undervalue these soft tissue injuries despite their potential for long-term complications and chronic pain that can affect victims for years.
If you’ve been rear-ended in Scranton or anywhere in Lackawanna County, the experienced Scranton car collision attorneys at Munley Law understand how to leverage Pennsylvania’s favorable liability laws while properly documenting the full extent of delayed-onset injuries that may not immediately appear after impact.
Why Rear-End Accidents Are Different (And Why That Helps You)
Pennsylvania law establishes that it’s almost always their fault if someone rear-ends you. The driver who hits you from behind must prove they weren’t at fault, which is extremely difficult.
Drivers must maintain an adequate following distance to stop safely under normal conditions. If they cannot stop in time to avoid a collision, they are typically following too closely or not maintaining proper attention to traffic conditions. This is the legal standard Munley Law uses to establish liability in your case.
Common reasons drivers rear-end other cars:
- They were texting or on their phone
- They were following too close (tailgating)
- They were speeding and couldn’t stop in time
- They were tired or not paying attention
- They were drunk or under the influence
The insurance company representing the driver who struck you understands its client’s legal liability. This is why they may contact you quickly after the accident, sometimes within hours, attempting to secure a fast settlement. These initial offers are typically significantly lower than the actual value of your claim.
Common Injuries in a Rear-End Collision
One of the most significant mistakes people make after being rear-ended is assuming they are uninjured simply because they can walk and move around immediately after the accident. Rear-end collisions create specific injury patterns that often don’t manifest symptoms until hours or days after the impact.
The most common injuries we see:
- Whiplash and neck injuries – When a vehicle strikes you from behind, your head undergoes rapid forward and backward motion similar to the crack of a whip. This sudden movement strains the muscles, ligaments, and joints throughout your neck. While you may feel normal immediately after the accident, you may experience significant pain and stiffness the following morning.
- Back and spine problems – The impact force travels through your entire body and can damage your spine, particularly in the lower back region. You may develop herniated discs or compressed nerves that cause radiating pain into your legs.
- Concussions and brain injuries – Brain injuries can occur even without a direct head impact. The sudden acceleration and deceleration can cause your brain to move within your skull, potentially leading to headaches, memory difficulties, and concentration problems.
- Shoulder and arm injuries – Gripping the steering wheel tightly during impact can injure your shoulders, arms, and hands.
The insurance companies don’t want you to know that these injuries can last for months or even years. What starts as a “sore neck” can turn into chronic pain that affects your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life.
Common Insurance Company Tactics To Minimize Your Claim
Insurance companies focus on profit and achieving profitability by minimizing claim payouts. Even your insurance company may not have your best interests as its primary concern. Their most common strategies are:
- “Your injuries aren’t serious.” – Insurance adjusters frequently claim that whiplash and soft tissue injuries are “minor” and don’t warrant significant compensation. This position ignores medical evidence showing these injuries can cause long-term complications.
- “You waited too long to see a doctor.” – If you don’t seek immediate medical attention, they may claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. However, many rear-end accident injuries don’t manifest symptoms until hours or days later.
- “Your car wasn’t damaged severely.” – Insurance companies often argue that minimal property damage means you couldn’t have sustained serious injuries. Medical evidence shows this assumption is incorrect, as significant injuries can occur even in low-speed collisions.
- “You had problems before the accident.” – They’ll dig through your medical records trying to blame your current pain on old injuries or pre-existing conditions.
Don’t allow these tactics to minimize your claim. We understand their strategies and know how to counter them effectively.
Why You Need A Scranton Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
You might be thinking, “If rear-end accidents are automatically the other driver’s fault, why do I need a lawyer?” Here’s why:
Insurance companies lowball everyone – Just because they have to pay doesn’t mean they’ll pay what you actually deserve. We’ve seen insurance companies offer $1,500 for injuries that were actually worth $50,000.
Your injuries might be worse than you think – Rear-end accident injuries often get worse over time. If you settle too quickly, you can’t ask for more money later when you realize you need surgery or long-term treatment.
There might be complications – What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? What if there were multiple cars involved? What if the other driver claims you stopped suddenly for no reason? These situations require legal expertise.
You have enough to worry about – You’re dealing with pain, missing work, getting to doctor appointments, and trying to get your life back to normal. Let us handle the legal stuff so you can focus on getting better.
How Munley Law Can Help Your Rear-End Car Accident Claim
When you hire Munley Law to handle your rear-end accident case, here’s what happens:
- We investigate everything – We get the police report, talk to witnesses, and gather all the evidence to prove the other driver was at fault and build the strongest possible case.
- We deal with all the insurance companies – You don’t have to talk to anyone. We handle all the phone calls, paperwork, and negotiations. No more insurance adjusters bothering you at home.
- We work with your doctors – We help make sure you get the medical treatment you need and that your doctors properly document your injuries for your case.
- We calculate what your case is really worth – This includes your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care you might need. Most people don’t realize how much their case is actually worth.
- We fight for every penny – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. They know we’re not afraid to go to trial, which usually motivates them to make better offers.
Why Choose Munley Law for Rear-End Collisions
If you’ve been rear-ended in Scranton, don’t try to handle it alone. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for you?
Call Munley Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. There’s no pressure and no obligation. If we take your case, we’ll start fighting for you right away.
You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on getting better.
