Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Boston, Massachusetts. Being hit from behind while you are sitting in traffic can cause numerous injuries.
If you’ve been injured, you need an experienced Boston auto accident attorney to help you recover the compensation you deserve after being rear-ended by a negligent driver.
Rear-end accidents involve two motor vehicles colliding front to end. The impact caused by a vehicle slamming into your vehicle from behind can cause traumatic injuries.
A chain reaction may occur when a driver rear ends another vehicle and a vehicle behind that driver collides with the rear of his vehicle. The victims in vehicles in the center of chain reaction crashes are at high risk for injuries. They are in two collisions – a front end crash and a rear end crash.
How Our Boston Rear-End Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Boston Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, we are passionate about protecting the rights of accident victims. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers have practiced personal injury law for decades.
During this time, we have obtained multi-million dollar awards for clients injured by the negligence and wrongdoing of other parties.
When you hire our legal team in Boston, MA, you can expect us to:
- Listen to what happened to you to gain a better understanding of your case
- Investigate your claim to determine how you were injured and who is responsible
- Communicate insurance companies and file insurance claims seeking compensation for damages
- Gather evidence and work with experts, when necessary, to prove that the other party caused your injury
- Document your damages, including economic losses and pain & suffering damages
- Aggressively fight inside and outside of the courtroom to obtain the maximum settlement or award for your personal injury case
Dealing with insurance claims and injury cases can be frustrating. You need to focus on healing from your injuries. We will protect your legal rights and best interests for you.
Who is Liable for a Rear-End Collision?
In many cases, the driver who rear ends another car is liable for the damages caused by the crash.
Drivers have a duty to keep a lookout to avoid collisions. They must follow traffic laws, including following at a safe distance to give the driver time to stop to avoid crashes.
However, there could be cases in which the other driver might be partially at fault for the cause of the crash.
The comparative negligence laws in Massachusetts state that a person’s negligence reduces compensation for damages by the percentage of their negligence. If the percentage of negligence is 51 percent or higher, the victim is barred from receiving any money for an injury claim.
A Boston car accident lawyer investigates the cause of the crash to determine fault. Whether you are in the front or rear vehicle, it is in your best interest to discuss your legal rights with a lawyer.
The insurance company will do whatever it can to avoid paying a claim, including blaming an accident victim for causing a crash that is not their fault.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Boston
One of the most common causes of rear end accidents is distracted driving.
Drivers rear end other vehicles because they are texting while driving, eating, reaching for objects, daydreaming, or engaging in other actions. The driver may realize a collision is imminent but not have time to stop before the crash.
Other factors or situations that could lead to a rear end crash include:
- Following a car too closely (tailgating)
- Speeding
- Driving in heavy traffic
- Impaired driving (drugged and drunk driving)
- Drowsy driving
- Texting and driving
The driver in the rear is often blamed for causing the accident. However, you should never accept blame for a rear end accident without consulting with a lawyer. There could be contributing factors that could lessen your liability for the cause of the crash.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by rear end collisions. The sudden crash from behind causes a “whipping” motion when the head jerks forward and backward. The motion can cause strains and tears of the tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
In many cases, whiplash is a minor car accident injury that heals within a few weeks. That does not mean that the victim should not be fairly compensated for their injury and damages. Insurance companies may try to downplay severe whiplash cases, but some victims experience chronic pain, limited range of motion, and long-term impairments.
The force of a rear-end wreck can cause other injuries. Rear-end accident victims can sustain injuries that include:
- Facial injuries, including scarring, eye injuries, and broken facial bones
- Spinal cord injuries and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures, including broken ribs, ankles, wrists, and legs
- Brain injuries and head injuries
- Airbag and seatbelt injuries
- Pinched nerve
Whenever you are involved in a rear end collision, it is best to seek medical treatment immediately. Your neck or back might ache, so you might put off seeing a doctor. However, delays in medical care could hurt your personal injury claim.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is best to be checked by a doctor. Aches and pains that you dismiss could be symptoms of a more serious injury.
If you sustained injuries in a rear-end accident, contact our office for a free consultation with a Boston rear-end collision lawyer. You should not delay, as Massachusetts places a three-year time limit to file your claim. Get the facts about your legal rights and your options for seeking compensation from an experienced legal advocate for car accident victims. Contact our Boston car accident lawyers, for a FREE consultation at (774)-341-5778. Call us or fill out our online contact form today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Collisions in Boston
What is the rear-end law in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the rear-end law states that the driver of a motor vehicle must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to avoid colliding with it if the front vehicle suddenly stops or slows down. Generally, the driver of the following vehicle is presumed to be at fault in rear-end collisions, although exceptions may apply depending on factors such as sudden and unexpected actions by the front vehicle or adverse weather conditions. It’s essential for drivers to exercise caution and maintain a safe following distance to prevent rear-end accidents and comply with state traffic laws.
Am I at fault if I hit a car in front of me because he slammed on his brakes very suddenly?
In Boston, MA, if you hit a car in front of you because they slammed on their brakes very suddenly, you may still be considered at fault for the rear-end collision. However, liability could potentially be shared or shifted if it can be shown that the leading driver’s actions were reckless or intentional. It’s crucial to gather evidence and consult with an attorney to assess the specifics of the accident and determine potential liability.
What is the average settlement for a rear-end collision in Massachusetts?
The average settlement for a rear-end collision in Massachusetts varies significantly depending on factors such as the extent of injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. Settlement amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars or more, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Additional Resources
- What Should I Do If I Was in an Accident Caused by Brake Checking?
- Whiplash Injury Resources
- Collecting Evidence After a Car Accident
