Manassas, VA Rear-End Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Injuries in Rear-End Collisions in Manassas, Virginia

Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents involve one vehicle striking another vehicle from behind. A driver who fails to pay attention, follows another car too closely, or cannot stop in time can slam into the back of another vehicle with enough force to cause serious injuries. Victims may be left to deal with chronic pain, ongoing medical expenses, financial difficulties, and the stress of navigating insurance claims. To address these issues, a victim can work with an attorney to obtain compensation from a negligent driver.

Locklin & Coleman, PLLC works with people in Manassas and Northern Virginia who have been hurt in rear-end collisions. Our lawyers can help ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for the injuries and damages that they have suffered. We handle the legal complexities of these cases so our clients can focus on getting better.

How Rear-End Accidents Happen

While the basic mechanics of rear-end collisions are straightforward, the circumstances that lead to these crashes can vary. Multiple forms of negligence can cause drivers to strike other vehicles from behind. The factors that can affect these cases may include:

Heavy Traffic and Congested Roadways

The roads in and around regularly experience significant traffic congestion during peak hours. Stop-and-go traffic requires drivers to pay constant attention, and they may need to react quickly when other vehicles slow down suddenly or make unexpected movements. Failure to drive safely in congested traffic can result in a rear-end crash.

Tailgating

Drivers are required to follow other vehicles at a reasonable distance based on the speed of traffic and the conditions on the road. A driver who tailgates behind another vehicle may be unable to stop in time if the vehicle ahead of them brakes. The faster traffic is moving, the more following distance a driver will need to stop safely, and drivers who act unsafely by following too closely may be responsible for causing rear-end collisions.

Distracted Driving

A driver whose attention is divided between the road and a phone, a conversation, food, or an in-vehicle display system may not notice that traffic ahead of them has slowed or stopped. By the time a distracted driver looks up, there may be no time or distance left to avoid a collision.

Speeding

A driver who is speeding will require more stopping distance than someone who is obeying the speed limit. When a speeding driver encounters slowing or stopped traffic, the combination of excessive speed and reduced reaction time may result in a rear-end collision. Higher speeds at the moment of impact will also cause more force to be transferred to the other vehicle, which can increase the severity of the injuries that occur.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug impairment will slow a person's reaction time, impair their judgment, and affect the physical coordination that is needed to brake effectively. An intoxicated driver may not notice that traffic ahead of them has slowed down until it is too late, or they may not have the control needed to stop their vehicle when necessary. Drunk drivers who cause rear-end crashes may not brake before impact, which can make a collision especially violent.

Fatigued Driving

Driver fatigue can lead to slower reaction time, difficulty paying attention to the road, and other impairments that could lead to rear-end accidents. A drowsy driver may drift in and out of full alertness, and they may not be able to respond to changes in traffic and avoid a collision. In the most serious cases, a fatigued driver may fall asleep entirely, striking a vehicle ahead of them at full speed.

Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

The physical effects of a rear-end crash may depend on factors like the speed of a vehicle and the size of both vehicles. Even crashes that occur at relatively low speeds can lead to injuries that will require significant medical treatment and have lasting effects on a person's daily life. These injuries may include:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is the injury that occurs most often in rear-end crashes. When a vehicle is struck from behind, the occupants' heads may be thrown rapidly forward and then backward, placing sudden, extreme stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck and upper back. The resulting pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion can affect a person for weeks, months, or much longer in some cases.

Herniated and Bulging Discs

The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by discs that absorb shock and allow for movement. The sudden jolt of a rear-end crash can cause these discs to bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and producing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that can radiate into the arms or legs. Disc injuries often require extended treatment, including physical therapy, injections, or surgical intervention, and they can lead to chronic symptoms that may affect multiple parts of a person's life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A person may experience a blow to the head during a rear-end collision, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, and they may result in symptoms such as chronic headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood disorders, loss of coordination, difficulties with memory, or seizures.

Facial and Eye Injuries

The occupants of a vehicle that is struck from behind may be thrown forward into airbags, dashboards, or steering wheels, causing facial fractures, lacerations, dental injuries, and eye trauma. These injuries can require extensive surgical treatment, and they may result in permanent scarring or vision impairment.

Contact Our Manassas Rear-End Accident Lawyers

Being rear-ended by a negligent driver can upend your life in ways you never expected. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our lawyers can investigate your crash, document your losses, and work to recover financial compensation that will fully address the damages you have suffered. Contact our Manassas, VA rear-end collision attorneys today at 703-392-6686 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward the recovery you deserve.