Rear-End Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania

Call (888) 286-2850 Now to Speak with a Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer

At Metzger Wickersham, our Harrisburg car accident attorneys stand up for victims of serious car accidents. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled legal team. We have rear-end car accident lawyers standing by to take your call. We remain available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Our firm is one of the most established in all of Pennsylvania and has been fighting for justice since 1888.

Rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries. Call Metzger Wickersham at (888) 286-2850 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. These types of accidents are among the most common on the road and often happen due to driver negligence or environmental factors.

• Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, or any activity that diverts attention away from driving.
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely reduces the ability to stop in time if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
• Sudden Stops: If the front driver brakes abruptly without warning, the vehicle behind may not have enough time to stop.
• Speeding: Driving at high speeds reduces the time a driver has to react and increases stopping distance.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it harder to stop in time.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times or might not notice a vehicle stopping ahead.
• Brake Failure: Mechanical failure in the brakes of the rear vehicle can result in a crash.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New drivers may misjudge stopping distances or fail to anticipate the actions of other drivers.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions can vary greatly in severity depending on a number of factors. For example, if you were in bumper-to-bumper traffic, getting rear-ended by another driver may be frustrating, but not very damaging. On the other hand, getting rear-ended while zipping down the highway at 65 mph or cruising down the street at 40 mph can result in much more serious injuries and damages.

Rear-end accidents commonly cause injuries including:

• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Facial scarring
• Neck and back injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash

Who is Liable for a Rear-End Collision in PA?

In a rear-end collision, liability typically falls on the driver who crashes into the vehicle in front. However, here are a few situations where fault may be shared or shifted to another party:

• Brake-Checking: If the front driver intentionally slams on the brakes (brake-checking), they may be found partially or fully at fault.
• Malfunctioning Brake Lights: If the brake lights on the front vehicle were not functioning properly, the rear driver may not have had adequate warning, potentially shifting liability to the front driver.
• Sudden and Unsafe Lane Changes: If the front driver suddenly cuts in front of another vehicle without giving the rear driver enough time to adjust, they may be partially at fault.

Additionally, If a brake failure or other mechanical issue (e.g., tire blowout) causes the rear-end collision, the manufacturer or mechanic responsible for the defective part or poor maintenance may be held liable. If the collision is caused by poor road maintenance, such as large potholes, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights, the local government responsible for maintaining the roads could share some liability.

What Types of Compensation Could I Recover?

This can depend on the specific type of damages involved in your accident. If you had to go to the hospital, take time off of work, or even get a special medical brace to help you recover, all of these expenses may be included in the compensation you obtain. Additionally, you may be able to recover compensation for intangible things, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental trauma.

Even though car accidents may seem straightforward, it is important that you work with a law firm who understands the ins and outs of Pennsylvania auto law. When you call Metzger Wickersham, you can be confident knowing we are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and have been recognized for our legal skill.

Is There a Way to Prove I was Rear-Ended?

Yes, if you were struck enough to be injured, damage to your vehicle will be very telling in determining what type of collision you were in. It will be near impossible for the other driver to claim a different type of accident occurred. Furthermore, if there are signs like skid marks or there were any witnesses around at the time of the accident, errors on the driver’s part will be evident. Responsibility for your injuries almost always falls on the rear driver.

However, it is very important not to give the other insurance company information about the accident, because there are ways it can be twisted and affect your settlement.

Questions About Your Rights? Call Us!

Knowing what to do after a car accident can be tricky, especially if you’ve never been in a car accident or had to deal with an insurance company before. That’s where Metzger Wickersham comes in. You have enough to worry about without also having to take on an insurance company, which has a priority to protect its own bottom line, by yourself. Allow our team to protect your rights and help you obtain maximum compensation. Our goal is to make you whole again as quickly as possible!

With eight offices across Pennsylvania, Metzger Wickersham represents car accident victims in:

• Harrisburg
• Lancaster
• Shippensburg
• Pottsville
• Wilkes-Barre
• Williamsport
• York
• Frederick

Request a free consultation with our injury firm by contacting us online or calling (888) 286-2850.