Have You Been Injured in a Rear-End Accident?

Our Oklahoma rear-end accident attorneys can handle your claim

Rear-end accidents in Oklahoma can happen unexpectedly and are often nearly impossible to avoid. You could be sitting at a red light and be rear-ended by a distracted driver. Or you could be stopped at the intersection and be hit by a speeding driver exiting a nearby interstate.

The negligent actions of another driver could leave you out of work for months, forced to undergo medical treatment and physical therapy. And if you don't take steps to protect your rights, you could end up having to pay for your crash out of your own pocket.

That's not right. The Oklahoma rear-end accident attorneys at Lawter & Associates, PLLC understand the pain and suffering caused by such crashes. With over 40 years of experience and a vast amount of legal knowledge, we know how to gather crucial evidence to prove that negligence caused your rear-end accident. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.

How rear-end accidents affect crash victims

There are a number of reasons why rear-end accidents happen, but negligence is always the leading factor. They can happen at traffic lights or stop signs or when traffic slows down or stops. Drivers who pull over or park can also be rear-ended by a negligent driver.

The causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Slippery weather conditions
• Brake failure

The most common injury sustained in rear-end accidents is whiplash. This type of neck injury occurs when the crash victim's head jerks forward and backward in a quick, violent motion. This injury can also occur at low impact.

Rear-end accidents that happen at a higher speed can result in more severe injuries, but even low-impact crashes can cause significant damage. After being rear-ended while stopped, hit from behind in traffic, or involved in any rear-end collision, you or a loved one may have suffered any of the following injuries:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Paralysis
• Death

After you have been rear-ended, the actions you take can determine the outcome of your claim. You should always exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You should take pictures of the crash scene, speak to witness and obtain the police report for your car accident.

Always seek medical attention after a rear-end accident. Even if your injuries seem minor enough to "walk off," you could have an underlying injury that could show up in a medical evaluation. Furthermore, seemingly minor injuries such as whiplash may not produce any immediate symptoms. If left untreated, complications can worsen days later. And if you don't have a medical record of your injuries, you might not receive the compensation you deserve.

How much is a rear-end accident worth?

Although some rear-end accident cases may have similar settlement amounts, there is no definitive average settlement. Every claim, although they may share similarities, is different from the next. The value of a rear-end accident claim depends on various factors, such as the severity of rear-end collision injuries sustained, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term effects on the victim's life. Additionally, liability, insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence presented in a lawsuit also play a crucial role in determining the compensation amount.

Never handle your case alone

In a rear-end accident, the driver who strikes the leading vehicle is almost always responsible for causing the crash. But even if it's been proven that the negligent driver was 100 percent at fault, his or her insurance company will likely go to great lengths to reduce or deny your claim. They might downplay the extent of your injuries. They might claim that you don't need to hire an attorney. They might even offer you a small settlement that barely covers the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages and suffering. Insurance companies only care about keeping their overhead costs down and they will do so by taking advantage of injury victims who don't know their rights.

Don't waste your time dealing with the other driver's insurance company. Let the experienced car accident lawyers at Lawter & Associates, PLLC handle it. We know the tricks insurance companies use. We can negotiate with them to maximize your compensation. And if they refuse to pay, we can take them to trial.

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't owe us anything unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.