At Maison Law, we have represented many victims of Modesto car accidents and will continue to represent them in the future. From the moment that you have been involved in an overwhelming Stanislaus County car accident, you should have a legal advocate on your side who is knowledgeable of the legal system and how to help you move forward. Contact us today for the help you need during these difficult times.
In Modesto in 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) estimated that 304 car accidents throughout the city were rear-end collisions. Out of these accidents, one person was killed and 468 sustained injuries. Rear-end accidents remain one of the most common types of accidents in Modesto and throughout the rest of the Central Valley. If you have been hurt in one of these accidents, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights moving forward.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Modesto
Modesto is home to major highways like Highway 99 and Highway 108, as well as many other roads and intersections where traffic is heaviest during the daytime. As a result, Modesto sees many rear-end collisions each year, some of which are more catastrophic than others. Rear-end collisions happen due to a wide array of reasons, which include the following:
- Aggressive driving such as tailgating, speeding, or following another driver too closely
- Adverse weather conditions
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
There are some scenarios that are more common than others that lead to rear-end collisions:
- A driver is stopped at a red light and the driver behind them is not paying attention, causing them to crash into the first vehicle.
- A driver was following another too closely and slammed into the back.
- A driver is driving too fast for the road conditions and loses control, slamming into the back of another vehicle.
- An intoxicated driver’s perception is off and they slam into the back of another vehicle.
When driver’s do not engage in reckless acts and take steps to avoid rear-end collisions, lives are protected and saved. Drivers are urged to abide by the rules of the road so that these accidents can be prevented at all costs.
Injuries Prevalent in Modesto Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents, especially those that occur at high speeds, tend to lead to forceful and serious injuries. Some of these accidents are minor and others are catastrophic and follow victims through life. They could include any of the following:
Neck and Back Injuries: One of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions are whiplash injuries. Soft tissue injuries in the neck and back commonly occur due to these accidents and the force caused by them. Some of these injuries are painful and incredibly debilitating.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: In a rear-end accident, an individual could hit their head on objects inside the vehicle. A concussion or any major type of brain injury can occur, impacting a victim for the remainder of their life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: In the event of a car accident, spinal tissue can be damaged and a person can even become paralyzed. Most victims of these accidents will deal with disability for the rest of their life.
Broken Bones: In a rear-end collision, many bones will endure a lot of pressure and could easily break. Though many broken bones heal quickly, others can take a long time and keep you out of work in the meantime.
Is the Driver in Back Always at Fault for a Rear-End Accident?
When you think about a rear-end collision, you may try to consider who is at fault for your accident. Though it is easy to assume that the driver in the back is always at fault, this is not always the case. A front driver could be to blame if any of the following factors are at play:
- The front driver suddenly reversed into the back vehicle
- The driver in front stopped suddenly to initiate a turn but didn’t make it
- The front driver is driving with a broken brake light and the driver in back doesn’t know it
- The front driver brake-checked the driver behind them unexpectedly
It is not always easy to prove liability in a rear-end collision, which is why it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable legal advocate as soon as possible after your accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
It is easy for people to look at rear-end collisions and decide that they are minor based on the present damages and whether or not they occurred at low speeds. However, these accidents can actually be incredibly traumatic and severe. If you have been harmed in a car accident, speaking with a Modesto car accident lawyer may be one of the most beneficial decisions you can make.
At Maison Law, we are here to help you navigate the legal system after you have been injured in a car accident in Modesto. We will help you prove liability and fight the insurance company to receive the best results. Contact us today for a confidential and completely free case review.
