Maison Law supports victims of rear-end accidents in San Luis Obispo. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, the at-fault driver is liable to pay compensatory damages to you and your passengers. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rear-End Accident in San Luis Obispo?
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, it is advisable to seek an experienced car accident attorney. For example, let’s say you’re coming home from a nice meal at the Barrel House Brewing Company in downtown and a distracted driver rear-ends your vehicle. You exchange insurance with the other driver and continue home. By the next day, you get a phone call by an insurance adjuster from the driver’s insurance and they deny the claim that you were even hit.
Weeks and weeks go by, and they continue to deny your claim. This is a tactic used by many insurance companies. When they finally do offer you a settlement, you’ll be happy to take anything and you end up settling for far less than you’ll need to recover. That’s where having an experienced car accident attorney comes in handy.
At Maison Law, we’re well aware of the tricks insurance companies try to play on the car accident victims of San Luis Obispo. So, instead of accepting a low-ball offer from the insurance company, contact our experienced accident attorneys to get you fair compensation.
Who is at Fault in a Rear-End Accident?
Typically, the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end accident. However, in some rare cases, rear-end accidents are caused by:
- The lead driver
- Another vehicle, forcing you into the car in front of you
- A pedestrian interrupting traffic
- Hazardous road conditions
These exceptions can be determined through an investigation by law enforcement, the insurance company, or an attorney. The most common cause of rear-end accidents is often:
- Texting while driving
- Driving distracted due to wearing headphones, a violation of Vehicle Code 27400
- Speeding
- Tailgating
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident?
If you’ve just been in a rear-end accident, seek medical attention immediately. If you are waiting for an ambulance to arrive, you should move your vehicle to a safe area. Pull to the side of the and turn your hazard lights to indicate to other drivers there has been an accident.
Once you are safe, you can do the following to maximize your compensation:
- Do not admit fault.
- Document the scene with videos, photos, and getting eyewitness statements.
- Get the contact information of the witnesses and the other driver
- If police were not brought to the scene, report the traffic accident to the DMV
- Contact a personal injury right away on what your next steps should be
If you’ve suffered injuries or damage to your vehicle as a result of a rear-end accident, contact Maison Law today for a 100% free consultation and case evaluation.
What is the Typical Compensation for a Rear-End Accident?
The amount of money you should settle for in a rear-end accident depends up on the damages you suffered. These include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
There are other factors involved that may determine you overall settlement, for example, the severity of your injuries and the medical treatment needed for you to recover. These are the typical injuries of a rear-end collision:
- Back and spine injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries that tend to manifest days or even weeks after the accident
It is advisable to seek the help of a car accident attorney, especially when seeking compensation for severe injuries.
FAQs
Q: What’s the deadline for filing a rear-end accident claim?
A: 2 years is the statute of limitations for filing a rear-end accident claim.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
A: Most lawyers for rear-end accident claims work on a contingency fee, meaning they provide their services to you on the contingency they will be paid an agreed-upon fee if they win your case.
Q: Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company?
A: No, insurance companies will try to ask you tricky questions that may result in you surrendering the compensation you’ll require to keep up with your bills. It is advised to let an attorney speak to the insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact a Rear-End Accident Attorney in San Luis Obispo
Have you or a loved one been injured in a rear-end accident in San Luis Obispo? The accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. Our attorneys are committed to being there for San Luis Obispo community when they need us. You can learn more about the value of your case by speaking to one of our experienced rear-end accident attorneys.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation.
