If you have suffered injuries from a rear-end accident in the State College area, our attorneys can help. At Rehmeyer & Allatt, we advocate fiercely on behalf of our clients as they pursue compensation for their damages.

Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In many rear-end collisions, the driver who strikes the vehicle in front is responsible for the accident. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and prudent following distance based on the speed of traffic, road conditions, and other circumstances. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3310.

However, fault is not always automatic. The circumstances of the accident may affect who is responsible. For example, a driver may have stopped or slowed unexpectedly, changed lanes immediately before the collision, or been involved in a chain-reaction crash. Road, traffic, and weather conditions may also be relevant.

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that an injured person’s recovery may be reduced if they are found to have contributed to the accident. Determining fault requires looking at the specific facts and evidence surrounding the crash.

The Common Causes Of Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end car crash occurs when the rear bumper of one vehicle is hit by the front bumper of another vehicle. Most of these accidents are the result of distracted driving and occur at speeds above 5 mph, which is the threshold that car companies are required to meet during manufacturing. As with most car accidents, there can be a variety of reasons that a car accident can occur. The majority of rear-end car crashes occur due to:

• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Faulty break lights

What Should You Do After Being Rear-Ended?

If you have been rear-ended, there are several important steps you can take after the accident to protect your health and your potential claim:

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.
2. Move to a safe location if it is possible to do so safely.
3. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
4. Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, roadway, and surrounding conditions.
5. Seek medical attention if you are injured or develop pain or other symptoms after the accident.
6. Notify your insurance company about the collision as required by your policy.
7. Keep records of medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
8. Be careful about discussing fault before you have had an opportunity to understand what happened and assess your injuries.

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, speaking with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Whiplash Can Be A Serious After Effect

Whiplash is a common term for a soft tissue injury. After a rear-end car accident, injuries can include stiffness and soreness to the neck, back and shoulders, which are primary indicators of soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is a term that refers to the hyperextension of the spine, neck, nerves and ligaments of the injured person.

Whiplash often occurs in rear-end collisions because the crash jolts the car forward, while the body stays in the same position. This effect can have additional consequences as the impact results in car accident victims clenching or staying rigid, which leads to further injury. Rear-end car accidents is the predominant cause of whiplash injuries and can lead to more serious injuries, including trauma to the brain.

Recognizing The Symptoms Of Whiplash after a Rear End Car Accident

Whiplash injuries can present themselves in many forms and often vary depending on the person experiencing the injuries. However, whiplash injuries from a rear-end car accident are typically characterized by neck pain and stiffness, consistent headaches and pain in the shoulder blades or upper shoulders.

Additional whiplash symptoms can include blurred vision, lower back pain and numbness in the arms. All of these symptoms are serious, and if you are suffering from whiplash symptoms after a rear-end car accident, you must seek medical attention immediately.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rear-End Accident?

If you were injured in a rear-end accident, you may be able to seek compensation for certain losses resulting from the collision. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Vehicle or other property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Other losses related to the accident

The compensation available in a particular case depends on factors such as the injuries involved, medical treatment, evidence of the accident, insurance coverage, and who is determined to be responsible. An experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney can review the circumstances of your accident and explain your legal options.