Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto helps victims hurt in car accidents throughout the city. There’s many different types of car accidents you can be involved in, each carrying their own risks. But one of the most common and problematic is a rear-end accident. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Rear-end accidents in Modesto can range from minor bumps to serious crashes with severe injuries. If your accident is minor, you probably don’t need a lawyer. However, if you’ve been in a more serious accident, it’s a good idea to talk to us.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the accident
- Figuring out who’s at-fault
- Explaining what your options are
- Helping you collect and put together evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
We’ll guide you through every step and keep you informed about your case. But there’s also things you can do to set up your case.
How Can You Lay a Solid Foundation For a Rear-End Accident Claim?
Obviously, you never want to be in a rear-end accident. Unfortunately, though, it’s one of the most common types of car accidents throughout Modesto. So, when you are in one and you get hurt, you have to start thinking about a potential claim. And to form a solid foundation, you have to do the following:
- Call 911 for an ambulance – Call 911 for an ambulance. Get immediate medical care to address any injuries and document them once EMTs help you. It’s also a good idea to go to an urgent care or emergency room for further care.
- Report the accident to police – After requesting an ambulance, make sure 911 dispatches the Modesto Police Department or California Highway Patrol to the scene. Once they’re on the scene, let them manage it.
- Gather information – Get insurance details from the other driver and anyone else involved in the accident. Also, if there are any witnesses, get their information.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and visible injuries. If there are skid marks or anything else that relates to the rear-end accident, get pictures of that too.
These steps are crucial for building a strong claim and gathering the evidence you need. But there’s also a legal process in place, and that starts with figuring out liability.
Who’s Liable For a Rear-End Car Accident in Modesto?
You might think figuring out liability after a rear-end car accident in Modesto is easy. But that’s not always the case. That said, liability is a key part of your claim. Liability means figuring out who should cover your injuries and damages. To establish this, you need to show negligence by showing:
- Duty of care – The responsible party had a duty to drive safely.
- Breach of duty -They breached their duty by being negligent.
- Causation – Their failure caused the accident.
- Damages – The accident led directly to your injuries.
In a typical rear-end car accident, liability usually falls on one (or multiple) of the following that’s involved:
- Other drivers
- Bicyclists or motorcyclists
- Pedestrians or passengers
- Vehicle owners
- Car or part manufacturers
- Government agencies
In Modesto, you can file claims against all liable parties, which can help you recover more damages. But remember, the more people involved, the more complicated the actual claims process can be. Furthermore, if you share any fault in the accident, your potential recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. So, the specifics of your accident will impact your claim.
What Damages Can You Get After a Rear-End Car Accident in Modesto?
When you’re injured in a rear-end car accident in Modesto, you typically have two main legal options for filing an injury claim:
- Insurance Claim – This option can lead to a quicker settlement. However, insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so their offer may not fully cover your losses.
- Lawsuit – Filing a lawsuit allows your case to be decided by a judge and jury. This route takes more time and effort but can result in a more fair outcome.
Both methods let you recover “damages” for your losses, which can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages from missed work or lost earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering for physical injuries
- Emotional distress for any stress or anxiety relating to the accident
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages, in certain cases of intentional negligence
Understanding these options and factors is crucial for effectively pursuing your claim. But more importantly, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline means you won’t be able to recover damages.
What Causes Rear-End Car Accidents in Modesto?
Chances are, you spend a lot of time in your car in Modesto. Whether it’s driving to work or driving your child to school or practice, you’re probably very busy. Modesto has a lot of traffic, especially on roads like Briggsmore Avenue or SR 99. This makes car accidents much more probable, but it’s important to look at why rear-end accidents in particular happen here:
- Tailgating – When drivers follow too closely, they may not have enough time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly stops, leading to collisions.
- Distracted driving – Drivers distracted by their phones, food, or passengers can easily miss sudden changes in traffic, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.
- Impaired driving – Impairment from alcohol or drugs can slow reaction times and impair judgment, making rear-end accidents more likely.
- Speeding – Driving too fast reduces the ability to stop quickly, making it harder to avoid rear-ending another vehicle.
- Parts failures – Problems with a car’s braking system can prevent drivers from stopping in time, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Road conditions – Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces can interfere with a vehicle’s stopping ability, leading to potential rear-end accidents.
No matter the cause, rear-end accidents in Modesto can have serious consequences. If you find yourself in this situation, our team is ready to help you navigate the aftermath.
Free Consultations for Modesto Rear-End Car Accident Victims
Rear-end car accidents can be stressful and challenging. If you’ve been injured in one, our dedicated team at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto is here to support you. We’ll guide you through the legal process and work to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.