Getting into a wreck is something that happens to most drivers eventually. Rear-end collisions might be especially frustrating because they are almost always the result of someone’s avoidable negligence.
After a rear end car accident in Memphis, call on a local attorney for help. Our team at the Reaves Law Firm could ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Whenever involved in a car accident, it is important to remain at the scene, stay calm, check for injuries, and check on the occupants of other vehicles if it is safe to do so. Always call the police, even if the injuries and damage seem minor. A Memphis police report could provide critical evidence that an attorney could use later to support a claim for damages based on the rear-end wreck.
If possible, take pictures of all sides of all involved vehicles and the surroundings. Record the exact address where the collision happened and note weather conditions and any factors that might have contributed to the wreck, such as work zones, traffic obstructions, or anything that seems out of the ordinary. Get the names and contact information of all other involved drivers and anyone who witnessed the wreck.
It is essential to see a healthcare provider immediately, even if injuries are not apparent. The adrenaline surge after an accident could mask pain, and some injuries do not produce symptoms until hours or even days after impact. Seeing a medical professional soon after an accident could lend credibility to a later claim for damages.
Rear-end collisions often occur at fairly low speeds in city traffic. While catastrophic injuries are rare in this type of accident, they can happen. More commonly, the occupants of the lead vehicle might suffer sprains and other soft tissue injuries of the wrist, shoulder, and neck. Sometimes the symptoms could be debilitating and persist for weeks, months, or even longer.
Neck hyperextension, often called whiplash, frequently results from rear-end collisions. Although insurers and defense attorneys are often skeptical of whiplash claims, these injuries can cause significant distress. People suffering from whiplash could experience headaches, shoulder and neck stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck and shoulders. Some people experience blurry vision, trouble concentrating, insomnia, and might develop depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Many of these symptoms are subjective and not evident on imaging tests. It is vital for anyone who has symptoms after a rear-end collision to seek assistance from a Memphis attorney right away. A legal professional at the Reaves Law Firm could help the individual document their injury and make sure the insurer for the at-fault party takes it seriously.
People who suffer injuries from being rear-ended in Memphis should not delay engaging an attorney. Tennessee Code Annotated §28-3-104 allows injured people only one year to file a lawsuit seeking damages for personal injuries. Waiting until the time has nearly expired could make it more difficult for an attorney to develop the strongest possible case.
Most car accident claims settle before an injured person files a lawsuit or during the period between when they file suit and their trial date. If the injured person has legal representation, negotiations might be more productive and result in a more equitable settlement.
Some drivers might believe that insurance companies intend to be helpful. Insurance companies are for-profit enterprises, and they will use any tactics necessary to limit the amount they pay for legitimate claims.
If you were in a rear-end car accident in Memphis, you could expect the insurer for the at-fault driver to contest your claim. Push back with an aggressive local attorney who works for your best interests. Call the Reaves Law Firm today.
