Oklahoma City Rear-End Collision Attorneys

Helping Victims of Rear-End Collisions in Oklahoma

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the United States. In fact, they account for nearly 30% of all traffic accidents. While many rear-end collisions are relatively minor, they can still cause serious injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. If you or someone you love was involved in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Martin Jean & Jackson, our Oklahoma City rear-end collision lawyers are dedicated to providing the legal needs of injured individuals and their families. We understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our team has the experience, skill, and resources to handle even the most complex cases, and we are ready to put our extensive knowledge to work for you.

Call our office at (405) 221-9699 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our rear-end collision attorneys in Oklahoma City.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

While many rear-end collisions are caused by driver negligence, there are several other factors that can contribute to these types of accidents. In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for a rear-end collision. Our Oklahoma City rear-end collision lawyers can help you determine who is at fault for your accident and work to hold them accountable.

Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:

• Distracted driving: When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they can easily cause a rear-end collision. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, and using in-car technologies are all common forms of distracted driving.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to traffic conditions and are more likely to cause a rear-end collision.
• Following too closely: Also known as tailgating, following too closely is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. When drivers do not leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, they are more likely to cause a rear-end collision if the vehicle in front of them stops suddenly.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react to traffic conditions, making them more likely to cause a rear-end collision.
• Aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and other forms of aggressive driving can easily cause a rear-end collision.
• Defective auto parts: In some cases, a rear-end collision is caused by a defective auto part. For example, if a vehicle’s brakes fail, the driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions can make the roads slippery and increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Understanding Liability in Rear-End Collisions

Liability in a rear-end collision is not always clear-cut. In many cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered to be at fault. However, there are several situations in which the driver who was rear-ended may be partially or fully liable for the accident.

Some of the most common situations in which the driver who was rear-ended may be at fault include:

• Reversing: If a driver reverses their vehicle into another vehicle, they may be at fault for the accident, even if the other driver rear-ends them.
• Brake lights are not working: If a driver’s brake lights are not working, the driver behind them may not know that they are stopping and may not have enough time to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. In this situation, the driver who was rear-ended may be at fault for the accident.
• Stopping suddenly: If a driver stops suddenly for no reason, they may be at fault for a rear-end collision. However, if the driver stops suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian, animal, or object on the road, they may not be at fault for the accident.
• Backing up: If a driver backs up their vehicle into another vehicle, they may be at fault for the accident, even if the other driver rear-ends them.

Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions

After a rear-end collision, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not believe you were injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not produce symptoms right away. A doctor can evaluate your condition and determine if you have any underlying injuries.

Some of the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is jerked back and forth. It is one of the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headaches.
• Concussion: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is jostled inside the skull. Symptoms of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood.
• Broken bones: Rear-end collisions can cause broken bones, especially if the accident occurs at high speeds. The most common broken bones caused by rear-end collisions are broken ribs, broken arms, and broken legs.
• Back injuries: Rear-end collisions can cause serious back injuries, including herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. Symptoms of a back injury include back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Soft tissue injuries: Rear-end collisions can cause a wide range of soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions. Symptoms of a soft tissue injury include pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Rear-end collisions can be extremely traumatic, especially if the accident occurs at high speeds. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, you may develop PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping.

Rear-End Collision Compensation

After a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely be unable to recover compensation for your damages.

Some of the most common types of damages available in a rear-end collision claim include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: If you were unable to work while recovering from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If you are unable to return to work, you may also be entitled to compensation for your lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional suffering you endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
• Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of your vehicle if it was totaled.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have caused you to lose the ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disfigurement and scarring: If the accident caused you to suffer permanent disfigurement or scarring, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries have caused you to lose the ability to have a normal relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of consortium.

Legal Rights After a Rear-End Collision

After a rear-end collision, it is important to take the appropriate steps to protect your legal rights. If you were injured in the accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not believe you were injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not produce symptoms right away. A doctor can evaluate your condition and determine if you have any underlying injuries.

It is also important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you to reduce the value of your claim.

After a rear-end collision, you should also:

• Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage
• Get the contact information of any witnesses
• Keep copies of all medical records and bills
• Keep a journal of your injuries and how they have impacted your daily life
• Do not post about the accident on social media

Why Choose Martin Jean & Jackson?

At Martin Jean & Jackson, we are committed to providing each and every client with the compassionate, personalized legal representation they deserve. We understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.

When you choose Martin Jean & Jackson, you can expect:

• Free initial consultations
• Personalized legal services
• Open and honest communication
• Aggressive advocacy from start to finish
• No fees unless/until we recover compensation for you

Our team has a long track record of success, and we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Contact us today at (405) 221-9699 for a free case evaluation.