When another car slams into the back of your vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what legal options may be available to you. A rear-end collision can leave you reeling with terrible injuries and rising financial costs that you should not have to navigate on your own.
When you or a loved one have been hurt in a rear-end car accident in Allentown, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced car collision attorney could review your available legal options and guide you at each stage of your injury claim.
Determining liability in a rear-end car crash in Allentown will depend on numerous factors specific to the accident. Drivers have a duty of care to use safety and caution behind the wheel. When a driver violates that duty of care and rear-ends another motorist, they could be liable for the injuries and damages that other motorists sustained as a direct result of the collision.
Many types of reckless or negligent driving behaviors can result in a serious rear-end wreck. Following too closely, failing to observe traffic signs and signals properly, and driving under the influence are several examples. Other potential causes of rear-end accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and improper lane changes.
These types of accidents can lead to severe injuries, and some can take time to manifest. To attend to any medical concerns, it is imperative to seek prompt medical care in the immediate aftermath of a rear-end collision. An injured motorist should carefully preserve any evidence related to the accident. This could include contact information from the other driver or witnesses, photos or videos of the crash site, and injury documentation. They should also speak with a tenacious lawyer at the earliest available opportunity who could assess their right to bring forward an injury claim.
People injured in a rear-end wreck in Allentown could be entitled to multiple types of compensation. However, one critical factor impacting the direction of the case will be whether the injured party carried limited tort or full tort auto insurance at the time of the accident.
With limited tort insurance, the injured motorist must file a claim with their insurance company to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs. An injured individual with limited tort insurance may not pursue a legal claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering unless one of several exceptions apply.
For example, if the injured individual sustained severe injuries, such as a long-term impairment or disfigurement, they may be entitled to bring a claim for pain and suffering through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver’s actions were intentional or they were operating under the influence of alcohol when they rear-ended the injured party, these are also viable exceptions.
Many drivers in Pennsylvania have full tort coverage. A person may choose limited tort coverage, which drivers opt for because it is more cost-effective than full tort coverage. However, full tort preserves a person’s ability to sue for a far wider range of losses they may incur if a crash happens. If a person has full tort auto insurance, they may seek compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses from the at-fault driver. They can also pursue compensation for pain, suffering, lost life enjoyment, and other non-economic damages.
Recovering compensation after a rear-end car accident in Allentown can involve specific legal challenges best navigated with an experienced attorney’s help. A lawyer could investigate the accident and ensure proper documentation of your injuries.
A knowledgeable attorney could also negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that reflects the fair and full value of your losses from the accident. Contact our office today to receive a no-obligation evaluation of your potential case.