Sevierville Rear End Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-end accidents are all too common in Sevierville, throughout Tennessee, and across the United States. The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that about a third of all U.S. accidents are rear ended collisions. Many of these accidents leave victims badly injured and burdened with expensive medical bills.

The car accident lawyers at The Terry Law Firm want to help if you’ve been hurt in a rear-end crash in East Tennessee. Our Sevierville personal injury attorneys have more than five decades of legal experience, and our clients have recovered millions of dollars with our help. You can be confident that we’ll work vigorously to pursue the full compensation you deserve for your losses.

Learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation with a compassionate and knowledgeable rear end car accident lawyer in Sevierville.

What Is a Rear End Accident?

A rear end accident occurs when a vehicle collides with the car’s tail end in front of it. Drivers and passengers in either car can sustain severe injuries in a rear-end collision, as the jarring impact affects both vehicles.

Some of the common causes of rear end collisions include:

• Tailgating – Following too closely behind another vehicle means there’s less time and space to slow down when traffic slows or stops, making tailgating one of the most common causes of rear end collisions.
• Speeding – Much like tailgating, breaking posted speed limits or going too fast for conditions leaves drivers a much smaller margin of error when maneuvering. That makes it harder for speeding drivers to recognize and respond to a vehicle stopping suddenly in front of them.
• Distracted driving – The driver in the rear can cause a rear end collision if they’re distracted and fail to slow down or stop in time to avoid running into the vehicle in front of them.
• Impaired driving – A driver intoxicated by drugs or alcohol might misjudge the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, leading to an accident. Impaired reactions and coordination can also lead a drunk or drug-impaired driver to collide with traffic in front of them.
• Severe driver fatigue – Drivers who haven’t gotten enough rest will frequently experience lapses in judgment or challenges with recognizing what’s in front of them. Either of these factors can cause a rear end accident.
• Poor road conditions – Rain, snow, and other types of bad weather can make the road surface more slippery, increasing stopping distances and making rear end accidents more likely if drivers fail to adjust speed and following distance.
• Mechanical defects – If a vehicle’s brakes, tires, or other critical components are worn or fail at the wrong time, the driver may not be able to control the car, leading to a rear end accident. A broken brake light could cause the rear driver not to notice the lead vehicle has stopped until it is too late.

Common Injuries from Rear End Car Accidents in Sevierville

Some of the most common injuries from rear end car accidents include:

• Back injuries, such as a herniated disc or spinal injuries 
• Neck injuries, including whiplash and severe neck pain
• Broken bones and bone fractures
• Joint injuries
• Damage to soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• External head injuries
• Facial lacerations or disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injury
• Other permanent injuries
• Wrongful death

Who Is to Blame for Rear End Crashes in Sevierville, TN?

When it comes to personal injury claims after a rear end car accident, determining who is at fault comes down to the legal concept of negligence. In basic terms, negligence occurs when someone has a responsibility to use reasonable care to avoid injuring you, but they fall short of that responsibility through their careless actions or failure to act.

With that in mind, how does negligence work for rear end accidents? In most cases, the driver in the rear bears most or all of the responsibility for a rear end crash. That is because drivers are required to leave a reasonably safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to avoid a collision. For example, a driver who is tailgating and can’t stop in time to prevent a crash would likely be found liable for the accident.

However, not all rear end car accidents are caused by the driver in the rear. There are some cases where the driver in front or another party could be found responsible for a rear end crash, such as:

• The driver in front accelerating backward into the vehicle behind them
• The driver in front slowing suddenly or “brake checking” the car behind them
• Crashes where the taillights on the vehicle in front are faulty
• Crashes caused by a driver hitting a vehicle stopped illegally in the road
• Crashes where the vehicle in front has a flat tire or similar issue, but the driver did not turn on their hazard lights

What to Do After a Rear End Collision

After any serious car accident, the first priority is to make sure you and anyone else who’s been injured receive medical treatment. However, you also need to do what you can to protect your right to pursue compensation. Here’s what you need to do after a rear end car accident:

1. Call 911.
2. Take pictures of the accident scene and your visible injuries.
3. Get the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses.
4. See a doctor right away if you aren’t brought to a hospital from the scene.
5. Hold on to all your medical records, as well as any proof of your lost income.
6. Don’t make any statements to insurance companies until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
7. Hire a car accident lawyer so they can begin to protect your rights and build your case.

How Are Injured Victims Compensated?

The amount you could receive in compensation after a rear end collision depends on a few factors, such as the extent of your injuries and losses, the circumstances of the crash, and the amount of insurance coverage available.

With the right lawyer and enough evidence to back up your claim with the insurance company for the at-fault driver, you could potentially be compensated for losses such as:

• Medical bills and physical therapy expenses
• Diminished future earnings
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property

Get Help from a Rear End Collision Lawyer in Sevierville, TN

A rear end car accident can be a life-altering event, but The Terry Law Firm can help you pursue the money you need to get your life back on track.

For more information, contact us today for a free consultation and legal advice about your rear end collision case. We’ll take the time to understand the details of your case and help you understand the steps you can take to protect your rights and move your life forward.