Although rear-end car accidents may seem fairly benign compared to other types of car crashes, they can still cause serious injuries and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over two million rear-end collisions occur in the United States annually.
Generally, it is the responsibility of the driver behind you to know when to slow down or stop and to use their brakes accordingly. Fittingly enough, a study by the NHTSA found that 87 percent of rear-end collisions occurred because the driver simply was not paying attention.
Whether the driver is distracted or decides not to slow down in time, the blame for the accident can lie with them, and a dedicated car accident attorney could help you seek damages from them. If you are the victim of a rear-end accident, Bolingbrook rear-end car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for any injuries and losses you suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
Rear-End Collision Injuries
When it comes to rear-end collisions, even minor ones can cause physical and psychological injuries to both drivers and passengers in the impacted car. While some can turn out to be minor fender-benders, others can send involved parties to the emergency room.
Common injuries from this type of collision include:
- Back injuries, including spinal cord injuries and whiplash
- Head injuries caused by inflating airbags
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Deep tissue injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Chronic pain/suffering
Sometimes, victims of rear-end collisions may require extensive medical care such as surgeries, blood transfusions, long hospital stays, MRIs, CT scans, and physical and psychological therapy. All these tests and procedures come with a price tag that someone will have to pay—and that someone should not be the victim of someone else’s careless actions. By seeking legal assistance from a Bolingbrook rear-end car accident attorney, victims may be able to get the responsible parties and their insurance companies to pay these expenses.
Filing Deadline for Rear-end Collision Cases
People who want to file a civil suit for their damages in a rear-end car accident have a limited time in which to do so. As noted in 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the Illinois statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, this limit may be extended for a certain amount of time if the plaintiff lacks the capacity to make sound decisions for themselves or is a minor.
Similarly, if an injury from an auto accident is not discovered until after the date of the accident, the statute of limitations would begin on the day the injuries were discovered. Potential plaintiffs should speak with an experienced Bolingbrook rear-end car accident lawyer to learn how the Illinois statute of limitations applies to their case.
Reaching Out to a Bolingbrook Rear-End Car Accident Attorney
If you are suffering the consequences of an accident that was not your fault, there is still reason for hope. The services of a Bolingbrook rear-end car accident lawyer from our firm could help you seek fair compensation for all your damages, including your medical bills.
We may also be able to help you recover for your physical pain and suffering as well as lost wages and the loss future income-earning abilities. Our attorneys are well-versed in how to handle rear-end collision cases for victims, so contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer to discuss your case.