Rear-End Accidents in Chicago

Getting rear-ended while at a stop light, in traffic on the highway, or under any other circumstances can be a jarring disruption to your life, even if it only leads to unexpected car repair bills. In more serious situations, these crashes can cause long-lasting injuries with potentially life-altering consequences. If you are not familiar with your legal rights and how best to enforce them after a traffic wreck, you may have to pay for all your ensuing losses out of pocket.

Rear-end accidents in Chicago can be deceptively difficult to file suit over, and proceeding with a claim without getting help from experienced legal counsel is often a recipe for disaster. Working closely with a qualified car accident attorney could make a world of difference in how efficiently you can get through your case.

Proving Someone Else Is Liable for a Rear-End Wreck

When a driver runs into the back of a vehicle that is stopped at a stop sign or slowing for upcoming traffic ahead of them, it might understandably seem obvious that the rearmost driver is the one who should be considered legally at fault for the wreck. However, there are numerous scenarios in which the frontmost driver might be the one to blame for this sort of crash. For instance, if the motorist in front suddenly slammed on their brakes without warning or reversed into someone stopped behind them at a light, they may be held responsible for the damages.

Because of these variables, anyone who wants to recover compensation after a rear-end auto collision has the burden of proving that the person who hit them directly caused their injuries and losses through their own negligence. More specifically, they must show through a preponderance of evidence that the person who hit them violated the duty of care all drivers have to act responsibly behind the wheel and that their breach of duty was the direct and primary cause of their accident.

Sometimes, proving someone else at fault for a rear-end car wreck in Chicago is as simple as referencing a police report that includes a citation for a traffic offense committed just before the impact. In other cases, establishing fault may entail gathering evidence from numerous sources, including witness testimony, accident scene photos, and even subpoenaed surveillance or dashboard camera footage. This can be extremely difficult to obtain without the help of a trusted attorney.

Available Damages After a Rear-End Collision

Through a successful claim, it may be possible to recover for all economic and non-economic losses that can be traced directly back to the Chicago rear-end wreck, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost work income or ability to work
• Car repair or replacement costs, plus other forms of personal property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological and emotional distress
• Lost enjoyment or quality of life

A capable legal professional could go into more detail about what damages could be compensable in a particular claim during a private initial consultation.

Let a Chicago Attorney Help After a Rear-End Accident

While rear-end wrecks tend to not be as deadly as other types of auto accidents, they still can—and all too often do—cause serious physical injuries that lead to a host of other financial and personal losses. Recovering fairly for these losses can be difficult to accomplish on your own.

Fortunately, you do not have to fight for compensation alone after a rear-end accident in Chicago. Retain a skilled attorney from our firm for dedicated legal guidance throughout the entire process. Call today to learn more.