Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. While a rear-end may seem minor, those seated in the front vehicle are often more vulnerable to injury because of their inability to anticipate or brace for the impact.
If you were rear-ended and suffered injuries, an experienced car accident attorney can assess your case to determine whether you are entitled to monetary damages. To learn more about the legal process, consult a Midwest City rear-end collision lawyer.
Common Rear-End Crash Injuries
Readily apparent injuries such as cuts, lacerations, broken bones, paralysis, and unconsciousness may be immediately obvious after an accident. Therefore, seeking immediate medical care is critical. Other injuries, such as soft tissue damage, herniated discs, and brain injuries, may take time to appear. If symptoms arise, persist, or worsen over time, medical attention is just as important in the days and weeks following an accident.
Just as receiving medical treatment after an accident is crucial, documenting that treatment is also essential. Calculating damages in a car accident case depends heavily on analyzing hospital bills and medical history, so maintaining clear documentation could be key to one’s claim.
Filing a Timely Midwest City Rear-End Collision Civil Action
Every state imposes a time limit, called a statute of limitations, on initiating various lawsuits. Oklahoma Statute Title 12, § 95(A)(3) permits plaintiffs seeking to recover damages for both personal injury and property damage just two years to file a civil action.
Save for very limited exceptions, cases filed after the statute of limitations has expired will almost certainly be dismissed with prejudice, and the right to recover any compensation will effectively be forfeited. Speaking with a Midwest City rear-end car crash attorney promptly may allow a plaintiff to avoid seeing their case dismissed.
Injured Victims Partly At Fault May Still Recover Compensation
In nearly all rear-end collisions, the driver of the rear vehicle bears all the responsibility. There are, however, some situations where an injured plaintiff in the front vehicle could also be held responsible. Some examples of partial fault may include driving with a broken taillight, stopping suddenly without reason, or reversing into another car.
While a handful of states prohibit any recovery for plaintiffs deemed partly at fault, Oklahoma’s modified comparative fault rule allows partial fault plaintiffs to recover damages reduced in proportion to their fault. For example, a plaintiff deemed ten percent to blame for the accident may receive just 90 percent of their eligible compensation. A rear-end collision lawyer in Midwest City could help an injured victim fight against allegations of comparative fault.
A Midwest City Rear-End Collision Attorney Could Advocate For You
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you might face significant bills from the hospital, doctor’s office, pharmacy, physical therapy clinic, and auto body and mechanic shops. To make matters worse, you may have also lost income due to missing work.
A Midwest City rear-end collision lawyer could help. By reviewing your case, interviewing witnesses, studying police reports, and understanding your medical records, an attorney could devise an approach to help you maximize recovery to compensate you for your injuries and property damage. Call today to get started on your case.