A rear-end collision can happen in seconds, but the consequences can last much longer. Whiplash, medical bills, missed work, and an insurance company that attempts to minimize your claim can make the days after a crash especially difficult.
Deering Hedrick, P.C. represents rear-end car accident victims throughout Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads region. Call (757) 383-6848 to discuss your case with our team.
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Virginia?
In many rear-end collisions, the driver who strikes the vehicle ahead may be considered at fault because Virginia law requires motorists to follow no more closely than is reasonable and prudent under the traffic and road conditions.
This is not an automatic rule. The facts may point to negligence by the lead driver, another motorist, or another party, such as when a vehicle unexpectedly reverses, has nonworking brake lights, or is involved in a chain reaction collision. Because Virginia generally follows contributory negligence rules, an injured person’s own alleged role in the crash can have a significant effect on a claim.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault After a Rear-End Crash
Evidence in a rear-end accident case may include:
- Photographs of the vehicles and crash scene
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or nearby surveillance footage
- When available, event data recorder information
This evidence can help show how the car crash happened, where the vehicles were positioned, and whether a driver was speeding, following too closely, distracted, or otherwise negligent.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Virginia Beach
Rear-end crashes may occur when a driver is distracted, follows too closely, travels too fast for traffic conditions, drives while fatigued, or fails to react to slowing or stopped traffic.
Busy roads, changing traffic patterns, and stop-and-go congestion in Virginia Beach can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly on heavily traveled corridors such as Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can cause:
The rapid forward-and-back motion of the body can cause symptoms to develop or become more noticeable over the days following a crash, even when vehicle damage appears minor.
Can You Sue Someone for Rear-Ending You?
If another driver’s negligence caused the rear-end collision, you may be able to pursue an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for crash-related losses. Your ability to recover will depend on the facts of the collision, the available evidence, and whether the other side alleges that you contributed to the crash.
What Is the Time Limit to Sue Someone for a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, Virginia law gives an injured person two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. The applicable deadline can vary in certain circumstances, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Do not wait for an insurance company to define your options. To discuss the deadlines and evidence that may affect your rear-end accident claim, call Deering Hedrick, P.C. at (757) 383-6848.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Rear-End Car Accident?
While not every rear-end accident requires a lawyer, having an attorney review your case is generally a good idea, particularly if you suffered a significant injury, if fault is disputed, or if the insurance company is offering a settlement that seems low.
An attorney can help make sure your claim accounts for the full scope of your injuries and losses, rather than just what an adjuster initially offers.
Compensation Available in a Virginia Beach Rear-End Accident Case
Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, and anticipated future care. A claim may also account for lost income while the victim is unable to work, as well as reduced earning capacity when accident-related injuries affect their ability to return to the same job or earn the same income in the future.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to the victim’s vehicle or other personal property. The damages available in a case depend on the evidence, the nature and extent of the injuries, and the specific losses connected to the crash.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Rear-End Accident?
There is no reliable average settlement amount for a rear-end accident. Every claim depends on its own facts, including the extent of the injuries, the medical evidence, available insurance coverage, disputed liability, and the impact the collision has had on the injured person’s work and daily life.
Why Choose Deering Hedrick, P.C. As Your Rear-End Accident Attorneys?
A rear-end collision can leave you dealing with medical appointments, missed time from work, vehicle repairs, and insurance adjusters while you are trying to recover. Deering Hedrick, P.C. represents injured people in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads with direct guidance, consistent communication, and careful preparation from the start of a case through resolution.
Our attorneys take the time to investigate how the collision happened, gather available evidence, document the full impact of your injuries, and address insurance company efforts to minimize a claim. Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation, our team is prepared to advocate for your interests.
If you were injured in a rear-end collision in Virginia Beach, contact Deering Hedrick, P.C. at (757) 383-6848 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
