Rear-end collisions are common across the United States. These accidents can cause long-lasting injuries and property damage, not to mention pain and suffering and loss of wages.
If you are facing a growing pile of medical bills or car repairs because of a rear-end collision, you may be able to hold the driver of the other car responsible for their negligence. A Gulfport rear-end collisions lawyer can help you build a strong case to pursue compensation for your damages and injuries.
The team at the Morris Bart law firm works on car accident cases around the state of Mississippi. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we are not successful with your case, you owe us nothing. For a free, no-risk case review, contact the Morris Bart law firm at (228) 357-9621 today.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
There are many ways in which another driver’s negligence can result in a rear-end collision. Some of the most common causes of rear-endings include the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents across the United States and refers to the practice of operating a moving vehicle while engaging in another activity that takes your attention off the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving injures over 1,000 people every day across the country.
When distracted behind the wheel, a driver may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid rear-ending a car that has stopped unexpectedly. Common causes of distraction include:
- Cell phones.
- Navigation systems.
- Passengers.
- Eating behind the wheel.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of accidents across the country. When a driver speeds, they need a greater stopping distance to avoid an accident. However, if they do not see that a car has stopped in time, there is a strong likelihood of a rear-end collision.
Drowsy Driving
According to the CDC, an estimated one in 25 adult drivers reports having fallen asleep behind the wheel in the previous 30 days. The simple act of operating a moving vehicle while you are drowsy is extremely dangerous, even if you do not fall asleep while behind the wheel. Those who drive while fatigued are less able to focus on the road and have a slower reaction time, both of which increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
These are a few of the possible causes of rear-end collisions. If you were involved in a rear-ending because of another driver’s negligence, you can fight to hold them responsible for their actions. A Gulfport rear-end collisions lawyer can help you investigate the accident and determine if you are eligible for compensation. For a free case review, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621.
For a free legal consultation with a Rear-End Collisions lawyer serving Gulfport, call 800-537-8185
Laws that Could Impact Your Claim
There are a couple of laws you should be aware of that could potentially impact your personal injury claim after a rear-end collision. These include the statute of limitations and the negligence laws in the State of Mississippi.
According to the Mississippi Statute of Limitations §15-1-49, there is generally a three-year time limit for filing a personal injury claim. That means if you do not file your claim within three years of the date of your accident, you are typically barred from recovering any compensation.
It is also important to note that Mississippi is a pure comparative negligence state. This is beneficial if you were somewhat responsible for causing the accident. It means you are not barred from recovering damage as long as you are not 100% responsible for the accident. Any compensation you receive will just be reduced by the degree to which you were liable.
However, you should be aware that comparative negligence is also a common defense tactic used by lawyers. The other party may try to claim that you were partially responsible, or more responsible for the accident than you really were, to try to alleviate their liability and lower the cost of the settlement. A lawyer can help defend you against tactics like these.
Types of Recoverable Damages
There are a number of different types of damages that you might be able to recover as a result of a rear-end collision. While we cannot estimate damages without first examining the details of your case, some common types of damages include:
- Medical costs like hospital stays, surgical procedures, doctor’s examinations, medication, and physical therapy.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
- Lost wages.
- Future wages if your earning potential was lost or diminished.
- Disfigurement or dismemberment.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
Wrongful Death
If the rear-end collision was catastrophic and resulted in the death of your loved one, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver responsible in a wrongful death claim. Some potential damages you may recover in this type of claim are:
- Pain and suffering of your family
- Pain and suffering of the deceased prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses left to the family
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Loss of wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
Click to contact our Gulfport Car Accident Attorney today
The Team at Morris Bart is Here for You
We understand how overwhelming car accidents can be, even when your injuries are not serious. When they are serious, it can be even more daunting to think about pursuing a lawsuit to recover damages. However, if your injuries occurred due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to hold them responsible for their actions, and a Gulfport rear-end collisions lawyer can help.
For a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
