In general, investigators frequently assume that a driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault for the accident. Nevertheless, these cases are not always as straightforward as they seem. If you’ve been injured, representation from our Sparks car accident lawyer may benefit you.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers has served over 30,000 clients since its inception in 1997, recovering over $1 billion in compensation. With 150 years of combined experience, our rear–end collision lawyer in Sparks will work to build a strong case in your favor.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are Often More Complex Than They Seem
You may be surprised to discover that fault in rear-end accidents can be disputed. For example, a driver who rear-ends another car may claim that the driver reversed into them, stopped suddenly and unexpectedly, or cut in front of them, leaving no time for them to avoid a collision.
The most contentious area is often centered around injuries, especially soft-tissue injuries like whiplash. For example, defendants may assert that you were not as badly hurt as you claim to be. If you delayed getting medical attention because your injuries weren’t immediately apparent, they may argue that you sustained the injury elsewhere or made it worse by delaying medical care.
Many people don’t know what to do when faced with this kind of opposition. It may seem deeply unfair, even infuriating, and countering these challenges on your own may seem impossible. An experienced lawyer, on the other hand, may prepare for objections and be ready to handle them. Contact the Sparks personal injury lawyers at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers to discover what we can do for you.
Typical Injuries After Rear-End Collisions
Soft-tissue neck injuries from rapid flexion (bending forward) and extension (stretching back) during impacts are common in rear-end accidents. “Whiplash” is a term commonly used to describe this type of injury, and it can lead to anything from a few days to several months of severe pain and restricted movement.
According to research on recovery pathways and prognosis after whiplash injury, 20-50% of people may experience long-term symptoms, with little further recovery after the three-month mark. Symptoms like pain and dizziness may continue in the long term, making it difficult for accident survivors to function as they did before the accident.
The physical forces exerted on the body during a rear-end collision can even cause spinal fractures. You may not notice your injury at first. When you do, treatment may involve anything from months of wearing a brace to surgery followed by a lengthy recovery time.
Compensation Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers May Help You Recover After a Rear-End Collision in Sparks
When a rear-end collision causes injuries, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.130 allows injured parties to claim compensation from at-fault parties. Settlements are often negotiated out of court, but if this process fails to yield a satisfactory outcome, a civil lawsuit may resolve the matter. The damages you may recover after a car accident include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Disability or impairment
It’s easy to calculate some of these damages, but others require an understanding of legal precedents. Even your financial costs will require careful documentation and justification, especially when accounting for future losses. A rear–end collision attorney in Sparks may help you determine what a fair settlement should look like.
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How You Can Protect Your Right to Compensation After a Rear-End Accident
Most people think about collecting evidence, such as images or video, at the scene of an accident. Although it can help, you should not move if you have reason to suspect you have a spinal injury. Remember, your recovery is your top priority. Key steps you can take include:
- Getting immediate medical attention, even if you think you are unhurt
- Closely following any instructions from doctors
- Reporting new symptoms that appear in the days following the accident
- Refraining from giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Avoiding public statements about your injuries or your accident, for example, on social media
Whether or not you were able to gather your own evidence, injury cases can be complex. Consider consulting a Sparks rear-end collision lawyer. They can advise you on your case and may agree to handle the claims process on your behalf, representing you in court if necessary.
How Shared Fault May Affect Compensation in Nevada Rear-End Accident Cases
In rear-end accidents, the driver who rear-ends another car is generally regarded as at fault. However, defendants may claim that the driver of the car in front was to blame or shared blame for the accident because:
- They suddenly braked for no reason
- Their vehicle had malfunctioning brake lights
- The car rolled backward, or the driver reversed
- The driver of the car in front changed lanes or merged into traffic unsafely
Per Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141, you cannot claim compensation if you are 51% or more at fault for an accident. If you share 50% or less fault, you can claim compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault. For instance, if your share of the blame is 20%, you can only recover 80% of your damages.
The Deadline for Taking Legal Action After a Rear-End Collision in Sparks
After a rear-end accident, you may think you escaped with minor injuries and that property damage is your primary concern. In that case, you may not have considered the possibility of legal action, assuming that insurance claims would progress smoothly. A lawyer may still be able to assist if you later find that you:
- Are more seriously hurt than you first thought
- Face disputes about fault and liability
- Receive inadequate settlement offers
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Nevada specifies a deadline for filing injury lawsuits. It is stated in Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4)(e) and gives you a two-year window to initiate action. It takes time to build a trial-ready case, so getting help from our Sparks rear-end collision attorney as soon as possible may benefit you.
Contact Our Sparks Rear-End Collision Attorney Today
The fact that many people who approach Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers for the first time come back to us when they face other legal challenges, or refer friends and family, tells its own tale. When you choose our rear-end collision lawyer in Sparks, you’ll notice our dedication to helping people in their time of need.
If we represent you, we’ll only charge the agreed-on fee for our lawyer’s time if we secure a win for you. Get a free case review with Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers to find out more about your case.
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