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Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Helping You After a Devastating Vehicle Collision

Imagine this — you’re driving in traffic along the Schuylkill Expressway when another driver has hit you from behind. Your head may jerk violently back and forth, or your face may hit the steering wheel. The seat belt locks up, and the impact knocks your breath out. In the aftermath, you’re sore, disoriented, and worried about your injuries or those of your passengers.

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision you didn’t cause, we can help. The Cochran Firm, rear-end accident lawyers in Philadelphia, understand Pennsylvania law and are ready to help you seek compensation for the injuries you suffered due to the reckless or negligent actions of another driver.

Contact us today at (800) 969-4400 for a complimentary case evaluation.

The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia — Why Choose Us?

Rear-End Accident Attorney Protecting Your Rights

Robert Miller, senior partner and the leader of The Cochran Firm, is a respected Philadelphia personal injury attorney with a keen interest in motor vehicle accident litigation matters. Mr. Miller is a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Philadelphia Bar Associations and the American, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Associations. He has earned his reputation for close attention to detail and thorough preparation for each case, protecting injured clients and vigorously advocating for them.

At The Cochran Firm, our legal team understands what you are going through after a painful rear-end collision. Our Philadelphia rear-end collision lawyers handle all the legal paperwork and communication for your case, including contacts with insurance companies, the other party, and their lawyers. You may have a long road to recovery, but with our help, you can focus on your healing journey.

Rear-End Accidents Are One of the Most Common Kinds of Vehicle Collisions in Pennsylvania

A Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation for These Common Injuries

When you’re hit from behind by another vehicle, the sudden impact causes your body to forcefully shift back and forth, quickly and in succession several times. Your seat belt doesn’t protect your head and neck, so injuries to the neck muscles and vertebrae are quite common. Depending on where your car was hit and the force of the collision, your airbags can deploy. Although these are lifesaving devices, they can also cause serious injuries, especially to the face.

The driver who caused the collision may be liable for your injuries and have the responsibility for covering your medical bills. A rear-end accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the other driver and seek compensation for your injuries.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the name for a neck strain common in rear-end accidents. It happens when the force of the collision jerks the head quickly back and forth, overstretching or tearing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the neck. Many people experience chronic headaches after whiplash, along with a very sore neck and decreased range of motion in the shoulders or arms.

Bruising, Contusions, and Other Seat Belt Injuries

Seat belts save lives, so don’t stop wearing a belt because you’re worried you might get hurt in a rear-end accident. But these safety devices can also cause injuries even when they work as intended.

The force of a collision causes the belt to lock and tighten to keep your body from going through the car’s windshield. As a result, the impact force could cause the belt to cut into your skin, force air out of your lungs, and cause serious contusions on your torso. You may wind up with painful bruises, lacerations, or even cracked ribs.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The same force that causes whiplash also affects the rest of your spinal cord and back, pulling the muscles and tendons away from the cord or damaging the vertebrae. It can also strain muscles in the back, making it hard to stand up straight, walk, or bend over. If the collision damaged your ligaments through overstretching, the recovery process can be long and painful.

Another common spine injury from a rear-end accident is a slipped or herniated disc. Your vertebrae are separated by cushioning discs consisting of a harder outer layer and a softer, fluid-filled inner layer. Blunt force to the back or spine can cause these discs to slip out of place. When the outer layer tears and the inner layer protrudes, this is called a herniated disc. The inner layer then presses against the spinal cord, which could cause numbness, severe pain, or impact your mobility in the area of your body below the damage.

Head and Facial Injuries

Impact injuries to the face and head are very common in a rear-end wreck. Your head may hit the side of the car, or your face may smack against the steering wheel. Black eyes and broken noses are unfortunately common after accidents. Or you may have lacerations to your head and face serious enough to require reconstructive surgery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The impact of your head hitting the airbag or interior of the car can cause a serious brain injury. Even accidents at slower speeds have the potential to cause a concussion, loss of consciousness, or swelling in the brain.

A crash at high speeds could cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or damage to the brain tissue. The impact of the wreck causes the brain to hit the interior of the skull, leading to bleeding or swelling and sometimes permanent damage. Even minor brain injuries can be followed by lasting complications, like difficulty with speech, concentration, and memory, along with personality changes.

Internal Organ Damage

High-impact crashes could cause internal organ damage, especially if your seat is dislodged from the collision and your body is forced against the steering wheel. A ruptured spleen, lacerated liver, or lungs punctured by broken ribs are the most common kinds of internal organ damage, but victims can be hurt anywhere on the torso.

Crushing Injuries, or Involuntary Amputation

In a severe rear-end cash, your vehicle could be sent spinning into other lanes of traffic or off the road. The driver or passenger could be flung from the vehicle, breaking bones or crushing an arm or leg. In worst-case scenarios, limbs could be partially or fully amputated at the scene. Or damage to a limb could be so bad that amputation is the only option. Victims of involuntary amputation injuries face mobility challenges that will change the course of their lives. Seeking representation from Lawyers for truck accidents in Philadelphia can provide crucial support during these trying times.

You don’t have to fight for the compensation you deserve to pay for your medical care. A Philadelphia rear-end collision lawyer from The Cochran Firm can help — call us today at (800) 969-4400 to learn more.

Long-Term Effects of Rear-End Accident Injuries

Many rear-end accident victims suffer from multiple injuries. Some injuries require surgery to repair the damage, such as a torn ligament, herniated disc, facial fracture, or compound bone fracture. Many people may require physical or occupational therapy to regain their range of motion or ability to walk again.

Accident victims with moderate to severe brain injuries may not be able to live independently. Some heart injuries can cause cognitive decline, while other types of damage could leave the victims unable to care for themselves or to work again. A family member may be thrust into the role of a caregiver, or the victim may require housing in a specialized care community.

The cost of caring for someone with serious injuries can easily reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, affecting the entire family’s financial security. A Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, seeking compensatory damages for the cost of medical treatment, aftercare and physical therapy, and any kind of modifications, in-home care, or other treatment needed for your changed condition.

Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision

The moments after a car wreck are chaotic, painful, and confusing. You’re likely worried about your condition and how badly hurt your passengers are. Your safety is the most important consideration, so even if the wreck seems minor or the other driver asks to just exchange information, it’s better to call 911 for emergency assistance. Many rear-end collision injuries don’t present symptoms right away, but emergency medics are trained to diagnose common injuries. The police will also arrive and create an accident report. Your Philadelphia rear-end accident attorney will likely need this report to help prove your case.

Your first thought after a car wreck probably isn’t, “I need to call a Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer,” but you should consider doing so fairly soon. The other party’s insurance company may approach you with a settlement, but it’s likely as small as possible and may not cover long-term recovery costs. When you work with an experienced Philadelphia rear-end collision lawyer, you benefit from legal advice that could help you achieve full financial compensation for your medical care and pain and suffering.

FAQs for Our Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Important Things to Know About Your Car Accident Injury Suit

Every car accident situation is unique, but many of our clients have similar questions about the lawsuit and settlement process.

I was offered a settlement for the car wreck. Why do I need a Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer?

Your rear-end accident attorney can accurately value your case and use their years of experience litigating car accident claims to ensure that your compensation will cover your medical bills, lost wages from time missed at work, recovery costs, and diminished quality of life.

How much does a Philadelphia rear-end accident attorney cost?

Many car accident lawyers, including those at The Cochran Firm, assess attorney’s fees only if they successfully settle your claim. If we don’t win your case, we don’t charge you. We will discuss the fee structure during your initial free consultation; it’s generally a percentage of the final award.

How much will I get for my rear-end accident suit?

Usually, the settlement depends on how badly you were hurt and the effect your injuries have on your life. As your Philadelphia rear-end collision lawyer, we fight for a settlement that covers your medical care now and in the future.

I think I caused the accident. Do I still have a case?

You may still be able to collect damages if the other driver’s actions can be proven to have contributed to the accident. A Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyer who understands Pennsylvania laws regarding car accident liability can help you learn about your legal options after a rear-end collision.

Will I have to go to court to prove my case?

Usually, our Philadelphia rear-end accident attorneys are able to settle a rear-end accident claim in mediation or through a demand letter to the at-fault driver. However, if your situation is more complex or involves multiple drivers, we may need to go to court and litigate fiercely to represent your interests.

Is the driver that rear-ended me automatically at fault for my accident?

Many times, the driver that hits another car from behind has violated proper traffic safety protocols; perhaps they had been following too closely or had not allowed a merging vehicle adequate room. Our Philadelphia rear-end collision lawyers conduct a full investigation into your collision, including reviewing the police report, looking at video or photo evidence from the crash, or even hiring an expert accident reconstruction specialist. Our goal is to hold the responsible party accountable.

We know that you and your family have questions, and our promise to you is that we will always provide you with honest, thoughtful answers that relate to your situation. We treat you, our client, with the respect and compassion you deserve.

Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Attorney

Have you been rear-ended by a reckless driver? We can help. The Cochran Firm of Philadelphia is a talented legal team dedicated to representing the rights of injured victims like you. We build a strong case through independent investigation and walk beside you every step of the way. Our skillful negotiation skills benefit you in mediation, and, if needed, we vigorously litigate your case before a judge and jury.

Don’t navigate this complicated process alone. Call us today at (800) 969-4400 to schedule a free consultation.