Among the many ways in which car accidents can happen, the rear-end collision is one of the most common. Typically, these traffic collisions happen because someone simply fails to pay attention. If you are involved in one of these traffic collisions, you owe it to yourself to protect your right to compensation and get legal help right away.
Our founding attorney, Monty L. Cain, has spent more than two decades fighting for the rights of injury victims in Oklahoma, earning distinctions from the National Association of Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end crash in Oklahoma, we will deploy our rapid-response investigation team to gather critical evidence and immediately go to work on your case. Don’t delay – contact Cain Law Office today and learn more about your rights and options.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries in Oklahoma
At Cain Law Office, we know how a vehicle crashing into you from behind – even at a slow speed – can cause severe trauma. Some of the most common injuries that we have seen among rear-end accidents victims over the years in Oklahoma are:
Whiplash
Whiplash. This injury occurs when a person’s head shakes back and forth rapidly upon impact, causing damage to the muscle tissues of the neck and shoulders. This “whipping” action can cause tremendous pain and discomfort after a traffic collision. It can also cause a host of other symptoms – many of which may seem odd or unexpected such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Depression or anguish
- Strained or blurred vision
- Difficulty stooping or bending.
Internal organ damage or bleeding
When your body is thrust about inside of a vehicle, you can suffer internal injuries. This is true even if you are restrained by a seat belt. Because you can’t see or easily detect these injuries, it is important see a doctor right away after an accident in order to receive a comprehensive examination.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI occurs when the brain shifts back and forth inside the skull, striking the skull and damaging brain tissue. The diagnosis of a TBI typically requires a CT scan and/or MRI. The injury may range from a concussion to a more severe cause that causes health problems such as:
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional or behavioral changes
- Loss of appetite
- Sensory changes
- Lack of gross motor control or balance
- Changes in fine motor skills
- Psychological changes or delays.
Back Injuries
This injury is perhaps the most common complaint after a car accident. Many victims suffer bulging discs or severe damage to the spinal cord. A back injury may keep you out of work for an extended period or limit the activities that you can perform at your job.
When people suffer injuries from rear-end accidents, it can be tough to know exactly what to do next. Cain Law Office can provide the guidance and representation that you need. It starts with a free consultation. If you can’t come to our offices in Oklahoma City or Edmond, we can meet with you in your home or the hospital or wherever else is most convenient for you.
When Is the Rear Driver At Fault?
In most situations, the rear driver is at fault for a rear-end crash. This is because the driver in the rear typically is in the best position to see the car in front and react to the car stopping or taking other actions. These traffic collisions usually happen because the rear driver is distracted by:
- Cell phones (texting or talking)
- Looking up directions on GPS
- Messing with the radio or other controls
- Putting on makeup
- Eating or drinking
- Interacting with passengers or pets in the vehicle.
Of course, alcohol or drug impairment can also play a role as well as inexperience. In some cases, a driver may be overly fatigued and slow to react to the front driver.
When Is the Front Driver At Fault?
Though less common, in some cases, the lead car driver causes the crash. For instance, a front driver may act erratically. Some examples of how a front driver can cause a rear-end accident are:
- Turning or changing lanes without a signal
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots
- Stopping or slowing down abruptly.
How Can We Determine Fault in a Rear-End Accident?
People often worry that they will be unable to recover compensation because the insurance company will blame them for the rear-end crash. When you work with Cain Law Office, we will thoroughly investigate your case and determine who caused the accident. As part of that investigation, we will aggressively gather evidence to support your case such as:
- Crash scene photos
- Witness statements
- Vehicle inspections
- Electronic data recorder (“black box”) information
- Cell phone records
- Chemical test results
- Surveillance camera footage.
We may even consult with crash reconstruction experts and forensic engineers who are trained to use measurements, photographs and various statistical calculations to determine and explain how and why a traffic collision occurred.
Our ultimate goal will be to prepare a case for success at trial. That preparation will give you the leverage you need to pursue a full and fair settlement in negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free case consultation.
