Gaithersburg Rear-End Collision Attorney
Many people think of rear-end crashes as minor events or fender benders. Sometimes, this may be true. After all, rear-end collisions are some of the most common wrecks on the road. About 1.7 million of these crashes take place annually. Of that total, 1,700 result in fatalities, indicating that not all rear-end collisions are minor incidents.
Regardless of the severity of a rear-end collision, the cause is almost always an inattentive driver in the rear. Sometimes a person is looking at their phone, the radio, or even just spacing out when traffic slows down. A momentary lapse of focus is enough to lead to one of these crashes.
If you were hurt by a driver who rear-ended you, you might be entitled to collect compensation for your injuries.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today at 301-670-7030 to discuss your claim with an experienced Gaithersburg car crash attorney.
Negligence and Rear-end Car Crashes
A driver can be considered negligent for breaching a duty to use reasonable care. In the case of rear-end crashes, 87 percent of the time, the cause of the wreck is an unfocused driver. Failing to pay attention to the road ahead is considered a form of negligence.
In Maryland, a person injured in a car crash will not be able to collect compensation if he or she is partly to blame for the impact that led to his or her injuries. Maryland departs from most other states in this regard because it follows the theory of “contributory negligence” rather than “comparative negligence.” In most states, the comparative fault of the parties is analyzed and apportioned in percentages. The injured person can still recover, in most cases, unless his or her fault is equal to or greater than that of the other party, in some states. The fault apportioned to the victim will only be used to reduce damages, not to prevent them entirely. Contributory negligence in Maryland is much less forgiving to the injured person. Even being minimally to blame will prevent any recovery under this system.
Still, many car crash victims will be able to recover compensation for their injuries in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In the case of rear-end collisions, the driver in back is almost always at fault. Even if a driver stops suddenly, the rear-driver ought to be able to stop to avoid a crash. If the driver cannot stop in time, that is often because he or she was following too closely behind the front vehicle or because he or she was driving too fast.
If you have questions regarding your claim, contact a Gaithersburg, Maryland car crash attorney at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP.
Injuries in Gaithersburg, Maryland Rear-End Crashes
Following a car crash, people who are injured may not even realize they have been hurt right away. The ordeal of being in a wreck is often traumatic and disorienting, and victims may have adrenaline rushes. It is also surprising to many people how even a small impact can lead to injuries.
The severity of a person’s injuries will depend on many factors, including the speed at which the impact occurred, the angle, the vehicles involved, and safety features in the cars. Common rear-end crash injuries include the following:
- Spine injures
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Head or brain injuries
- Broken ribs
- Facial injuries
- Arm and wrist injuries from being jammed into the steering wheel
The injuries suffered in a rear-end crash can lead to a person losing his or her ability to work or engage in the activities that he or she enjoyed before the accident. The costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages add up fast.
If you were injured in a crash in Gaithersburg, Maryland, contact an attorney to discuss your claim.
Advanced Technology and Rear-End Crashes in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Rear-end crashes could largely be prevented by currently-existing technology. Crash avoidance systems used to warn drivers when they are getting too close to another car are fairly effective because they can get the attention of a driver who is not focusing on the road. However, sometimes these systems are not enough, and the driver may not have enough time to stop before the impact. Other cars now come with technology capable of actually stopping the car on its own, even if the driver does not hit the brakes. These cars are better at preventing crashes.
While these features are helpful and may someday greatly cut down on the number of rear-end crashes, they are not foolproof. There are cases where drivers rely too heavily on these features and believe that they will be able to take their attention and eyes off the road because they have such systems. In those cases, serious crashes are possible.
Contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP Today
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience representing clients who were injured in Maryland car accidents. Call us today to speak to one of our dedicated Gaithersburg, Maryland personal injury attorneys.
