One second, you’re sitting in your car. The next second, you slam into the steering wheel or dashboard. You’re the victim of a rear-end collision.
A rear-end accident occurs when a forward-moving vehicle slams into the back of your vehicle. Often, a rear-end collision occurs when your car is stationary at a traffic light, stop sign, or in a traffic jam. However, rear-end crashes can also happen when the vehicle behind you is traveling faster than yours or when you are entering or exiting an interstate merge lane or exit.
Rear-end collisions occur frequently, accounting for almost 30 percent of all traffic accidents. This statistic explains why the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a new federal motor vehicle safety standard in 2024, making automatic emergency braking standard on all passenger cars and light trucks by the winter of 2029.
These rear-end collisions can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury (like concussion), whiplash, and spinal cord damage (including herniated discs or paralysis). Wrongful death is even possible, with rear-end crashes accounting for a significant percentage of traffic-related fatalities.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Virginia, our skilled rear-end collision lawyers can help you negotiate an auto accident settlement with the insurance companies or try your case before a jury to maximize compensation and ensure you can afford much-needed medical care.
Many people have gotten lucky, experiencing some minor form of rear-end collision with few serious consequences. But this does not mean we should underestimate the seriousness of this type of accident. Rear-end accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
The financial and personal impact of a rear-end crash can be significant. Sometimes, accidents result in severe injuries that require years of medical care.
As a victim of a rear-end collision in Virginia, you may receive money for a wide range of damages, including the following:
Calculating how much money you need to be made whole after a rear-end collision is complex. That’s why early consultation with an experienced attorney is critical to preserving your claim.
Virginia is one of only a few states that still apply the contributory negligence rule in personal injury cases. Under this doctrine, you may recover nothing in a lawsuit if the courts find you even slightly at fault for the crash.
In a rear-end collision, this means the other driver’s insurer may try to shift a small portion of the blame to you—arguing, for example, that you braked too suddenly or failed to signal a lane change.
This strict rule makes it especially important to build a strong, evidence-based case. You and your lawyer must demonstrate not only that the other driver was negligent but also that you were entirely without fault.
Because insurance companies are well aware of this legal standard, they often exploit it during settlement negotiations. Without legal representation, you could unknowingly forfeit your right to recover full damages from a rear-end crash.
Rear-end crashes happen in a wide variety of settings—from stop-and-go traffic to high-speed highway situations.
Common causes of rear-end collision include:
Determining the cause of the crash is critical to establishing the other driver’s liability.
Usually, the courts will find the person driving the vehicle that rear-ends another car at fault. But exceptions exist. For example, the rear-ended driver may be at fault if they move their vehicle in reverse, suddenly slam on the brakes for no reason (brake checking the other car), fail to use a turn signal when slowing to turn, or have defective brake lights at night. This contribution to the crash may sink your case in a contributory negligence state like Virginia.
In some cases, the fault may extend beyond the driver to include employers (in commercial vehicle crashes), auto manufacturers, or maintenance providers. For example, a design flaw in your vehicle may cause an explosion or fire after a rear-end crash. If so, you may have a cause of action against the vehicle manufacturer.
Even if injuries seem minor, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
You should also document the crash scene by taking photographs of the surrounding location, damage to the vehicle, tire marks on the roadway, and visible injuries.
Collecting the contact details for any witnesses who observed the accident or the moments after is critical to your case. Additionally, we recommend that you file a police report to have paperwork to present to the insurer during settlement negotiations.
Finally, reach out to a Virginia rear-end collision lawyer to discuss your legal options, including a civil action alleging the other driver’s negligence or a claim under workers compensation law.
Rear-end accidents have resulted in numerous reported jury verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million.
Read this article on evaluating personal injury settlements to learn more about the factors to consider when negotiating a rear-end collision settlement.
And call us to see what types of results we’ve obtained for accident victims in similar situations to yours.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including rear-end collisions, is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame could result in the court dismissing your case entirely. However, certain circumstances—such as accidents involving minors or wrongful death claims—may have slightly different deadlines.
Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your right to seek compensation and to ensure that critical evidence is collected and preserved early in the process.
Choosing a lawyer can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. An experienced Virginia personal injury attorney brings more than just legal knowledge—they bring strategy, resources, and the ability to challenge deep-pocketed insurers.
When you work with a skilled rear-end accident lawyer at our law firm, we will begin by thoroughly investigating the crash, reviewing police reports, obtaining traffic camera or dashcam footage, and interviewing witnesses. In severe injury cases with disputes about who is at fault, we may collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts to establish causation and the full extent of your injuries.
Your attorney will also handle communications with insurance companies. This is especially important in Virginia, where adjusters frequently attempt to assign partial blame to injury victims to escape liability. By managing these interactions and pushing back on lowball offers, your lawyer protects your interests while you focus on healing.
If we cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiation or mediation, we will prepare your case for trial. This involves presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing your case to a judge or jury. Though most cases settle before trial, having a lawyer with trial experience can pressure the opposing side to offer more favorable terms.
A rear-end accident can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially—but it doesn’t have to derail your future. The sooner you contact a qualified Virginia rear-end collision lawyer, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision anywhere in Virginia, don’t wait. CALL US NOW OR EMAIL: 804-251-1620 or 757-810-5614, cpollardjba@gmail.com. Speak with a trusted attorney today and begin your path to recovery and justice.
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