Oakville Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Part of driving involves stopping at stop lights and signs. Unfortunately, this also means that rear-end collisions will occur. In fact, rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of crashes that occur in the Oakville area. At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we are here to help if you need an Oakville personal injury lawyer. 

We have the resources needed to help you get through this and recover compensation for your losses. 

Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes 

A fender bender or rear-end collision can leave you with minor or severe injuries depending on the force of the other vehicle and other factors. Severe injuries have a lasting impact on your life, and you must recover mentally, physically, and financially. While bruises and bumps are common and will heal quickly, other injuries require more treatment. 

Injuries you can suffer from rear-end crashes include:

• Back injuries: you can suffer back sprain or herniated discs depending on your location in the vehicle during the crash. You can suffer serious spinal damage leaving you with full or partial paralysis. 
• Face and head injuries: bruising and lacerations are common when your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Such an impact can also lead to traumatic brain injuries. 
• Neck injuries: whiplash is common in rear-end wrecks because the skull is stationary and abruptly moves forward and backward. Your spine and shoulders can also suffer significant damage. 
• Seat Belt injuries: you will suffer hip, neck, and shoulder lacerations from the seatbelt. 
• Wrist, hand, and arm: You can suffer broken bones and more with your hands on the steering wheel.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions 

These crashes can seem minor, but the injuries and devastation they leave motorists are not. A rear-end collision can lead to severe injuries and death. All motorists owe each other respect to proceed cautiously and keep each other safe. Handling rear-end crashes for decades, we have seen the most common cause are:

• Distracted driving 
• Impairment due to alcohol or drugs
• Abrupt lane changes
• Bad road conditions 
• Speeding 

Other factors can contribute to an accident, and you must thoroughly investigate all possible causes. 

Evidence to Hold The Rear Driver Responsible

Working with rear-end collision lawyers in Oakville means we will build a case with the evidence we find related to your accident. While fault seems simple, it is very complex to prove. To prove the other party was negligent in causing your accident, we will collect evidence like:

• Police report
• Photos and videos
• Traffic surveillance camera footage
• Eyewitness testimony 
• Medical reports detailing your injuries 
• The motorist’s driving record 
• Receipts for your property damage 

We also have access to experts who can reconstruct the accident, review your medical files, and calculate your total costs. 

The Fault Is Apparent, so Why Do I Need Evidence?

Rear-end collisions seem simple – they hit you without thinking twice, and now you are in pain and suffering losses. While it is clear to you, evidence is essential to proving what you are saying. What often happens is the rear driver will accuse you of causing the accident or contributing in some way. 

The other driver’s story could be that you changed lanes quickly without signaling, and there was no time to react. Another common claim is your brake lights were not working, which led to the driver hitting you. The driver will say these things, but sometimes so will the insurance company. 

You must have a rear-end collision lawyer in Oakville, TN, review your case to collect evidence. What insurance companies and drivers cannot argue is clear evidence of fault. Do not stress when the insurance company blames you for the incident; stay calm and call GKBM.

Compensation Is Available for Your Injuries

Many factors go into calculating your compensation awards, and you must work with your Oakville rear-end collision lawyers to ensure you get an accurate calculation. Expenses that you incur from rear-end accidents include:

• Home health care services
• Physical therapy 
• In-patient rehabilitation 
• Lost wages
• Medical devices and equipment 
• Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses and other wrongful death damages 

Compensation will heavily depend on your medical expense and future expected costs from the accident. Severe injuries and losses will also be crucial to your compensation award. 

Uninsured Drivers and Rear-End Accidents

While the law requires all drivers to have insurance, many do not. When they strike you, it is challenging to determine how you will get compensation for your injuries. If that is the case, you can file a claim with your insurance policy. 

Most policies have Uninsured Motorist Coverage unless you remove it in writing. The other option is to file a lawsuit, which could present problems. If the driver cannot afford insurance, they will unlikely be able to pay you for your losses. If you win a case, you can only recover a maximum of $10,000 from the at-fault driver. 

Tennessee Has Short Deadlines

All legal matters have statutes or deadlines where victims can take action and file a claim. Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes for filing claims within one year after the incident. You have zero time to delay and must speak with a rear-end collision attorney in Oakville, TN, to collect evidence and show the insurance company why they must pay you for your losses. 

We Can Negotiate Your Settlement

You are a victim, and you must get compensation for your loss. Insurance companies are vultures, and their goal is to reduce compensation and take advantage of injury victims. You need legal representation that knows what the insurance company wants to do to lower your claim, and we can find ways to thwart their efforts. 

We have been serving clients in Oakville since 1970 and are here to help you get compensation. After a car accident, call the office of Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, for an initial case review with an Oakville rear-end collision attorney.