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Rear-End Accidents in West Virginia

Any car accident can result in serious injuries to you as a driver or passenger. Rear-end accidents are among the most common and occur when a driver has been hit from behind, even at low speeds.

When you have suffered an injury from a rear-end accident in West Virginia, you should seek the advice of a lawyer after you have gotten immediate medical care. A trustworthy car accident attorney can explain how the law works in these situations and what you could expect to recover.

Possible Injuries from Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents can cause certain “whiplash” injuries from the abrupt impact at the rear of the vehicle. A person’s head might make a quick snapping motion and possibly make hard contact with the steering wheel or headrest.

Whiplash injuries can cause chronic pain and can affect mobility in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. Common whiplash injuries from a rear-end accident in West Virginia can include:

  • Brain injuries—when the head shoots forward and back quickly, causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull
  • Facial injuries—bruises and lacerations from hitting the car or broken glass
  • Bone fractures and breaks
  • Spinal cord injuries and disc damage in the neck and back

A person hurt in a rear-end accident should seek medical attention and document their injuries throughout treatment. Doing so immediately after an accident can help show the extent of their injuries, which can be used in settlements or in court.

Rear-End Accident Liability

In general, any person who caused injuries to another person could be considered at-fault. As defined in West Virginia Code § 55-7-13b, a person’s “fault” is their action or lack of action that is the primary or “proximate” cause of another’s injury, including the person’s negligence.

Showing that a person was negligent—and that the negligence should lead to a successful claim of damages—requires showing several different elements. A plaintiff must show the defendant had a duty of care that was breached and that the breach caused the injuries and damages.

A rear-end accident claim in West Virginia might see a plaintiff prove the driver who hit them had a duty not to endanger other drivers, and that was breached through their actions, such as driving while distracted or driving drunk. A lawyer would then show that the rear impact caused their injuries, which can be claimed as damages for medical costs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

Comparing the Plaintiff’s Fault

West Virginia uses a system of comparative fault, which allocates responsibility among the people involved in an accident, under Section 55-7-13d. As a result of this allocation among different parties, a plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by the percentage of their own fault, and a person can lose the chance to recover anything if they are more than 50 percent at fault.

Finally, a plaintiff must file a claim for damages within two years of the accident. Certain circumstances can extend this time window, like if the victim is under 18 or their injuries lead to death, but working with a lawyer shortly after an accident can ensure a claim can be made in time.

Speak With a West Virginia Attorney About Your Rear-End Accident

The risks of severe injuries from an accident—and the damage they can cause in medical costs and possible disability—should not be underestimated. Even if you receive medical treatment and know who caused your collision, you should still seek out legal advice on how to pursue compensation.

Personal Injury claims from rear-end accidents in West Virginia work under the general liability rules mentioned here, but an attorney with experience with car accident cases can provide more in-depth knowledge specific to your situation. Discuss your circumstances with a member of our team during a free initial meeting.

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Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
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