Rear-End Car Accidents in Waukegan

While there are many different types of motor vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions are the most common. Drivers run into the vehicle ahead of them for number of reasons, from distractions to alcohol impairment. Not all of these crashes lead to serious injuries, but some can have long-lasting consequences.

If you have been hurt in a rear-end car accident in Waukegan, now is the time to consider your legal options. Recovering from a serious injury is hard enough without having to deal with the possibility of litigation. Let our dedicated motor vehicle accident attorneys investigate your crash and advise you on how best to proceed.

How Do Rear-End Car Accidents Happen?

Most of the time, rear-end collisions happen when the one driver collides with the vehicle ahead of them. This can happen for many different reasons. Drivers who are too busy reading a text message to watch the road ahead of them might fail to notice a red light or a traffic jam. Other motorists cause these crashes due to impairment or aggressive driving.

While the following driver is typically to blame in this type of accident, there are situations where other parties might be at fault. If the lead driver stops short or cuts in front of another vehicle in Waukegan, they could be held accountable for a rear-end collision. It might even be possible to sue the vehicle manufacturer if some kind of defect was to blame. Our attorneys are here to help you weigh your options and identify who was at fault.

Common Injuries

There are no limits on the types of injuries you could suffer in a rear-ender. That said, some conditions are more likely to occur than others, with the most common injury linked to this type of crash being whiplash.

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, and can be a challenging injury to treat or seek compensation for given that it is impossible detect through x-rays. It is also painful, with some people suffering for months before they heal completely. In addition to whiplash, other injuries linked to rear-enders include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe burns
• Internal bleeding
• Fractures
• Paralysis

It is vital for you to seek out an attorney who can evaluate your injuries and help you recover damages based on those conditions.

The Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Claims

In Illinois, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit after a rear-end car accident. For personal injury claims, the time limit is generally two years from the date of the crash. This means that if a lawsuit is not filed within that period, the injured party may lose the right to pursue compensation in court.

Property damage claims, such as costs to repair or replace a vehicle, have a slightly longer deadline of five years. It is important for accident victims to be aware of these time frames, since gathering evidence, medical records, and witness statements takes time. Taking immediate action following a rear-end car accident can improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to an Attorney in Waukegan About a Rear-End Car Accident Claim

There is no time to delay when it comes to seeking justice following a rear-end car accident in Waukegan. You could recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial suffering, but only if you take the steps necessary to protect your legal claim. Schlack & Bassmaji understands what is at stake, and we look forward to fighting for you. Reach out and let our bilingual staff guide you forward.