(401) 467-2300 
Being struck from behind while driving through Providence can be surprising, unsettling, and painful. Suffering injuries because another driver was acting negligently can be frustrating and leave you in a difficult position. A rear-end collision lawyer in Providence is ready to fight for you and secure the compensation you need to recover after an accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
With 100+ years of combined experience, Gemma Law knows how to take on tough cases and stand up to insurance companies. We know how to communicate with various parties and leverage our legal knowledge to your advantage. When you work with a Providence car accident lawyer, you can rest assured you are in capable hands. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get justice.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions and Their Long-Term Impact
Rear-end collisions can run the gamut from a minor fender-bender to a fatal accident. Regardless of the severity, though, drivers can sustain injuries that impact their daily life either temporarily or in the long term. Broken bones, sprains and strains, and lacerations are examples of injuries that can occur in any rear-end accident and can cause a wide range of challenges for victims.
Victims should receive medical care right away or soon after a rear-end accident. It’s not always clear how badly a driver has been injured because some injuries are delayed, and adrenaline can dull feelings of pain. Proper medical testing and a professional diagnosis can accurately determine your condition, treat injuries, and catch potentially more serious conditions before they cause further damage.
Rear-end accidents can also result in serious or catastrophic injuries and can majorly impact a person’s quality of life. This may be especially true if the collision was caused by a large vehicle or one driving at high speeds. Force of impact and vehicle size play a big part in the extent and severity of accident injuries. Below is a closer look at a few common long-term injuries seen in serious rear-end accidents.
Spinal Cord and Whiplash Injuries
The sudden jolt of a rear-end collision often leads to whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability. Even low-speed crashes can result in soft tissue damage that affects your ability to work or perform daily activities. This can contribute to residual issues or chronic pain long after the injury has healed.
Rhode Island law allows you to seek compensation for ongoing medical treatments, including physical therapy, pain management, and surgical procedures. If your injuries require long-term care, your Providence personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and future rehabilitation.
Concussions and Head Trauma in Rear-End Accidents
Even if your head doesn’t hit the steering wheel or dashboard, the impact of a rear-end collision can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and memory problems, may not appear right away, but they can have lasting effects on your cognitive function and daily life. Early detection of head trauma is essential for mitigating its effects and preventing further damage.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer serving ProvidenceCall (401) 467-2300
Determining Who is At-Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Providence
If you were hit from behind, you may assume the trailing driver is responsible. While that is often the case, there are situations where fault may be shared. A sudden stop, a multi-vehicle crash, or a mechanical failure could all play a role in determining liability. Investigating the cause of your accident is critical to establish who is responsible for your injuries.
If the driver in front of you slammed on their brakes unexpectedly, they may share fault for the accident. Sudden stops in heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, or at intersections can make it difficult to avoid a crash. If their brake lights were not working or they stopped for no reason, they may be partially responsible.
All drivers must maintain a safe following distance. However, if the lead driver acted recklessly, liability may not fall entirely on the rear driver. Your Providence personal injury lawyer can review accident reports, traffic footage, and witness statements to determine who is at fault.
Chain-Reaction Rear-End Crashes
If your accident involved multiple vehicles, fault may not be as straightforward. A driver who was hit from behind may be pushed into the car ahead of them, creating a chain reaction. In these cases, liability may be shared among several drivers, depending on who initiated the crash.
Because multiple parties are involved, chain-reaction claims can be complex and difficult to resolve without the aid of a lawyer.
Mechanical Failures and Road Hazards Leading to Rear-End Accidents
Not all rear-end collisions are caused by driver negligence. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues may prevent a driver from stopping in time. Manufacturers or maintenance providers can contribute to defective parts. Poor road conditions can also be a factor due to potholes, uneven pavement, or a missing traffic sign. In these instances, a government agency may share responsibility.
Providence Rear-End Collision Lawyer Near Me (401) 467-2300
The At-Fault Party’s Negligence Must be Established Before Moving Forward With Your Case
Once your lawyer has established who is at fault for your accident, they must demonstrate that party’s fault. This requires strong evidence and meeting certain legal requirements for establishing fault, known as the standard of negligence. It’s not enough to know that the other driver caused your injuries, but you must provide evidence of their specific actions so their negligence can become an established fact.
To satisfy the standard of negligence, lawyers start by establishing the driver’s duty of care to you and your safety. Next, they show that the other driver breached their duty to you, which could include speeding, distractions, impairment, and more. Your lawyer will go on to show causation by connecting the other driver’s actions to the various injuries and losses you sustained as a direct result.
Once this has been established in your case, the at-fault party is required to pay for the damages they caused you. Their insurance company is likely to still push back on paying you what you deserve. Still, your lawyer will communicate your needs and fiercely negotiate for you until they offer you a settlement that is fair and accurately reflects the value of your losses.
Click to contact our Providence Car Accident Lawyers today
Compensation You May Qualify for After a Rear-End Accident
As an accident victim, you have sustained huge losses through no fault of your own. We know that a settlement is not a luxury but a necessity. We will fight for every dollar that may help you recover from your physical and financial trauma. This includes:
- Claims for medical costs, including costs you will continue to incur
- Compensation for the loss of income you badly need at this time, as well as income you will be unable to earn in the months and years to come
- Costs that are harder to enumerate, like compensation for your pain and personal suffering
- Personal losses, such as the ability to feel confident and the loss of enjoyment you had in simple activities
- Amounts that may help compensate, but never make up for the emotional distress and trauma you have been through
As your North Providence rear-end collision attorney will confirm, we do not just offer you a lawyer. We provide a professional team that will work to support your claim. From investigators to administrators, our team becomes your supportive network.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
The Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Accident Claims
When you want to file a claim after a rear-end collision, you should initiate your claim soon after the accident. According to R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b), claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Don’t let this time frame deceive you. Depending on the complexity of the case, a claim may take longer than you expect. That’s why it’s important to leave yourself as much time as possible to resolve your case.
What Can Affect Rear-End Collision Compensation in Rhode Island
Just because you were hit from behind does not mean the insurance payout will be simple. There are plenty of small details that can change how much money ends up in your pocket or how long it takes to get there. Here are a few examples of what insurance adjusters and an East Providence rear-end collision lawyer will consider:
- A big difference in vehicle size or weight
- Old accident claims or past injuries that come up again
- Delays between the crash and your first medical visit
- Employer insurance is trying to get reimbursed
- Crash reports that tell two different stories
- No one saw what happened
- Confusing or mixed-up medical records
- Technology that was supposed to prevent the crash but failed
If you are wondering how to claim lost wages from a car accident, the answer depends on the paperwork. Pay stubs, notes from your doctor, and even emails from work can all help show what you missed. According to Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.2-15 and § 9-20-4, what you recover depends on your proof and whether the other driver was completely at fault or not.
Rear-End Collision Involving Rideshare Vehicles in Providence
While many rear-end collisions involve private drivers, they can also occur with rideshare vehicles. Because Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, this adds a layer of complexity to resolving claims, as driver requirements, ride stage, and more can influence the outcome of a case. Lawyers can simplify and streamline the claim process and help you understand what to expect.
For example, Rhode Island requires Uber and Lyft drivers to carry additional insurance while working. Per Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.2-14, rideshare drivers carry coverage that covers different phases of a ride. If a driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage. However, once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, the company’s full insurance policy applies.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, the insurance policy responsible for covering your damages would depend on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash. Your Providence rideshare accident lawyer can help determine which policy applies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Factors that Contribute to Rideshare Rear-End Collisions
Reckless or distracted driving is a leading cause of rideshare rear-end collisions. Rideshare drivers often multitask while using their app, increasing the risk of distraction. Texting, rushing to pick up a passenger, or failing to maintain a safe following distance can all lead to a preventable crash.
If a negligent rideshare driver hit you, the claims process may differ from a typical accident. Insurance companies that cover commercial policies often fight harder to limit payouts, making it more difficult to recover fair compensation. Your Providence rear-end collision attorney from Gemma Law can help gather evidence, review insurance policies, and hold the at-fault driver or company accountable.
A Providence Rear-End Collision Lawyer Can Help You Determine Who to File a Claim Against in an Accident Involving a Rideshare Vehicle
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a rear-end accident, you can either file a claim against their personal insurance or the company’s policy. Rideshare companies only accept liability when the driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick someone up. They may also provide limited coverage if the driver was online waiting for a ride request. If the driver is off-duty, their personal insurance applies.
If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, you may be covered under Uber or Lyft’s corporate policy. However, if another driver caused the crash, their insurance would be responsible for your damages. Filing a claim in these cases can be complicated, especially if multiple policies are involved.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve With Your Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Providence
Rear-end accidents often cause more harm than people realize, leading to long-term pain and financial setbacks. Your rear-end collision attorney in Providence with Gemma Law will gather the evidence needed to prove fault and demand maximum compensation.
Fill out our contact form or call today to learn more about our firm and take the first step toward justice.
Call or text (401) 467-2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
