In Virginia, motor vehicle accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. In fact, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 122,400 crashes in the state in the past year alone, from which rear-end accidents constitute a considerable number.

Such accidents can be traumatizing, leading to severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens for victims and their families. Often, these accidents even lead to wrongful death, leaving families struggling with the loss of a loved one and the loss of economic support.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have over 50 years of serving the community by helping victims of other’s negligence claims for what they’re entitled to, and we are here to help you hold the guilty accountable. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident in Richmond, Virginia, it’s important to contact our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to secure the compensation you deserve.

Most Common Types of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents in Richmond can happen in a variety of ways, and each case comes with its unique set of challenges but here are the most common types of rear-end accidents we have helped with through decades of service in Virginia:

Sudden Stop

A sudden stop accident occurs when a vehicle stops abruptly without warning, causing the car behind to crash into it.

This type of accident is common in heavy traffic or when a driver is distracted and fails to notice that the car in front of them has stopped. Additionally, sudden stops can happen due to unexpected obstacles, sudden traffic jams, or even panic stops.

Failure to Yield

On the other hand, a failure to yield occurs when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle, leading to a collision. This type of accident often happens at busy intersections or when merging onto a highway.

Rear-End Collision at a Stop Sign or Red Light

Despite being stationary zones, stop signs and red lights are another common spot for rear-end collisions, especially if the trailing vehicle isn’t paying the necessary attention and is distracted.

A rear-end collision at a stop sign or red light can occur when a driver fails to stop in time or if they’re following too closely.

Multi-Vehicle Rear-End Accident

In some cases, a rear-end collision can become a chain reaction and involve multiple vehicles colliding with each other. This type of accident is common on highways and can be caused by a sudden stop or failure to yield.

Multi-vehicle rear-end accidents are often more complex and can result in significant damage, not only to drivers but also to their property and passengers in the vehicles.

Commercial Truck Rear End Accident

This type of accident occurs when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. When a commercial truck is involved in a rear-end collision, the accident resulting from it can have particularly dangerous consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

For answers to your questions about a rear end accident in Richmond, call:
Phone Icon800-321-6741

Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Richmond?

In Virginia, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is usually considered at fault for the accident. For example, if they’re not maintaining a safe following distance, the fault will be on them. However, there are some situations where other parties may be responsible, including:

  • A driver who suddenly stops without warning;
  • A vehicle whose brake lights aren’t functioning properly;
  • A driver who fails to yield the right of way;
  • Someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
  • A driver who is distracted or not paying attention to the road;
  • A vehicle manufacturer or repair shop that installed faulty brakes or other defective parts;
  • Government entities responsible for poor road conditions or lack of proper signaling.

Regardless of the specific circumstances of your case, our team in Richmond can help you identify which parties are at fault to sue them and hold them accountable. We offer a free initial consultation to hear your case, help you understand your rights, and guide you toward finding the justice you deserve.

Damages You Can Recover After a Rear-End Accident in Virginia

Those who have been injured in a rear-end accident in Virginia may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries and losses, provided that they weren’t at fault in the accident. Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:

Medical Expenses

Rear-end collisions can lead to several dangerous or even fatal injuries, including:

Victims who have been injured in rear-end collisions are able to recover compensation for the medical expenses they had to pay to treat their injuries. This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, doctor visits, and other related medical costs, including future medical costs that often are overrated.

Lost Wages

If a victim’s injuries prevent them from working, they will miss work and the situation will result in lost income. This can pose a significant financial strain on the victim and their family.

In this scenario, they are entitled to recover lost wages, including both past and future lost wages. This means that if your injuries are serious and affect not only your immediate income but also your future earning capacity, you will be able to recover future lost wages as well.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. In fact, beyond physical injuries, the emotional and psychological trauma of a rear-end collision can be profound and deserves compensation that is often hard to quantify.

You can recover damages for pain and suffering that include physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, and we are here to help you fairly calculate the damages you and your family need to recover.

Click to contact us today

Got Injured in a Rear End Accident in Richmond, VA? Claim the Compensation You Deserve

Virginia’s legal system provides a pathway for victims of rear-end accidents to get compensated for their injuries and losses. Here’s a brief overview of the general steps you’ll encounter if you pursue legal action after a rear-end collision in Richmond:

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence after a rear-end accident is crucial to building a strong case. Make sure to document everything you can from the accident scene: this can include taking photos of your injuries and any damage to the vehicle, getting contact information from witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report.

Step 2: Contact a Local Attorney

After a car crash, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer who handles cases in Virginia ensures that your rights are protected and you get the best possible representation.

In fact, contacting a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident is important to avoid making any mistakes that can hinder your possibility of securing fair compensation, including accepting an unfair settlement from insurance companies that won’t cover all the damages of your injury.

Step 3: Negotiate a Settlement

Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf to try and secure a fair settlement. The goal of this negotiation process is to get compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other damages.

Most cases are resolved this way, through an agreement between the involved parties. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit, take your case to court, and represent you in front of the judge and jury.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Contact a Richmond Car Accident Attorney and Secure Fair Compensation

Hiring a personal injury lawyer after a rear-end collision allows you to leverage our expertise in Richmond’s legal system, exponentially maximizing your chances of getting the compensation you rightfully deserve. We can provide invaluable support in the whole process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with involved parties and representing you in court.

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident in Richmond, VA, it’s important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we know there’s no amount of compensation that could be enough for the pain and suffering you may be experiencing. But we have a proven track record of success in helping clients recover damages they are entitled to by law, helping them to build a better future for their families.

Contact us today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form