Rear-End Accident Attorneys in Jackson, MS

Lawyers Helping Victims of Rear-End Collisions in Mississippi 

Rear-end collisions, in which a vehicle hits the rear of the vehicle in front of it, are among the most common type of car accident. They also tend to result in some of the most significant injuries and, in severe cases, they can be fatal.

If you or someone you love was involved in a rear-end accident in Jackson or the surrounding areas, contact ‘MAGGIO LAW. With extensive experience in motor vehicle accident cases, our attorneys are prepared to help you seek the fair compensation you are owed. Whether you were the driver or occupant of the front or rear vehicle, our team can help you understand your legal rights and options.

We have won hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients; find out how our team can help you with your case when you call (601) 265-6869. Your initial consultation is free!

Who Is Responsible for a Rear-End Accident?

Most often, the rear vehicle in a rear-end accident is considered liable for the crash. This is because motorists have a responsibility to pay attention and keep a safe distance between themselves and others on the road. Drivers should maintain a distance that allows them to safely stop to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front of them.

The rear vehicle is likely responsible for the accident if the collision occurred due to:

• Speeding
• Following too closely (“tailgating”)
• Distracted driving
• Texting/using a cell phone while driving
• Fatigued driving
• Inattention

However, the rear vehicle’s driver is not always the one to blame. In some cases, the front driver may be at fault for a rear-end collision.

Although relatively rare, this could be the case if the accident resulted from the front driver:

• Cutting off the rear driver (merging or changing lanes too closely)
• Suddenly stopping for no reason in the middle of a roadway
• Failure to repair a broken taillight
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs/driving while intoxicated

In still other instances, responsibility for a rear-end accident may be shared between multiple motorists. This is most common in cases involving three or more vehicles but can also occur in two-vehicle collisions.

If fault is shared between several parties, Mississippi’s rule of pure comparative negligence applies. Under this rule, an injured party can file a claim for compensation as long as they are less than 100% to blame for the accident. 

However, their total recovery will be proportionately reduced by their at-fault percentage. So, for example, if you are found to be 30% to blame for the rear-end accident, and your damages amount to $10,000, you would only be entitled to 70% of that amount, or $7,000.

Common Rear-End Accident Injuries

Rear-end accidents often result in severe injuries, even when they occur at relatively low speeds. High-speed rear-end collisions can be catastrophic or even fatal.

Some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end accidents include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Whiplash
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Lacerations and contusions
• Facial injuries
• Amputation/loss of limb

At ‘MAGGIO LAW, we believe that you deserve justice when you are severely injured due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct. If you were injured in a rear-end accident, and you believe someone else is to blame, contact our firm right away for a free consultation.

How Much Can You Get in a Settlement for a Rear-End Accident?

Every case is different, and there is no way to accurately estimate how much your claim might be worth without first reviewing the specific details and elements involved. That being said, most rear-end accident victims are able to recover compensation for certain types of damages.

These include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Emergency medical care and transportation
• Hospitalization
• Surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments
• Medications and medical devices
• Future and ongoing medical care
• Lost income/wages
• Diminished earning ability
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Disfigurement

When an individual dies due to a motor vehicle accident, certain surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. Such a lawsuit allows you to recover monetary compensation for unexpected financial costs, such as medical bills and funeral/burial expenses, as well as intangible losses, like loss of love, companionship, guidance, counsel, and support.

Time Limits for Rear-End Accident Claims in Mississippi

Under Mississippi's personal injury statute of limitations, you typically have three years from the date of your rear-end accident to file a lawsuit against the driver that hit you in pursuit of damages. 

While three years may sound like a long time at first, it is important you act quickly and get an attorney involved early on to give yourself the best possible leverage during the settlement negotiation process. Even if you are confident that your case will be resolved in the form of an insurance settlement, you want to give yourself as much time as possible to build the strongest possible case in the event that a lawsuit should be necessary.

What Does An Accident Lawyer Do? 

A rear-end car accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have been involved in rear-end collisions, one of the most common types of car accidents. These lawyers focus on helping victims navigate the legal process to recover compensation for injuries, damages, and losses resulting from the accident. 

Here’s how a rear-end car accident lawyer can assist you:

• Case Evaluation: The lawyer will begin by evaluating the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence such as photos or videos of the accident scene.
• Establishing Liability: In most rear-end collisions, the driver who hit the car from behind is presumed to be at fault. However, the lawyer will gather evidence to clearly establish liability, which may involve proving that the other driver was distracted, speeding, following too closely, or otherwise negligent.
• Calculating Damages: A rear-end car accident lawyer will help you calculate the full extent of your damages. This includes not only the immediate costs of medical bills and car repairs but also long-term costs such as future medical treatment, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: One of the key roles of a rear-end car accident lawyer is handling communications with insurance companies. They will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but having a lawyer on your side increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement.
• Legal Representation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. They will present your case, argue for your rights, and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Providing Legal Advice: Throughout the process, the lawyer will provide you with guidance on the best course of action. They will advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer, pursue further legal action, or take other steps to protect your interests.
• Handling Paperwork and Deadlines: A rear-end car accident lawyer will manage all the necessary legal paperwork and ensure that everything is filed correctly and on time. This is crucial for meeting statutes of limitations and other legal deadlines.

A rear-end car accident lawyer helps victims by establishing fault, calculating damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing their interests in legal proceedings, ultimately aiming to secure fair compensation for the injuries and losses sustained in the accident.

The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

Although you may be entitled to financial compensation when you are injured in a rear-end accident caused by another motorist, actually recovering this compensation can be exceedingly difficult. The insurance company will likely dispute your claim, including the validity of your injuries, the severity of your damages, and the degree of fault of their insured policyholder.

It is absolutely critical that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney by your side. You need someone who knows how to fight back against the insurance company’s efforts to underpay or deny your claim; you need ‘MAGGIO LAW.

When it comes to securing results for our clients, we have a long and proven track record of success. Our Jackson rear-end collision attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for the injured—it’s what we do. We are known for our assertive approach to negotiation, as well as our willingness to go to trial for our clients. As your legal team, we will handle every last detail so that you can focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward with your life.

Get started with a free consultation today. Call (601) 265-6869 or contact us online.