Drivers are often helpless to prevent rear-end collisions when they see a car careening toward them in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately, these types of collisions are all too common: nearly 28% of all crashes reported a rear-end collision as the first harmful event causing the crash in the United States in 2020. Over 2,000 of these were fatal, and over 400,000 produced an injury. A further one million crashes resulted in only property damage. And a single rear end accident can cause a chain of events that result in more accidents.
According to a recent article, two people were hospitalized after a four-car accident in Augusta, Maine. A vehicle slowed down due to traffic, causing a vehicle four cars behind to rear end the car in front of it, beginning a chain reaction and badly damaging at least two of the vehicles. The accident occurred on a bridge, potentially limiting exit options for drivers who may have wished to get out of the way of the collisions.
What to Do If You’re Rear Ended
If you’ve been rear ended by another vehicle, don’t panic. First, do not hesitate to get checked out by a doctor or emergency medical professional. You may have injuries that you do not feel because of adrenaline, and some injuries do not come to the forefront until hours or days after an accident. Even a low-impact accident can cause whiplash or injuries from seatbelt pressure. More severe injuries can include head injuries and concussions, chronic lower back pain, broken bones, or even bleeding in the brain.
Second, consider contacting a lawyer if you are injured and believe the other driver involved was negligent. Negligence means that the driver owed you a duty of care and breached it. This could mean the driver was speeding, distracted, or not obeying all relevant traffic safety laws. Because all drivers have a duty to safely operate their vehicles, a driver who cuts too closely, drives too quickly, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be liable for your injuries. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Even if you are unsure if the other driver was negligent, the manufacturer of the car may be at fault. Faulty brakes or defective parts could have contributed to the accident, which would mean both you and the driver are victims of the manufacturer’s negligence. You could have a claim against the manufacturer for the same types of damages as you would if the driver had been negligent.
Contact a Maine Personal Injury Attorney for Immediate Assistance
If you have been hurt in a rear-end accident and need help bringing your case, call a Maine personal injury attorney. The team at Peter Thompson & Associates are award-winning attorneys who have recovered millions for their clients across Maine in personal injury, wrongful death, and other cases including workers’ compensation and employment discrimination. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a Maine personal injury attorney, call us today at 1-800-804-2004.