Rear-end accidents are the most common type of crash. While they are less likely to be fatal than head-on collisions or rollovers, they can still result in serious, life-changing, or fatal injuries.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often downplay the severity of injuries in rear-end crashes in Oceanside, California. This is especially true in fairly low-speed car accidents with little property damage.
The Oceanside rear-end crash lawyers at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers understand that serious injury is possible even at low speeds. Since 2012, we have fought tirelessly for accident victims and defended our clients against unfair insurance tactics in Oceanside, CA.
Contact our Oceanside law office today at (619) 344-0360 to schedule your free case review with an Oceanside rear-end crash attorney to discuss how we can help you.
How Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Rear-End Crash
While most rear-end crashes are minor fender-benders with only property damage or minor injuries, they can also cause serious and life-changing injuries. After a serious rear-end collision in Oceanside, CA, an Oceanside car accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers has fought for accident victims for over 20 years. Our firm has recovered more than $40 million on behalf of our clients. We will put this legal experience to work for you.
When you hire our law office to represent you, we will:
- Conduct an in-depth investigation of your crash
- Identify any parties that may be liable
- Handle your insurance claim and paperwork
- Gather evidence to prove your damages and liability
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Provide the legal guidance and support you need at every step
If you have been hurt by a negligent driver in a rear-end accident, our law office is here to help. Call Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an Oceanside rear-end crash lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Common Are Rear-End Crashes in Oceanside, CA?
In 2021, there were 1.77 million rear-end collisions in the United States. Rear-end crashes are the most common type of car accident and account for 29% of collisions. In 2021, 2,949 fatal rear-end crashes happened in the U.S.
In Oceanside, 699 accidents caused injury or fatality in 2020 and 15,043 in San Diego County. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there were 3,850 rear-end crashes in San Diego County in 2021.
Of the 706 crashes in Oceanside in 2021, 237 (34%) were rear-end crashes. None of these crashes were fatal, but 9 caused severe injuries, 54 caused obvious injuries, and 174 resulted in possible injuries. These accidents caused 358 total injuries. 6% of the accidents (14) involved motorcycles, and 2% (5) involved bicycles.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents in California?
Not all rear-end crashes involve passenger cars.
In 2021, San Diego County rear-end collisions also included:
- Motorcycle accidents: 223 (5.8%)
- Truck accidents: 152 (3.9%)
- Bicycle accidents: 60 (1.6%)
- Pedestrian accidents: 20 (0.5%)
Just a handful of behaviors account for most rear-end crashes. Speeding is one of the biggest factors in these accidents. According to the OTS Traffic Safety Survey, over 35% of speeding-related crashes in California are rear-end collisions. San Diego County has one of the highest numbers of speeding-related fatalities and injuries in the state.
The following are common causes of rear-end crashes in San Diego County in 2021:
- Speeding: 68.7% of rear-end collisions
- Following too closely: 5.7%
- Driving under the influence: 8.9%
- Improper turns: 4%
- Improper lane change: 2.8%
- Unsafe backing or starting: 2%
Of the 237 rear-end crashes in Oceanside in 2021, speed was the primary cause of 155 (66%) accidents.
Distracted driving is also believed to contribute to a large share of these accidents. A 2007 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 87% of rear-end crashes involved distraction.
What Are Common Injuries from a Rear-End Crash?
While rear-end crashes are the most common type of crash, they are one of the least likely to be fatal. That does not mean rear-end collisions can’t cause serious or fatal injuries. Common injuries associated with rear-end car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Airbag injuries
- Seatbelt injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash is the injury most associated with a rear-end crash. A collision causes most cases of whiplash, and rear-end accidents are more likely than any other type of accident to result in whiplash.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Crash in Oceanside?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault, at least partially. Motorists have a duty to maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. There are many situations in which the other driver can be partially or completely liable for the crash, however.
Scenarios in which the front driver in the crash may be at fault include:
- The vehicle’s brake lights were broken
- The front vehicle had mechanical failure
- The front driver suddenly changed lanes, placing themselves in the path of the rear vehicle without time to brake
- The front driver was tapping the brakes, slammed on the brakes, or was intentionally trying to get rear-ended
- The front vehicle started to reverse
- The front driver was under the influence
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule when more than one party is at fault for an accident. Under this rule, you can recover compensation from the other party even if you were 99% at fault, but your damages are reduced based on your share of the assigned fault.
If you suffered $25,000 in damages but are found 90% to blame for the crash, your damages are reduced by 90% ($22,500) to $2,500.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision in California?
After a car accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. These damages fall into two main categories: special or economic damages and non-economic or general damages.
Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses you suffered due to the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages cover non-financial losses without intrinsic value. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- And more
If your case goes to trial, punitive damages may be available. A jury awards these damages in very rare cases with clear evidence that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for your safety, committed fraud, or acted with malice.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Oceanside Rear-End Crash Lawyer
If you have suffered serious injuries in a rear-end accident in Oceanside, CA, you deserve an advocate who will fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to helping you hold the responsible party accountable and fighting back against insurance company tactics.
Contact our law office today for a free initial consultation with an Oceanside rear-end crash lawyer to discuss your case and how we can help.
