Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyers
If you were rear-ended in Philadelphia, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Rear-end collisions happen every day on the city’s most congested roads, including I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, Roosevelt Boulevard, and the Vine Street Expressway. In most cases, the driver who struck you from behind is legally responsible, but insurance companies will look for any reason to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.
At Pagano Law, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have experience handling rear-end collision cases throughout the city and surrounding counties. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Who Is At Fault in a Philadelphia Rear-End Accident?
Pennsylvania law requires every driver to maintain a safe following distance and adjust their speed for traffic conditions. When a rear driver fails to do this and collides with the vehicle ahead, they are typically presumed to be at fault. Arguments that the lead vehicle stopped suddenly rarely hold up in court. If a driver was following at a safe distance and paying attention, they should be able to stop in time.
Fault can become more complex in certain situations, including multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes, cases involving brake-checking or non-functioning brake lights, and accidents where a vehicle merged suddenly with no room to stop. Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102 also means that if you share some fault, your compensation is reduced proportionally, and you cannot recover anything if you are more than 50 percent responsible. An attorney can push back against attempts to shift blame onto you.
Excellent attorney
I hired Hank to help me after I suffered an accident. He was professional, thorough, and always attentive to my questions and concerns. He obtained the best possible settlement very quickly, far more than I would have obtained representing myself. I had a great experience working with Hank and would recommend him to anyone needing an effective attorney. – July 13, 2019
Professional and attentive
I recently had an accident and hired Mr. George. He was able to get me 20 times more than the initial settlement offer. Mr. George was always available when I needed to speak to him and he kept me updated. My case was settled in a very timely manner and I was impressed by Mr. George’s attention to my needs and his professionalism. I felt like he really cared about my needs and getting the results that would benefit me the most . – January 4, 2019
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Philadelphia
Most rear-end accidents come down to driver inattention or reckless behavior. The most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, scrolling, eating, or talking on the phone
- Tailgating and following too closely, especially in stop-and-go traffic
- Drunk or impaired driving, which impairs reaction time and judgment
- Speeding, which reduces the time a driver has to stop
- Fatigued driving, which is common on highway corridors like I-95 and the Schuylkill
- Poor road conditions, including potholes, wet pavement, and construction zones throughout Philadelphia
- Sudden traffic stops at congested intersections and on-ramps
Injuries Commonly Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Insurance companies routinely dismiss rear-end accidents as minor fender-benders, but even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries, and symptoms often do not appear until days or weeks after the crash. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, which can cause chronic neck pain, headaches, and limited range of motion that persist for months or years
- Herniated and bulging discs, which can press on nerves and cause shooting pain, numbness, or weakness
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions from striking the headrest, window, or steering wheel
- Broken bones from seatbelt impact, airbag deployment, or contact with the dashboard
- Spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or complete paralysis in severe crashes
- Internal injuries from blunt force trauma
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end accident, even if you feel fine. Delaying treatment puts your health at risk and gives the insurance company grounds to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Philadelphia Rear-End Accident?
If you were injured in a rear-end accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and specialist visits
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment or long-term care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in the crash
The actual value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and your insurance coverage type. An experienced attorney will evaluate all of these elements and make sure nothing is left on the table.
Pennsylvania Limited Tort vs. Full Tort: How Your Insurance Affects Your Claim
Pennsylvania gives drivers a choice when purchasing auto insurance: limited tort or full tort. Many people choose limited tort for the lower premiums without fully understanding what they are giving up.
Limited Tort
Under a limited tort policy, you generally cannot sue for pain and suffering unless your injury qualifies as a “serious injury” under state law, meaning death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Otherwise, you may only recover economic damages like medical bills and lost wages.
Full Tort
Under a full tort policy, you retain the right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity, giving you much greater flexibility to pursue full compensation.
Exceptions to Limited Tort
Even with limited tort coverage, you may still recover pain and suffering damages if the at-fault driver was convicted of DUI, was uninsured, or was driving a vehicle registered in another state, or if your injury qualifies as serious under state law.
Many accident victims do not know what type of coverage they have until after a crash. Our attorneys can review your policy and advise you on the best path forward.
How Insurance Companies Handle Rear-End Accident Claims
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the insurer’s bottom line, not to make sure you receive fair compensation. After a rear-end accident, expect the at-fault driver’s insurer to contact you quickly for a recorded statement. This is not for your benefit. Adjusters ask questions designed to get you to say something that minimizes your claim or shifts blame onto you.
They may also make an early settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. These offers are almost always far below the actual value of your claim. Once you sign a release, you cannot come back for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially believed. They will also look for ways to dismiss your injuries as pre-existing or unrelated to the crash.
Having an attorney on your side from the beginning puts you in a much stronger position. We handle all communication with the insurance company and fight to make sure the full value of your claim is recognized.
How a Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When you work with Pagano Law, we take on every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery:
- Investigate the accident and gather police reports, witness statements, and available footage
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to establish liability and document your injuries
- Handle all insurance company communication to protect you from tactics designed to devalue your claim
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and long-term impacts on your earning capacity
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and take your case to trial if necessary
We handle rear-end accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you.
When I say effective and thorough, I mean it. I procured Greg’s services to assist my nephew with a case. First, Greg and team makes every effort to make effective counsel available to those in need. Their flexibility regarding payment readiness and payment plans was very comforting and a relief. Greg not only provided advice as counsel but as a family friend, as such he gave our family the strength to fight those charges as well. Greg did not steer us wrong. My nephew was found not guilty of all charges and was able to walk away from the whole experience with peace of mind. Thank you to the Pagano team and specifically Greg for being just what our family needed effective counsel, a sense of compassion and understanding, and a fighter of justice for all. Thank you.
I was recently accused of something I did not do, and there was no evidence to support the accusation. It was an incredibly stressful situation, and Greg was exactly the person I needed. He took my call late on a weekend, immediately calmed me down, and guided me step by step through what to do next.
Greg was clear, steady, and reassuring throughout the entire process. He explained everything in a way that made me feel informed and protected, not overwhelmed. Having him in my corner made all the difference.
I truly cannot recommend anyone more highly. If you are ever accused of something or find yourself in trouble and need someone you can trust, Greg is the person to call. There is no one I would trust more.
Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Statute of Limitations
Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. Limited exceptions exist for minors and injuries that were not immediately discoverable, but waiting to contact an attorney is never in your best interest. Evidence deteriorates and witnesses become harder to locate over time.
Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyer FAQs
What if I was rear-ended at a red light? Is the other driver always at fault?
In virtually every case, yes. There is no legitimate reason for a driver to rear-end a stationary vehicle, and these cases are typically among the clearest in terms of liability.
What if multiple cars were involved in the crash?
Multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes can involve shared fault among several drivers. An attorney can investigate the sequence of events, identify all responsible parties, and pursue compensation from each.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you are 20 percent at fault, your award is reduced by 20 percent.
Do I have to pay a deductible if someone rear-ends me?
If you file through your own insurance, you may pay your deductible upfront and have it reimbursed once fault is established. If the other driver’s insurer accepts liability, you may be able to file directly through their policy and avoid your deductible entirely.
How long does it take to resolve a rear-end accident claim?
It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward cases may settle within a few months. Cases involving serious injuries or an uncooperative insurer can take longer.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
You may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage, which Pennsylvania law requires unless you specifically waive it in writing. An attorney can guide you through that process.
Contact Your Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyers Today!
If you were injured in a rear-end accident in Philadelphia, you do not have to deal with the insurance company on your own. The attorneys at Pagano Law are ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations with no obligation, and you pay no attorney fees unless we win. Call us today or contact us online.
Testimonials
What Clients Say
D. Pennington – 10/19 Not Guilty – Attempted Murder D. Pennington - 10/19 Not Guilty - Attempted Murder
Anonymous – 5/17 Case Dismissed – Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking) Anonymous - 5/17 Case Dismissed - Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking)
Nafis Pinkney – 2/18 Not Guilty – Murder Case. Nafis Pinkney - 2/18 Not Guilty - Murder Case.
John P. – 3/18 Case Dismissed – Discharge of Firearm at Police. John P. - 3/18 Case Dismissed - Discharge of Firearm at Police.
Mike – 5/18 Mike - 5/18
Mike – 8/18 Not Guilty – Assault and Burglary Mike - 8/18 Not Guilty - Assault and Burglary
Anonymous – 11/18 Anonymous - 11/18
YE – 11/18 NOT GUILTY – Murder Case YE - 11/18 NOT GUILTY - Murder Case
Lisa M. – 12/18 Case Dismissed – Drugs and Guns Lisa M. - 12/18 Case Dismissed - Drugs and Guns
AT – 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police. AT - 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police.
Mr. Pagano provided amazing service to me. He provided a holistic approach because he understood that my children were affected by the unfortunate circumstances. Throughout the process, he was attentive to all of my concerns as a client.
I should have left this review a long while ago. I was fighting a serious case in 2012. Its effects turned my life upside down. Mr. Pagano saved my life. The opportunities I have today would not be possible if not for him and his entire team.
Sarah jones helped me with my child support case. They kept running over me not listening to anything I said, taking more money from me until I hired Sarah. I told her my story and she took it from there and when it was time to go e I won all my cases. Just wanted to say Sarah Jones is no joke, she does a great job and I want to say thank u again Sarah.
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