If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Rear-end collisions are often the result of distracted or irresponsible driving, which is preventable if drivers pay attention to the road. However, distracted driving is on the rise, making everyone more vulnerable when they get behind the wheel.
Rear-end collisions can also occur at high speeds and can be sudden and unexpected. The jarring nature of these accidents can be physically and emotionally damaging. If the driver who caused your accident is found to have been negligent, they may be liable for providing financial compensation.
Our team at Portner Bond, PLLC is dedicated to protecting and serving our Beaumont-Port Arthur community. We are deeply committed to holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions. We want to make our community a safer place to live and drive. Negligent drivers can cause severe injuries and damage.
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we have over 85 years of combined experience, ensuring that negligent drivers are held responsible for their actions. We have helped thousands of clients here in Texas, and we can help you next. Call us today at (409) 838-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Beaumont rear-end collision attorney.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries and damage. Additionally, the unexpected nature of these accidents can make them hard to cope with emotionally. While you are focusing on your physical and emotional recovery, an attorney can build a case on your behalf.
An attorney can also deal with the headaches of working with insurance companies and handle other logistics of your case, including making sure that crucial deadlines for filing your lawsuit are met.
Attorneys understand what is necessary to obtain a favorable outcome in a rear-end collision lawsuit. They can gather evidence, handle court documents, help you obtain the proper medical documentation, and more. Having a strong legal advocate is crucial in a successful rear-end collision lawsuit.
One of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collision accidents is whiplash. Whiplash can be painful and debilitating, and the effects of whiplash can last for a lifetime. Even though whiplash is severe, it is an injury that is hard to quantify.
The severity of a whiplash injury is often determined based on the specific complaints of a victim. Due to the ambiguity of the injury, defense attorneys or insurance companies may try to minimize the pain and suffering you are experiencing.
Working with a competent attorney will prevent that from happening. An experienced attorney will prevent anyone from minimizing your injury from a rear-end collision in an attempt to avoid paying the damages you deserve. A skilled attorney can build a strong case and help recover the damages you deserve.
Why Should I Choose Portner Bond, PLLC?
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we have become a trusted name in car accident lawsuits here in Southeast Texas. Our team has the experience necessary to build your case and prevent anyone from trying to diminish your suffering.
Our firm treats every case we handle as if it is going to trial. This allows us to build a sound case and recover the damages you deserve, either through a settlement or lawsuit. Along with our diligent service, we are committed to serving our community, that is why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you recover compensation. We believe strong legal representation should be available to all victims, regardless of financial circumstances.
While we are known for our commitment to caring for our community, we have built an elite and successful firm and have been recognized for doing so. One of our partners, Trent Bond, is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only 10% of lawyers in the state of Texas have earned that distinction.
Another partner here at our firm, Chris Portner, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This means that he has recovered a multi-million dollar payout for just one client alone. This is an exclusive distinction as fewer than 1% of all lawyers in the United States are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our firm has the compassion you deserve, coupled with the success you need to recover the compensation you are owed.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Rear-end collision accidents are, unfortunately, common, and they can be very traumatic.
Irresponsible drivers can be held financially liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Medical bills can add up quickly. You and your loved ones should not have to face any financial hardship after being injured by a negligent driver.
Compensation is likely your legal right. Working with a skilled attorney is your best option to maximize the compensation you recover. Types of compensation you can recover for a rear-end collision accident include:
- Medical Bills (current and future)
- Loss of wages (current and future)
- Cost of Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Home modifications (if disabled and necessary)
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
If the driver who caused your accident is found to be negligent, obtaining financial compensation is your right. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, and when they fail in that duty, they can be held legally responsible.
Being injured in a car wreck can be physically and emotionally draining. However, it does not have to bring on financial hardship for you. Working with a lawyer can ensure you recover the compensation you need to provide care for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we are committed to advocating for our community. After you are injured in a rear-end collision, we know you may be feeling frustrated and confused. To help you on your path to seeking justice, here are answers to questions we commonly hear at our firm.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In the state of Texas, you have up to two years after an accident to file a claim. That short window to file makes it even more important to start working with an attorney right away.
If the deadline is missed, your case will likely be dismissed. Additionally, you will have lost your leverage in negotiations with the defense. A lawyer can guide you through the process and make sure your claim is filed well before the deadline.
Several exceptions extend the deadline of two years under Texas law. If the person injured is a minor, or is found to be mentally unsound, the deadline is two years if they are of sound mind.
For a minor, this is two years after they become a legal adult, or for a disabled individual, two years after they are deemed to be mentally competent. Working with a lawyer directly can ensure you have the most accurate guidance for the timeline to file your case.
Are rear-end collisions common?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, rear-end collisions account for nearly 50% of the 4.2 million annual accidents here in the United States. These accidents are widespread and are often the result of distracted driving. Distracted driving causes 5.7% of all accidents each year.
Rear-end collisions are incredibly severe and can have deadly outcomes. The Insurance Information Institute reports that rear-end collisions are the third leading cause of fatal accidents, accounting for 6.8% of all deadly crashes.
Can the lead driver ever be at fault?
Usually, when a driver rear-ends the car in front of them, the rear driver is liable. However, there are some situations where a lead driver can be found liable for causing a rear-end collision. While these are rare, it is essential to be aware of these scenarios. Instances where a lead driver can be found to be at fault for a rear-end collision include:
- If the lead driver is “brake checking” or slamming on the breaks with no valid reason to do so
- If the lead driver reverses suddenly or at an improper time
- If the lead driver is driving on a flat tire without using hazard lights and fails to pull over
- If the lead driver has failed to repair brake lights or other safety equipment
Contact Us
At Portner Bond, PLLC we take upholding the rights of our community members very seriously. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, we are here to help you recover damages and seek justice.
We know that no amount of money will ever erase the pain and suffering you have gone through. Being involved in a rear-end collision can be difficult to cope with because of how unexpected and jarring it can be.
Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to get the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. We want to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. For a free consultation, call us today at (409) 838-4444 or contact us online to begin working with a Beaumont car accident attorney.