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Seattle Rear-End Accident Lawyers
Strong advocacy when drivers rear-end your car in the state of Washington
Drivers throughout Seattle and Washington State risk rear-end collisions every day. Whether you’re driving on Interstate 5, State Route 99, or any local roads, there’s always the danger that a speeding driver, a distracted driver, or an irresponsible driver may slam into the rear of your car. At Smith McBroom, we have more than 20 years of experience holding drivers accountable for all types of car accidents. We handle two-car rear-end collisions, chain-reaction rear-end accidents, and hit-and-run rear-enders. Our Seattle lawyers demand full compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. We’ve helped many personal injury victims obtain substantial settlements and jury verdicts. Call us today to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How can we help?
- What is a rear-end collision?
- How dangerous are rear-end collisions?
- Why do rear-end collisions happen in Seattle?
- What types of injuries do rear-end collisions cause in Seattle?
- Who is responsible for rear-end collisions in Seattle?
- How much is my rear-end collision case worth in Washington?
- Do you have a Seattle rear-end collision lawyer near me?
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What is a rear-end collision?
Rear-end accidents happen when cars are waiting in line for a light to change or for cars to proceed through a stop sign. They can happen when traffic is congested, at exit ramps, or if there are construction detours. At Smith McBroom, we work with investigators and the police, question everyone who was involved with or saw the accident, examine the damage to the vehicles, and use other ways to show how the front of the car in the rear struck the rear of your car.
Many rear-end collisions happen in one of the following ways:
Two-car rear-end accidents
These accidents generally involve one car that is stopped on a highway, local road, or even in a parking lot. A second car hits the rear of a car that is stopped. In almost all cases, the second car is liable for the rear-end collision.
Chain reaction rear-end collisions
These accidents often begin the same way that a two-car happens. Chain reaction rear-end collisions happen when multiple cars are stopped at an intersection where there’s construction or some other reason for a traffic stoppage. The chain reaction begins when a negligent driver of one car hits the rear of the last car in the line. That car then strikes the car in front of them. This sequence of collisions continues until the lead car in the line is struck.
Hit-and-run rear-end collisions
Sometimes, the driver who causes the crash doesn’t stay to provide help. They may leave/flee because they’re afraid of the consequences – such as if they don’t have insurance. Some drivers, such as drunk drivers, may not even be aware that they’ve struck another vehicle. Our Seattle rear-end collision lawyers work with the police and investigators to try to locate the driver who leaves – the hit-and-run driver.
If we/the police cannot locate the hit-and-run driver, then we file your claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policy.
Stopping short
There are times when the car that is farthest in the rear isn’t the only one responsible for the accident. A driver in front may stop short to avoid a pedestrian, another car, or an animal that crosses the street without warning. The driver behind the front driver may then rear-end the front driver. In this scenario, the driver in front may be liable if they could have reasonably avoided stopping short.
How dangerous are rear-end collisions?
Rear-end collisions are a very common type of accident in Washington state and throughout the country. While most victims do survive, rear-end accidents can be fatal. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2022, there were 2,817 fatal rear-end accidents, causing 7.2 percent of all fatal vehicle accidents nationwide.
Why do rear-end collisions happen in Seattle?
At Smith McBroom, our lawyers work to show why a rear-end driver struck your car – which could illustrate how they were negligent.
Some of the many causes of rear-end car accidents in Seattle include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving while distracted
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for weather conditions such as ice, rain, or snow
- Tailgating - Driving too closely to a car in front
- Driver fatigue
- Defective brakes and other defective car parts
- Reckless driving
- Driver inexperience
Distracted driving
Driver inattention is a leading cause of rear-end crashes. Too many drivers fail to have both hands on the steering wheel, their eyes on traffic, and their minds on how to anticipate and respond to emergencies. Many accidents happen in Seattle because drivers fail to see how close they are to a car in front until it’s too late to avoid a crash.
Driver distraction includes:
- Talking on a smartphone/cellphone
- Texting while driving
- Reading email
- Looking at a GPS
- Watching a video
- Adjusting an entertainment device
- Drunk driving
- Eating
- Drinking
- Personal grooming
- Looking at a passenger or pet
- Smoking
Drivers can avoid distracted driving by planning ahead or waiting until their trip is complete.
What types of injuries do rear-end collisions cause in Seattle?
At Smith McBroom, we handle all types of injuries due to rear-end accidents. Many injuries occur when the neck and head of a driver or a passenger move rapidly forward and backward – causing:
- Soft-tissue damage
- Whiplash
- Neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain
Forceful rear-end damage can also cause a driver or passenger to strike another person or another person in the car. Our Seattle rear-end injury lawyers also represent car occupants who suffer from the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage including paralysis
- Traumatic amputation
- Broken bones
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Death
Who is responsible for rear-end collisions in Seattle?
Our Seattle rear-end injury lawyers file claims against all responsible parties, which may include:
- The driver whose front strikes the rear of your car – or the last car in a line of drivers
- A hit-and-run driver
- A driver’s employers
- The owner of the vehicle – such as when parents allow their teenagers to use their car and the teen causes a rear-end accident
- The manufacturers of defective brakes, steering wheels, airbags, or other car parts.
- A construction company that failed to properly warn drivers of construction and the need to slow down or shift lanes
- A seller of alcohol to someone who was visibility intoxicated or a minor at the time of the sale
How much is my rear-end collision case worth in Washington?
Our Seattle car accident lawyers work with your doctors to verify your injuries, explain the treatments you need, document your medical bills, and explain all the ways your injuries are making your life difficult. We also work with car mechanics and financial experts when necessary.
At Smith McBroom, we demand compensation for all your current and future financial and personal damages including:
- Medical costs
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium (marital enjoyment)
- Loss of bodily function
We file wrongful death actions if a rear-end accident causes the death of your loved one. The damages in wrongful death claims include the funeral and burial costs, outstanding medical bills due to the accident, loss of financial support, loss of personal support (love, guidance, and comfort), the value of the services your loved one can no longer perform, and the loss of consortium.
Do you have a Seattle rear-end collision lawyer near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington 98188. Our office is right off of I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office. You can park at our office for free.
We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Contact our Seattle rear-end accident lawyers now
We understand how upset you are. Rear-end accidents are inexcusable. At Smith McBroom, we’ve helped many car accident victims in Washington state obtain the damages they deserve – often for the insurance policy limits. To schedule a meeting with a dedicated Seattle catastrophic injury lawyer, call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.