Being involved in a rear-end crash can be a traumatizing experience. If you’re in such an unfortunate situation in Lancaster, PA, you need dedicated legal representation. The Marzzacco Niven & Associates team is here to stand by your side.
Our Lancaster rear-end crash attorneys bring together a rich tapestry of experience spanning several decades, focused exclusively on personal injury cases. We have successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in rightful compensation for our clients in Lancaster and the surrounding regions.
Your recovery and justice are our prime goals. Contact us or call at (717) 616-2954 for a free consultation.
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How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Assist After Your Lancaster Rear-End Crash?
By choosing us, you can expect our Lancaster car accident attorneys to:
- Unearth the real reasons behind the crash and establish the other driver’s liability.
- Engage with those who witnessed the accident to bring their observations into the legal strategy.
- Gather all vital evidence that supports your claim.
- Facilitate detailed discussions with you to gauge the full impact of the crash on your life to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
- Negotiate all interactions with insurance firms and ensure you get a fair deal.
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault party and take them to court, if necessary.
- We are dedicated to justice and do everything we can to get you the maximum possible compensation.
Remember, when you work with Marzzacco Niven & Associates, you aren’t just another file on our desk; you are our priority. Contact our law office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, today to get started.
What Exactly Is a Rear-End Crash?
When the front of one car hits the back of another, that’s called a rear-end collision.
Rear-End Crashes Statistics
Pennsylvania has a lot of roads – over 120,000 miles of them! With so many people driving every day, accidents are bound to happen. In 2021, a whopping 117,899 crashes were reported in the state.
Out of these, about 19.7% were rear-end collisions. In just one year, there were 23,217 rear-end accidents in Pennsylvania. Rear-end collisions comprised 8.3% of crashes where someone sadly lost their life.
Why Do Rear-End Crashes Happen?
There are lots of reasons why these crashes can happen. Here are a few:
- Distracted driving and not paying attention
- Being too close
- Not driving safely
- Bad roads
Crashes happen often because the driver needs to pay more attention.
Injuries From Rear-End Crashes
Even if cars are moving slowly, rear-end crashes can hurt. Here are some injuries people might get:
- Back pain or spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Airbag injuries
If you’re in a rear-end crash in Lancaster, our lawyers are here to help ensure you’re not stuck with all those bills alone.
Who’s at Fault in Lancaster Rear-End Crashes?
When a rear-end crash happens in Lancaster, figuring out who’s to blame can be tricky. In Pennsylvania, the driver in the back is usually considered at fault. Why? Because the law says that drivers should always keep a safe space between their car and the car in front of them.
But sometimes, it’s more complicated. Imagine if the car in front suddenly changed lanes without warning, or their brake lights weren’t working, and you couldn’t tell they were stopping. Or the driver in the front car had too much to drink and was not driving safely. In these cases, the driver in the front is at fault.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our job is to be like detectives. We look into every detail of the crash. We find out exactly what happened and who is to blame. So, if you’re in a rear-end crash and are worried about who’s at fault, let us help you figure it out. We’re here to make sure the truth comes out.
What Damages Are Available for Rear-End Crash Victims?
When we talk about “damages” after a car crash, we mean the money you can get to help cover the costs caused by the accident. Think of it as a way to help fix things that went wrong because of the crash.
Pennsylvania is considered a “choice no-fault” state for car insurance. That means that your chosen policy may dictate, in part, the damages you’re able to recover. If you have “limited tort” coverage, you can file a claim against your own policy to get benefits regardless of fault. However, you can only file a claim against the at-fault driver in certain circumstances.
If you’ve selected “full tort” coverage or if your crash was especially severe, you may be able to pursue compensation from the responsible party. Through this claim, you can recover both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Types of damages include:
- Medical Bills: After a rear-end crash, you might need to see a doctor or even stay in the hospital. This can cost a lot of money.
- Car Repairs: Your car might get hurt in the crash too! Damages can include the cost of getting it fixed or even replaced.
- Lost Wages: If you’re hurt and can’t work for a while, you might miss out on money you would have earned.
- Pain and Suffering: Crashes can cause pain and emotional stress. While money can’t take away the pain, it can help make things a little easier.
- Future Costs: Sometimes, an injury might need long-term care or cause problems in the future.
You shouldn’t have to pay for everything when the accident wasn’t your fault.
How To Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania
Negligence is when someone doesn’t act responsibly, leading to someone else getting hurt. For a rear-end crash in Pennsylvania, proving negligence means showing that the other driver did something wrong that caused the accident.
There are four key elements you must prove:
- Duty of Care: Every driver on the road must drive safely and follow the rules. This means not texting while driving, not speeding, and always being alert.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the other driver didn’t do their duty. Maybe they were driving too fast or didn’t stop at a stop sign.
- Cause: This means connecting the other driver’s actions to the crash. It shows that because they were speeding (or any other reason), they caused the rear-end crash.
- Damages: Lastly, you must prove that you got hurt or the crash damaged your car.
Evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports can help prove these points.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Rear-End Crash Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Most rear-end crash lawyers in Pennsylvania offer a free initial consultation and work on a “contingency fee” basis. This means the lawyers only get paid if you get compensation. They’ll take a percentage of the money you earn. So, if you don’t recover money damages, you don’t have to pay the lawyer attorney’s fees.
Even if a lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, there might be expenses like getting medical records, hiring experts, or court fees. It’s always good to ask the lawyer about these expenses upfront.
How Long Do You Have To File a Personal Injury Case After a Rear-End Crash in Pennsylvania?
In legal terms, the time you must file a case is called the “statute of limitations.” In Pennsylvania, for most personal injury cases like rear-end crashes, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
However, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations. Contacting an attorney as soon as you can after a crash is the best way to protect your legal rights and interests.
Call Our Lancaster Rear-End Crash Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation
Don’t navigate the aftermath alone if you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end crash in Lancaster. Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to guide and represent you.