Rear-end collisions represent one of the most frequent types of car accidents occurring on San Mateo’s busy thoroughfares, from Highway 101 to the congested intersections along El Camino Real. If you suffered injuries in a rear-end crash, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need for recovery.
Contact Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP at (650) 367-6811 for a free consultation with a reputable San Mateo rear-end accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of California personal injury law and will fight relentlessly for your best interests.
How a Rear-End Accident Attorney Can Help
Managing communications with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal requirements can be overwhelming after a car accident, even for the most organized person. Experienced rear-end collision lawyers have extensive knowledge of California traffic laws and insurance regulations, ensuring you receive fair treatment throughout the claims process. Our legal team provides comprehensive support through:
- Investigation and evidence collection – Lawyers gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and accident reconstruction data. They also document vehicle damage patterns that prove the severity and mechanics of the impact.
- Medical documentation and expert testimony – Rear-end accident attorneys work with healthcare providers throughout San Mateo County to thoroughly document your injuries, from whiplash and traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage. At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we network with specialists who can provide expert testimony about your long-term prognosis and future medical needs.
- Accurate claim valuation – San Mateo rear-end accident attorneys collaborate with financial experts to calculate the true worth of your case, including all damages. Our assessment considers both immediate and long-term impacts of your car accident injuries.
- Insurance negotiation and litigation – Attorneys handle all communication with insurance adjusters, protecting you from making statements that could harm your car accident case. If they refuse to make a fair settlement offer, the attorneys at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP can prepare your case for trial in the San Mateo County Superior Court.
Beyond handling the legal complexities, we provide peace of mind during your recovery period. You can prioritize healing while we manage deadlines, paperwork, and negotiations. Our experience with various types of car accidents throughout the Peninsula enables us to anticipate challenges before they arise and develop strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
What Should I Do After Being Rear-Ended?
Taking the right actions immediately after a rear-end collision is critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights. Too often, accident victims make missteps that can prevent financial recovery or reduce the value of their claims, such as giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters. By following a careful, structured approach, you can preserve vital evidence and strengthen your ability to pursue full and fair compensation:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Document the accident scene with photos and videos.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Obtain the other driver’s license and insurance information.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Follow all medical treatment recommendations.
- Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame.
- Consult a rear-end accident lawyer before accepting any settlement.
Injuries from rear-end collisions often manifest days or weeks after the initial impact, particularly soft tissue injuries affecting the neck and back. Seeking immediate medical evaluation at facilities like Mills Peninsula Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente San Mateo creates a documented connection between the accident and your injuries.
Insurance companies often dispute car accident claims when treatment delays occur, arguing that injuries resulted from other causes. Prompt medical attention and legal consultation protect your right to maximum compensation.
Who Is Usually At Fault in a Rear-End Accident?
California law generally presumes the rear driver is at fault in rear-end collisions, as drivers must maintain a safe following distance. Courts recognize that the following vehicles have the best opportunity to prevent these accidents by maintaining adequate space and staying alert to changes in traffic ahead.
However, the front driver may share fault in certain circumstances, such as:
- If the lead vehicle reverses suddenly or stops without warning in the flow of traffic, they could be at fault.
- Broken brake lights, especially during evening commutes through San Mateo’s fog, can make it impossible for the driver behind to respond.
- Intentional brake-checking constitutes aggressive driving and can transfer fault to the vehicle in front.
- When drivers cut off others while merging, it can cause immediate rear-end impacts.
In some cases, multiple parties may also be responsible, including employers whose drivers cause accidents while performing work duties, manufacturers of defective vehicle parts, and municipalities that fail to maintain safe road conditions.
Our San Mateo car accident attorneys thoroughly investigate all contributing factors to accurately determine fault. We examine traffic camera footage, analyze skid marks, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a comprehensive picture of liability.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision?
Victims of rear-end accidents frequently struggle with growing expenses while being unable to work, leading to serious financial pressure throughout recovery. Our dedicated San Mateo personal injury lawyer team carefully investigates every possible source of compensation. We also determine fair compensation amounts tailored to your unique injuries and situation.
After a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities
- Household service costs during recovery
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
Calculating intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, requires experienced legal representation that understands how different types of injuries are valued. For instance, traumatic brain injuries from whiplash, herniated discs requiring surgery, and psychological trauma from the accident all warrant substantial compensation beyond mere medical costs. Insurance adjusters typically undervalue these damages, offering quick settlements that fail to account for long-term impacts on your quality of life. A clear understanding of the full extent of your losses helps protect you from accepting low settlement offers from insurance companies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rear-End Accident Claim in California?
California law establishes a two-year (2) statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits arising from rear-end accidents. You typically must file your lawsuit within two years from the accident date or forfeit your right to pursue compensation through the court system.
It takes time to build a solid personal injury claim, and evidence can disappear more quickly than you may expect. It’s crucial to contact a San Mateo rear-end accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your case.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur with alarming frequency on San Mateo’s congested streets and highways, often resulting from preventable driver behaviors. Understanding these common causes helps our legal team establish liability and strengthen your compensation claim. The rear-end collision lawyers at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP have handled many cases involving a range of contributing factors, including:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, making phone calls, and eating
- Following too closely
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Sudden stops in traffic
- Brake light malfunctions
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Weather-related visibility issues
- Aggressive driving and road rage
California law prohibits following another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent,” establishing a clear legal standard for rear-end collision cases. Violations of this code often form the foundation of injury claims by demonstrating negligence.
Talk to Our San Mateo Car Accident Attorneys Today
Our firm brings more than 40 years of collective experience representing injury victims throughout San Mateo. The attorneys at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we successfully resolve your case.
Our rear-end accident attorneys maintain smaller caseloads than high-volume firms, ensuring personalized attention throughout your legal journey. We have successfully secured millions in settlements and verdicts for clients suffering injuries ranging from soft tissue damage to permanent disabilities. Although each case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our case results include a $11,580,772.76 settlement for a vehicle fire resulting from a rear-end collision. Plus, our client testimonials consistently praise our responsive communication, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate service.
Don’t allow insurance companies to minimize your rear-end collision injuries or pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements. Contact Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP at (650) 367-6811 or contact us online for your free consultation with a seasoned San Mateo car accident attorney. Our legal team will evaluate your case, explain your rights under California law, and develop strategies to maximize your compensation. That way, you can concentrate on recovering from injuries sustained in your rear-end accident.