Rear-end crashes rank among the most frequent types of car accidents in Johnson City, across East Tennessee, and throughout the country. Roughly one-third of all motor vehicle collisions in the United States involve a rear-end crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Rear-end accidents often leave vehicle occupants dealing with painful injuries and overwhelming medical expenses.
If a rear-end collision in Johnson City has caused turmoil in your life, the car accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm are ready to help. Our Johnson City rear-end accident lawyers bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience and a strong record of recovering millions of dollars for injured people in East Tennessee.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a dedicated rear-end collision lawyer in Johnson City who will listen to your story and explain your options at no cost.
Reasons to Get Help from Our Johnson City Rear-End Accident Attorneys
Dealing with an insurance company on your own after a rear-end crash can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also trying to heal from your injuries. The rear-end collision attorneys at The Terry Law Firm can handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.
When you hire our experienced personal injury lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the details of the crash and gather the evidence you need to build a strong claim
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you do not have to worry about saying something that could hurt your case
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical care, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering
- Fight aggressively for the maximum compensation available under Tennessee law
- Take your case to court if the other party’s insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
As a family firm with roots going back to 1960, The Terry Law Firm will give you the kind of personal attention that larger firms often overlook. Every attorney and staff member at our firm will collaborate on your case because we believe a team-driven approach leads to the best possible results.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Johnson City, TN
Johnson City sees heavy traffic along I-26, US-321, US-11-E, North Roan Street (SR 36), and other major thoroughfares. Stop-and-go congestion, highway merging, and sudden slowdowns on roads in and around Johnson City create prime conditions for rear-end crashes.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Tailgating – Following too closely leaves almost no room to react when traffic slows or stops ahead.
- Distracted driving – A driver who is texting or otherwise not paying attention to the road may not notice stopped traffic until it is too late to stop.
- Speeding – Drivers who go faster than the posted speed limit or travel too fast for conditions need more distance to stop safely.
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and cloud judgment, making it harder for a driver to keep a safe following distance.
- Driver fatigue – Drowsy drivers often experience delayed reaction times and lapses in attention, which can lead to rear-end crashes.
- Dangerous road conditions – Wet or icy pavement increases stopping distances, and drivers who fail to adjust their speed put everyone at risk.
- Brake or equipment failure – Worn brake pads, bald tires, or broken taillights can all contribute to a rear-end collision.
Who Is at Fault in a Tennessee Rear-End Collision?
Tennessee law requires every driver to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of them. Under Tennessee Code § 55-8-124, a driver must not follow another road user more closely than is “reasonable and prudent” when taking into account the speed of traffic, road conditions, and other circumstances. Because of this rule, the trailing driver in a rear-end collision typically bears most or all of the responsibility for the crash.
That said, the following driver is not always the only one at fault. In some situations, the lead driver or another party may be responsible, such as when a driver slams on the brakes without warning, reverses into the vehicle behind them, or fails to turn on hazard lights after a breakdown.
Because Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault.
Common Injuries After Being Rear-Ended
Even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause severe injuries. The sudden jolt of a rear-end crash forces the head and neck to snap forward and backward, which is why whiplash is the most frequently reported injury in rear-end accidents.
Other common injuries from rear-enders include:
- Herniated discs
- Neck strains
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder, knee, and other joint injuries
- Soft tissue tears involving muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Cuts, bruises, and facial lacerations
Many serious injuries do not produce obvious symptoms right away. That is why it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible after a rear-end crash, even if you feel fine at the scene.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to Under Tennessee Law
With strong evidence and an experienced car accident lawyer on your side, you may be able to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
What to Do After a Rear-End Crash in Johnson City
The steps you take right after a rear-end collision can make a significant difference in your ability to pursue fair compensation. Here is what you should do:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel hurt initially.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Collect names and contact information from witnesses.
- Keep all medical records, receipts, and proof of any income you have lost.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact a Johnson City rear-end collision attorney at The Terry Law Firm to begin protecting your rights and find out more about your legal options.
Talk to a Johnson City Rear-End Collision Attorney at The Terry Law Firm
After a rear-end crash, The Terry Law Firm is ready to stand by your side and fight to seek the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a Johnson City rear-end accident attorney.