Who is at fault in a rear-end collision in Philadelphia?

In most rear-end collisions, the driver who strikes the vehicle in front of them is found to be at fault. However, there are exceptions, including instances involving the car in front making unsafe lane changes into the rear driver’s path or backing into the rear vehicle. Because the specifics of each case matter, you need to consult experienced Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers for help determining liability and assessing whether you have the grounds for a claim against the driver.

What symptoms indicate that I should see a doctor after a rear-end accident?

It’s always in your best interests to undergo a thorough medical evaluation after being in a car accident. However, because rear-end crashes are often assumed to be minor, many victims try to go about their day instead of prioritizing their health and seeing a doctor right away. Certain symptoms can indicate that the injury is more serious than you initially believed. If you notice symptoms such as headaches, back pain, stiffness or soreness of the neck, numbness or tingling, decreased range of motion, or radiating pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Feeling confused or disoriented can also indicate issues, such as a concussion, for which you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if you find that pain, stiffness, soreness, or loss of strength or mobility gets worse over time rather than better, you should put your health first and seek medical attention right away.

Can I sue for a rear-end car accident?

A victim injured through someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania can file a claim or lawsuit for financial compensation. Given the challenges in establishing liability and documenting your damages, you should retain experienced Philly rear-end accident lawyers to help you take legal action. Through our unwavering efforts on behalf of our clients, we consistently secure fair compensation to make victims injured in rear-end crashes whole.

What is the right action to take in a rear-end collision?

In a rear-end crash, try to stay calm. If you’re in danger of further impacts, move to a safe place to minimize the risk of suffering additional harm. Call 911 and request help. While you wait for first responders to arrive, document the accident through photos, videos, and notes. Ask any witnesses to provide their contact information and a statement of what they observed. Establishing liability for a rear-end collision can sometimes be challenging, especially if the driver who struck you tries to tell a different story. Provide your information to the police when they arrive, and make sure you exchange information with other parties involved in the accident, too. If possible, have emergency medical personnel conduct an initial assessment of your injuries at the scene of the crash. Even if emergency medical personnel don’t identify any life-threatening injuries, you should still seek further medical evaluation at a hospital, urgent care facility, or doctor’s office. You need to notify the relevant insurance companies, including your own, of the accident. However, dealing with insurance companies puts you at risk of making mistakes that could undermine your claim. If you tell an insurance adjuster now that you’re “fine,” it could be more difficult to receive medical benefits or financial compensation later on if it turns out that you suffered a significant injury. To protect yourself, you should take advantage of a free consultation with an attorney, who can advise you on how to handle insurance company interactions or even manage these matters for you.

Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyers

Rear End Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA Delivering Legal Representation for Traffic Collision Victims in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Rear-end accidents can have devastating consequences. This type of collision is common in Philadelphia, but its repercussions are often underestimated. Not every rear-end crash is a minor fender bender. As experienced Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers, the team at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim has seen firsthand how life-changing these accidents can be. We’ve fought to secure our clients maximum compensation for their injuries.

If you have been the victim of a rear-end accident, it can be difficult to figure out how to move forward. You may think of these crashes as less serious collisions—so why are you in significant pain and having a tough time going about your life?

You need the guidance and professional advice of rear end accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, who recognize just how serious these injuries can be. Through a free consultation, we can evaluate your potential case, help you explore your legal options, and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today to get started with skilled legal representation at no upfront cost.

Injured in a Car Accident?

Getting Maximum Compensation for a Rear-End Accident in Philadelphia

When you’ve been hurt in a rear-end collision, you’re entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. The more this accident has affected your life, the greater your potential payout.

Our Successes in Securing Full Compensation in Rear-End Accident Claims

Having experienced rear end accident attorneys in Philly on your side is crucial for claiming compensation for all of the losses you’ve suffered, including the future costs you may encounter.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we’ve consistently secured our clients full compensation for injuries they suffered when hit from behind by a car, truck, motorcycle, or another vehicle. Our record of success includes:

A $4.8 million award for a bicyclist struck from behind by a drunk driver
A $3.25 million jury award for a motorist who was struck from behind by a cement truck
A $1.35 million settlement for a motorist struck from behind by an intoxicated police officer

Payouts in rear-end accident claims vary drastically based on your individual circumstances. To get you the maximum compensation possible, we’ll calculate the full extent of your damages based on the specific facts of your unique situation.

Written Reviews

Unmatched Support: Navigating the Fallout of a Car Accident
"I was involved in a car accident while 13 weeks pregnant. I didn’t know where to turn until a friend gave me a number and said “Hey, check out this lawyer”. I did just that, and even though the process was long, which I expected, it was the best decision I've made in a long time. In the end, we won! I have to thank Mr. Hartshorn and his team for everything they have done for not only me but my family as well. I could not have picked a better lawyer! Thank you all so very much! On a scale of 1 to 10, you guys are a 100!"
- Deasia C. / Client
★★★★★
Seamless Experience: Legal Excellence Meets Compassionate Care
"Wonderful experience with this law firm after getting hit last summer. The whole staff is on top of things and communicates well. A special shoutout to the attorney who handled my case and negotiated my medical bills. I was able to get the care and treatment I needed with minimal stress because they handled it all!"
- Amanda A. / Client
★★★★★
Effortless Recovery: Comprehensive Care and Exceptional Communication
"Going with this law firm for my auto accident case was the best advice anyone ever gave me. I was very impressed with my results and the way they handled my case and me."
- Ant F. / Client
★★★★★
Prompt and Precise: An Automobile Settlement that Stands Out
“I wanted to thank you for the excellent work you did as my attorney with the settlement of my automobile accident. I know you have a lot of clients, so your prompt responses and attention to detail really meant a lot to me.”
- Jarrett H. / Client
★★★★★

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Damages You Can Pursue Compensation For

Your compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and the other losses that accompany them, from medical costs to income loss. While some rear-end crashes leave victims with only fleeting aches and pains, others result in much more significant damage. Among the types of rear-end accident injuries our attorneys typically see are:

Neck and spine injuries, ranging from whiplash to serious spinal cord damage
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries that can result from hitting your head or from the jolt of the impact
Chest injuries, which may be serious, as a result of hitting the steering wheel
Facial injuries, often resulting from contact with the airbag, dashboard, or window
Injuries to organs, such as the liver or spleen

You might find yourself in need of extensive medical intervention, from months of physical therapy to invasive surgery. Throughout your treatment, the medical costs can pile up, quickly surpassing thousands of dollars.

Our rear end accident attorneys in Philly are prepared to pursue full compensation for all of your losses, including:

Medical and rehabilitation costs
Projected future medical and care expenses
Lost wages during your recovery
Loss of future income due to disability
Pain and suffering
Scarring and disfigurement
Mental anguish

We know how important it is to your future that you receive full compensation for your losses. Our goal is to identify and calculate the full extent of your damages and then fight for a settlement or award that makes you as whole as possible.

Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers by dialing (215) 486-0123 today.

Proving Liability for a Rear-End Crash in Philly

In any claim for injury compensation, you need to establish that the defendant named in your case is actually liable for your damages. Our Philly rear-end accident lawyers have the skills to carry out in-depth investigations and develop winning theories of liability for injured clients.

Generally, your claim’s success hinges on establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached that duty through conduct that caused an injury and related damages. In car accident cases, the defendant is typically a driver who caused or contributed to the accident. The duty the defendant owed to you and others on the road was to obey traffic safety laws and operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

Although any number of errors behind the wheel can result in an accident, rear-end crashes often result from negligence such as:

Speeding
Tailgating
Distracted driving
Driving while fatigued
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Driving aggressively
Failing to adjust driving behaviors in poor weather conditions

Under Pennsylvania law, motorists are generally required to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. This means that the driver who crashed into the vehicle in front of them is typically found at fault for the accident and can be held liable for the damages that result.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including instances in which:

The driver in the front changed lanes suddenly or unexpectedly, into the rear vehicle’s path
A driver backed into the car behind them
The rear driver was pushed into the car in front of it by the impact of another vehicle in a chain reaction
The driver in front failed to maintain their brake lights in safe working condition

It’s possible in these and similar situations that both parties could be found to share fault or that the car in front could face the full blame for the accident. Because the specific details matter, it’s important to have experienced rear end accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, working on your case.

How van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help

Our decades of experience as Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers have given van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim extensive insights into the challenges involved in cases like yours. We’ve used this experience to develop a winning approach to legal representation.

Diligent Investigation

We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the accident, gathering all evidence of the defendant’s liability to build a strong case. If relevant, we explore avenues for holding others besides the driver accountable, including manufacturers of faulty brakes and entities responsible for defective road conditions.

If the defendant or their insurance company is trying to escape liability by putting the blame for the accident on you, we can use evidence that includes video footage, witness accounts, and the opinions of accident reconstruction specialists to establish what really happened.

Documentation of Your Damages

One of the biggest challenges in a rear-end accident claim is documenting the severity of your injuries and related losses. While the defendants and insurance companies involved might try to downplay the severity of the crash, we’re committed to establishing exactly how much this accident has impacted you.

We use medical records, wage loss statements, projections of future economic costs, opinions of medical experts, and your own account to develop a clear, compelling picture of all the ways the accident has affected you.

Advocacy at All Stages of Your Claim

Injured victims shouldn’t face the legal process alone. Throughout your case, we provide unwavering guidance to help you restore your life. We represent you aggressively in legal proceedings, fighting for your best interests in both out-of-court settlement negotiations and trial proceedings.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

215-486-0123

Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?

When you need experienced rear end accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, your choice of legal counsel matters. Choosing van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim means retaining a team of attorneys dedicated to representing all victims injured in rear-end crashes and developing legal strategies customized to your unique situation. By representing the injured on contingency and providing free, no-obligation consultations, we put skilled legal guidance within reach for every accident victim in Philly.

Representation for All Victims Injured in Rear-End Accidents

No case is too small and no challenge is too big for our attorneys’ skills in legal practice. If your accident-related injuries are significant enough to interfere with your life in some capacity, we’re equipped to guide you through the legal process.

You can count on our Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers for help with claims that range from injuries that, while temporary, impact your ability to work or your day-to-day life to catastrophic injuries that pose lifelong consequences.

Personalized Legal Strategies for Every Client We Serve

In rear-end collisions, in particular, the details matter. It takes legal arguments custom-tailored to your specific situation—including the severity of the impact and the extent of your damages—to show that your accident wasn’t some minor fender bender but instead a serious crash that warrants full compensation.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers apply a holistic approach to every case we handle. We’ll get to know you and all the ways your injury has impacted your life, and we’ll provide personalized representation for your claim for compensation.

Professional Guidance at No Upfront Cost

Pursuing legal action for a rear-end accident injury can feel like a risk too big to take—but the only way you will be able to recover the compensation you deserve is by putting together a compelling claim.

The team of Philly rear-end accident lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim ensures that nothing stands in the way of injured victims acquiring quality legal representation. We provide free case evaluations and represent our clients in personal injury cases at no upfront cost.

For a Free Legal Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Philadelphia, Call 215-486-0123.

Contact the Philadelphia Rear-End Accident Lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today for a Free Consultation

In a case involving a rear-end collision, you need to take action fast. You need to gather evidence, document your damages, and avoid making common mistakes that could undermine your compensation. You need to be prepared for the demands of the legal process, including deadlines that, if missed, could keep you from ever recovering the compensation you deserve.

For immediate help from our dedicated rear end accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim online or call 215-486-0123 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rear End Accident Claims in Philadelphia, PA

In most rear-end collisions, the driver who strikes the vehicle in front of them is found to be at fault. However, there are exceptions, including instances involving the car in front making unsafe lane changes into the rear driver’s path or backing into the rear vehicle. Because the specifics of each case matter, you need to consult experienced Philadelphia rear-end accident lawyers for help determining liability and assessing whether you have the grounds for a claim against the driver.
It’s always in your best interests to undergo a thorough medical evaluation after being in a car accident. However, because rear-end crashes are often assumed to be minor, many victims try to go about their day instead of prioritizing their health and seeing a doctor right away.
Certain symptoms can indicate that the injury is more serious than you initially believed. If you notice symptoms such as headaches, back pain, stiffness or soreness of the neck, numbness or tingling, decreased range of motion, or radiating pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Feeling confused or disoriented can also indicate issues, such as a concussion, for which you should seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you find that pain, stiffness, soreness, or loss of strength or mobility gets worse over time rather than better, you should put your health first and seek medical attention right away.
A victim injured through someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania can file a claim or lawsuit for financial compensation. Given the challenges in establishing liability and documenting your damages, you should retain experienced Philly rear-end accident lawyers to help you take legal action. Through our unwavering efforts on behalf of our clients, we consistently secure fair compensation to make victims injured in rear-end crashes whole.
In a rear-end crash, try to stay calm. If you’re in danger of further impacts, move to a safe place to minimize the risk of suffering additional harm. Call 911 and request help. While you wait for first responders to arrive, document the accident through photos, videos, and notes. Ask any witnesses to provide their contact information and a statement of what they observed. Establishing liability for a rear-end collision can sometimes be challenging, especially if the driver who struck you tries to tell a different story.
Provide your information to the police when they arrive, and make sure you exchange information with other parties involved in the accident, too. If possible, have emergency medical personnel conduct an initial assessment of your injuries at the scene of the crash. Even if emergency medical personnel don’t identify any life-threatening injuries, you should still seek further medical evaluation at a hospital, urgent care facility, or doctor’s office.
You need to notify the relevant insurance companies, including your own, of the accident. However, dealing with insurance companies puts you at risk of making mistakes that could undermine your claim. If you tell an insurance adjuster now that you’re “fine,” it could be more difficult to receive medical benefits or financial compensation later on if it turns out that you suffered a significant injury. To protect yourself, you should take advantage of a free consultation with an attorney, who can advise you on how to handle insurance company interactions or even manage these matters for you.

Notable Case Results

Always Pursing the Best Possible Outcome

Assault Injury

$1 Million

Tractor-Trailer Accident

$10 Million

Bicycle Accident

$4.8 Million

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In the Media

Throughout the years, our firm and our individual attorneys have been recognized in both local and national media for our extensive legal knowledge, experience, and record of success. Our attorneys frequently appear in the media to provide insights and information on various legal matters, including high-profile cases.

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Choosing the Right Firm Can Make All the Difference

Unrivaled Record of SuccessWe have won tens of millions of dollars for injured victims, and have achieved countless "not guilty" verdicts for clients faced with criminal charges.
No Challenge too BigOur firm has handled some of the biggest cases in country, including representing the President of the United States.
Personalized RepresentationWe understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach based on the facts of the case and the needs of our client.
Uncompromising PassionOur competitive nature is one of our strongest qualities. You can be confident that no other firm will outwork our team.
Holistic ApproachNot only do we want to excel legally for the client, but we also want to make sure we are strengthening their mind, body and spirt.
Supporting the CommunityOur team engages in many community events and regularly donates time and resources to many charitable organizations in Philadelphia.

Talk to Our Experienced Team

Home to Philadelphia’s most accomplished attorneys, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim pairs diverse practice experience with a passion-driven, comprehensive law practice—all for the client’s benefit.