Reading Rear End Accident Lawyer
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Reading, Pennsylvania, is a bustling city with nearly 100,000 residents. U.S. Routes 222 and 422 handle the bulk of commuter traffic, with hundreds of drivers daily. Unfortunately, the stop-and-go traffic and congestion that many Reading roads experience contribute to a high volume of car accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
If a negligent driver has injured you or your loved one, do not wait to get legal help with a claim. At Cordisco & Saile, LLC, our dedicated Reading rear-end accident lawyers can meet with you and discuss your case. Contact our law office today to learn more.
Table of Contents
- Local Rear-End Accident Lawyers For Reading Clients
- Compensation Available in Rear-End Accident Cases
- Determining Fault in a Reading Rear-End Accident
- Tactics Insurance Companies Use To Minimize Rear-End Crash Settlements
- How Pennsylvania Laws Can Impact Your Rear-End Accident Claim in Reading
- What Are the Common Types of Rear-End Crash Injuries?
- Steps To Take After Being Injured in a Reading Rear-End Accident
- Reading Rear-End Accident Claims FAQ
- Call Our Reading Attorneys for Help With Your Rear-End Accident Claim
Local Rear-End Accident Lawyers For Reading Clients
Our legal team is local to the area and understands the vast legal landscape of Reading and Pennsylvania as a whole. We have been representing the Reading community for over 30 years and have secured numerous successful verdicts for our clients.
The attorneys at our firm focus on client communication and compassion. We never want you to feel out of the loop on your case. With more than $100 million won and a nationally recognized team, you can trust us to get the job done.
"At Cordisco & Saile, we have core values that we live by. The first one is that we're passionate. We enjoy what we do and it shows. Our second core value is that we communicate effectively. We're constantly improving our skills and advocating for our clients, whether we're in the courtroom or we're in a presentation that we're constantly improving our communication skills. The third core value we have is that we're a team. We do everything together. We stand up for each other and we work together to achieve our goals. The fourth core value is that we are not complacent. We're constantly striving to get better. Better at communication, better at our lawyering skills. Our fifth core value is that we are accountable. We take ownership in everything we do. We admit if we make a mistake and we move forward with confidence that we are doing everything that we can to best represent our client.".
Compensation Available in Rear-End Accident Cases
Rear-end collisions may seem straightforward, but they often cause serious injuries. These injuries can include herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord damage. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
Economic damages compensate you for the measurable financial losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
Non-economic damages compensate you for the ways the accident has affected your quality of life, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for a spouse in certain circumstances
Pennsylvania accident victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages when another party’s negligence causes their injuries. However, each case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, medical treatment required, and insurance coverage available.
Some notable rear-end collision recoveries obtained by Cordisco & Saile include:
- $2,470,000 settlement: A Pennsylvania man was rear-ended by an armored truck and suffered serious injuries.
- $1,377,000 settlement: A car accident victim suffered traumatic disc injuries after being rear-ended.
- $1,300,000 settlement: A Pennsylvania woman suffered lasting brain injuries following a rear-end crash.
- $792,500 settlement: A woman sustained a traumatic brain injury in a rear-end collision.
- $100,000 settlement: A Lehigh Valley man required surgical intervention after a rear-end collision.
- $96,500 settlement: A client was injured in a rear-end accident.
Determining Fault in a Reading Rear-End Accident
Rear-end accidents can occur for several reasons. A crash can happen in an instant due to speeding, distracted driving, or poor weather conditions. However, regardless of the circumstances, rear drivers are often presumed at fault. Despite this, they are not automatically liable in every case.
With the right evidence, rear-end drivers can show that the leading motorist was responsible for the incident. There are several situations where this may be the case, including sudden stops, unsafe lane changes, or multi-vehicle collisions. Third parties can also contribute to a wreck through mechanical failures and auto defects.
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence system, an injured person can recover compensation as long as they are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Because of this, you can still secure financial recovery even in cases where you are partially at fault, so long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
Tactics Insurance Companies Use To Minimize Rear-End Crash Settlements
Insurers have a goal to minimize a person’s claim and final settlement payout, and they have common strategies to do so. Sometimes, they pressure victims to give a recorded statement as soon as possible so they can use their words against them.
Insurance adjusters also look at missed medical appointments, gaps in treatment, or a lack of supporting evidence as reasons to question the severity of your injuries. By meeting with an attorney immediately after a rear-end collision, you can reduce the risk of giving insurers an advantage in your case.
At Cordisco & Saile, we recommend speaking with an attorney before giving any statement to an insurance company. A Reading rear-end accident attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How Pennsylvania Laws Can Impact Your Rear-End Accident Claim in Reading
Pennsylvania has laws that directly pertain to car accident claims. These can have a significant impact on your case, making it essential to understand them.
Pennsylvania's Following Too Closely Law
Pennsylvania law specifically addresses rear-end collisions through its “following too closely” statute. Under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3310, drivers may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. Factors such as speed, traffic conditions, and roadway hazards determine reasonableness. A driver who rear-ends another vehicle may be cited for violating this law, and such a violation can serve as important evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102. This law allows injured victims to recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, any recovery is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 but is found 20% at fault, the recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If the plaintiff is found more than 50% responsible, they are barred from recovering damages.
Insurance and Financial Responsibility Requirements
Pennsylvania drivers are required to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1786. The state’s minimum coverage requirements include:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
$5,000 for property damage
In addition, Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law governs insurance requirements, no-fault benefits, tort coverage options, and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims.
Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania generally gives injured car accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim within this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
What Are the Common Types of Rear-End Crash Injuries?
Rear-end collisions can result in a range of injuries, depending on the impact of the crash and other factors. Some of the injuries our Reading rear-end accident lawyers have seen and helped victims receive compensation for include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord, neck, and back trauma
- Brain damage and concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Paralysis
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Psychological trauma
Our firm has successfully handled many cases where severe injuries have greatly impacted the victim’s life. For example, we were able to secure $96,500 for a client who sustained chronic injuries after another driver failed to brake in time and struck them from behind.
Steps To Take After Being Injured in a Rear-End Accident
In the moments after a collision, it can be difficult to know what to do. However, there are several steps you can take that will help you protect your potential accident claims. These include:
- Seeking prompt medical treatment: Early and consistent medical treatment creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, strengthens your medical record, and helps prevent insurance companies from arguing that your injuries are unrelated or exaggerated.
- Documenting the accident scene: Strong visual and written evidence helps establish how the crash occurred and supports your version of events, making it harder for insurers to dispute liability.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies: This prevents your words from being taken out of context or used to minimize your claim, preserving your ability to pursue full compensation.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible: Legal representation helps protect your rights, strengthens your claim, and improves your chances of securing a fair settlement.
Reading Rear-End Accident Claims FAQ
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rear-End Accident?
You are not required to hire an attorney for your case, but doing so can help in numerous ways, such as proving fault, documenting injuries, and negotiating a higher settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File a Rear-End Accident Lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years to file under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?
It is best to avoid a recorded statement until you speak with an attorney, as adjusters may use your words against you.
What if My Symptoms Appeared Days Later?
Delayed symptoms are common after rear-end crashes. Seek medical care right away so your injuries are properly documented and linked to the accident.
Call Our Reading Rear-End Accident Attorneys for Help
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, you are likely dealing with medical bills, time off work, and aggressive insurance adjusters. This can lead to extensive financial stress over time, especially if you do not receive the compensation you deserve.
Fortunately, our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in handling even the most complex car wreck cases. Schedule an initial, free consultation with us today by calling 215-642-2335. Learn what our Reading legal team can do for you and your rear-end accident case.
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