Have you been injured in a rear-end car crash in Hermosa Beach, CA? Even at low speeds, these accidents can be life-changing. A Hermosa Beach rear-end crash attorney can help you hold the negligent driver responsible and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Since 2009, The Simon Law Group has fought tirelessly on behalf of accident victims. Contact our law firm at (424) 722-3209 for a free consultation with a Hermosa Beach car accident attorney. We will listen to your story and help you take the next steps to hold the at-fault party accountable in Hermosa Beach, California.
How The Simon Law Group Can Help You After a Rear-End Crash In Hermosa Beach, CA
Rear-end collisions cause thousands of serious injuries and even fatalities every year in California. Many victims are left with long-term or permanent consequences, including a limited range of motion, chronic pain, and spinal disorders. If you have been seriously hurt in a rear-end crash, you deserve a Hermosa Beach personal injury lawyer who will fight for you.
At The Simon Law Group, we have recovered over $600 million on behalf of our clients in Hermosa Beach, California. We put more than 250 years of combined experience to work to give each client the personal attention and legal expertise they deserve.
When you hire a Hermosa Beach rear-end crash attorney at our law firm, you can trust that we will:
- Provide legal advice and guidance throughout your case
- Perform an independent investigation into your accident
- Gather evidence to prove liability and strengthen your claim
- Handle all communications and paperwork
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Present your case before a jury if a fair agreement isn’t reached
Contact our law office today for a free case review with a Hermosa car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and how we can help you.
How Common Are Rear-End Collisions?
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of collision nationwide. About 29% of all motor vehicle accidents involve a rear-end collision.
According to statistics from the Transportation Injury Mapping System, there were 40,449 crashes in Los Angeles County in 2022. This included 12,827 rear-end accidents, which accounted for 32% of crashes in L.A. County. These rear-end accidents caused 19,242 injuries and 95 fatalities, although most resulted in minor injuries only.
Los Angeles County rear-end crashes by severity:
- Complaints of pain: 8,942 (69.7%)
- Visible injury: 3,299 (25.7%)
- Severe injury: 498 (3.9%)
- Fatal: 88 (0.7%)
In 2022, 41 collisions occurred in Hermosa Beach. Seven of these crashes (17%) were rear-end collisions, which caused 11 injuries.
What Causes Rear-End Crashes In Hermosa Beach, California?
Rear-end car accidents are usually caused by a few unsafe behaviors, including speeding, following too closely, and improper lane changes. Drunk driving and distracted driving are major factors in many accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 87% of rear-end collisions involve distracted driving.
Stop-and-go traffic and sudden stops during rush hour also contribute to rear-end crashes, particularly when a driver is speeding or distracted. Most rear-end car accidents in the Hermosa Beach area happen between 3 pm and 6 pm.
The following were the most common primary causes of rear-end accidents in Los Angeles County in 2022:
- Unsafe speed: 9,346 (73%)
- Drugged or drunk driving: 975 (7.6%)
- Improper turning: 650 (5%)
- Following too closely: 632 (4.9%)
- Unsafe lane change: 405 (3.2%)
- Unsafe backing or starting: 205 (1.6%)
In Hermosa Beach, unsafe lane changes and speeding were each responsible for 29% of rear-end collisions. Driving under the influence and following too closely each caused 14% of accidents.
What Injuries Are Common In a Rear-End Accident?
Common rear-end crash injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Airbag injuries
- Seat Belt injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash is a very common injury that happens more in rear-end crashes than in any other type of car accident. Even a low-speed accident can cause whiplash, which may have long-term consequences.
Who Is At Fault for a Rear-End Crash In Hermosa Beach?
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule to assign liability after an accident. Under this legal principle, parties involved in an accident are assigned a share of fault. The degree of fault assigned directly reduces the compensation they can recover. For instance, if a driver is found to be 30% responsible for an accident, their recoverable damages will be reduced by 30%.
This rule underscores the importance of a thorough investigation and legal representation. Every share of fault you are assigned directly reduces the compensation you can recover.
In a rear-end collision, the rear driver is typically presumed to be at fault. All motorists have a duty to maintain a safe distance and pay adequate attention to the road and traffic patterns.
However, there are circumstances where the lead driver could be found partially or wholly at fault:
- The brake lights were not working
- The lead driver stopped suddenly
- Unsafe reversing
- Unsafe lane changing or suddenly emerging into traffic
An experienced personal injury lawyer will carefully investigate your crash to determine how it happened and who is at fault. Your lawyer will also fight back against unfair attempts to blame you or assign an inappropriate amount of fault to you.
What Compensation Can Rear-End Accident Victims Recover In California?
When you are hurt in an accident in California, you are entitled to seek economic or non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses, including:
- Medical bills, including future anticipated medical costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished or lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic or general damages compensate you for the personal losses you have suffered. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, scarring, and more.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Hermosa Beach Rear-End Crash Lawyers
Have you suffered serious injuries in a rear-end collision in Hermosa Beach, CA? You may be entitled to compensation. The Simon Law Group is here to help you.
We have more than 250 years of combined legal experience to put to work for you. Contact our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation with a Hermosa Beach rear-end crash lawyer to tell your story and review your legal options.
