Pennsylvania Rear-End Collision Attorneys

Rear-end collisions are among the most common and devastating types of vehicle accidents on Pennsylvania roads. The experienced rear-end crash lawyers at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you might be facing in the aftermath of such an accident. We’re committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering.

If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a rear-impact collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical, hospital and rehabilitation expenses.

Why Choose Us?

Decades of Experience Fighting for Accident Victims

Rear-end collisions happen when the front of one vehicle rams into the rear of another.

According to the Pennsylvania Department and Transportation’s (PennDOT) 2022 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics, about 19% of crashes that year, totaling 22,465 crashes, involved a rear-end collision. Many crashes involved serious injury or death, demonstrating the need for skilled rear-end lawyers.

We’ve helped countless clients navigate complex insurance claims and achieve favorable results. Our deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s vehicle accident laws and proven track record of success position us to effectively handle even the most challenging rear-end collision cases.

Contact us today at (570) 323-8711 to discuss your accident during a free telephone consultation.

Understanding Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

Protecting Your Interests After a Rear-End Crash

Pennsylvania law says drivers have a duty to remain at a safe, reasonable distance behind another vehicle. However, there are times when the driver who rear-ended another car is not at fault or is only partially at fault and can still receive some compensation.

However, rear-end collisions are not always the rear driver’s fault. These types of crashes can sometimes be defended successfully if other contributing factors are present. In some situations, liability may be affected by mechanical failures, unexpected medical emergencies, or dangerous road conditions.

In Pennsylvania, compensated costs and losses fall into two categories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages address costs which can be calculated, such as medical and rehabilitation expenses, costs of equipment like wheelchairs, lost future income, lost wages, property damage, and funeral costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages reflect impacts such as pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

Securing eligible damages requires a substantial amount of knowledge concerning the Financial Responsibility Law and insurance availability in Pennsylvania.

How Is Liability Determined in Rear-End Accidents?

Many people assume that the rear driver always bears responsibility in these accidents. The truth is that liability can often be more complicated. Through careful investigation and evidence-gathering, we can identify all contributing factors in your crash.

Sudden Lane Changes

The front vehicle may be at fault if the driver changed lanes directly into the path of the back vehicle without warning.

Lights Not Used or Broken

Pennsylvania law requires that brake lights be in proper working order and that headlights be used between sunset and sunrise and when vehicles 1,000 feet ahead may not be visible due to light or weather conditions.

Defective Road Conditions

If there are no road markings or warnings of construction, lane closures or a need to slow down for obstacles such as potholes, road debris or barriers, the agency responsible for the road may be at fault.

Vehicle Malfunctions

In situations such as brake failure, if the defect is supported by the testimony of a qualified policeman or mechanic, the car manufacturer may be partly at fault.

Surprise and Unanticipated Medical Condition

If a driver experiences a sudden, unforeseen medical emergency that causes them to lose control of their vehicle, such as a heart attack or seizure, it may affect liability.

Important Steps After a Rear-End Collision

Protecting Your Right to Compensation

If you are involved in a rear-end crash, there are things you should and should not do to increase the chances of getting compensation:

• Get off the road to a safe place, call the police, exchange information with the other driver, and wait for emergency personnel.
• Get immediate medical assistance.
• Contact an attorney.
• Contact your insurance company to give notice of the accident; ask your attorney before talking to insurance adjusters.
• Keep records of your medical bills, expenses, and progress.

The experienced rear-end collision attorneys at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters are available to guide you through this process and help you understand your options.

Timing is critical — Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which begins running out on the date of your accident.

Modern Challenges in Rear-End Collision Cases

How New Technology Might Affect Your Case

Rear-end accidents today are different from those in the past. New technology and changes in the way people drive have created novel issues, including the following:

Dashboard Screens and Phones

Many modern cars have screens that can distract drivers. When accidents happen, we can use data from these technologies to support your position.

Advanced Safety Features

Many vehicles now have automatic braking and warning systems. If these systems fail during an emergency, the manufacturer could be liable.

More Cars on the Road

With more delivery trucks and rideshare drivers on the roads, traffic patterns have changed in many areas. Increased stop-and-go traffic raises the risk of rear-end crashes.

Delivery Vehicle Safety

The rise in online shopping means more delivery vehicles on the road. Shipping companies must follow safety rules. When they don’t, we hold them accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions

You likely have many questions about your rear-end collision accident and available legal options. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get from clients seeking compensation for their injuries.

How long do I have to file a rear-end collision claim in Pennsylvania?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is crucial to begin working with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

What compensation can I recover after a rear-end collision?

You may be entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages .

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make low offers, hoping to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your damages.

What if I was partially at fault for the rear-end collision?

Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence laws. You may still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How can a rear-end collision attorney help my case?

We handle all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts when needed, and fight to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.

Your choice of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our attorneys have the experience and resources needed to protect your rights.

Contact our firm at (570) 323-8711 today to schedule a free telephone consultation and learn more about how we can help you obtain the compensation you need.

Seek Justice With Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters

If you or a loved one is involved in a rear-impact collision, you should get legal assistance to protect your rights and ensure that you get the settlement you are entitled to.

Rear-end crashes may look simple, but they can raise difficult legal questions. Liability is not always automatic, and a strong legal defense may be available depending on the facts.

The skilled Pennsylvania rear-impact collision attorneys at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters have spent decades successfully representing Pennsylvania families who have suffered injury or loss due to someone else’s negligence. We offer personalized attention and loyalty to every client, aggressively fighting for their right to compensation.

Do not let an insurance company dictate your future. Call (570) 323-8711 today for a free telephone consultation.

Attorney Cliff Rieders

Cliff Rieders is a Nationally Board Certified Trial Lawyer practicing personal injury law. A large part of his practice involves multi-district litigation, including cases related to pharmaceuticals, vitamin supplements and medical devices. He is admitted in several state and federal courts, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Rieders is the past regional president of the Federal Bar Association and is a life member of the distinguished American Law Institute, which promulgates proposed rules adopted by many state courts. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, formerly Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. As a founder of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, he served on the Board for 15 years.

Not only has Rieders held many highly esteemed, leadership positions, he authored legislation related to the Patient Safety Authority and the Mcare Act, which governs medical and hospital liability actions in Pennsylvania. He authored texts upon which both practitioners and judges rely, including Pennsylvania Malpractice Laws and Forms, and Financial Responsibility Law Issues in Pennsylvania, the latter governing auto and truck collisions in Pennsylvania. In addition, he wrote several books on the practice of law in Pennsylvania regarding wrongful death and survivor actions, insurance bad faith, legal malpractice claims and worker rights, among others. Rieders also serves as a resource to practitioners as a regular speaker for Celesq, an arm of the world’s largest legal publisher, Thomson Reuters West Publishing.

As recognition of his wide range of contribution to his profession and of his dedication to protecting the rights of his clients, he received numerous awards, among them the George F. Douglas Amicus Curiae Award, the Milton D. Rosenberg Award, the B’nai B’rith Justice Award, and awards of recognition from the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers. [ Attorney Bio ]