While any car crash can cause serious injuries, loss of property, and loss of life, rear-end car accidents in Missouri City are the most common and are generally less severe than head-on collisions. When one car slams into the back of another, that is considered a rear-end crash. These types of accidents can be caused by following another vehicle too closely, failing to stop in time, or encountering weather that makes the road slick.
Depending on the circumstances, rear-end collisions can involve multiple vehicles, especially on a freeway when one car stops suddenly. Slamming the brakes can result in a domino effect and a multi-car pileup, causing numerous injuries and vehicular damage. If you have been involved in a rear-end car wreck and need assistance filing a claim, reach out to the dedicated vehicle accident lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris who can guide you through the legal process with steadfast compassion.
What are the Potential Damages in a Rear-End Collision Case?
There are two types of damages possible in a Missouri City rear-end car wreck case: economic and non-economic. While economic damages focus on actual, quantifiable expenses, non-economic damages are geared toward compensating the victim for the incalculable toll of accidents and injuries. Punitive damages, which are rare in a rear-end collision case, could be awarded if the defendant’s actions while driving were reckless or grossly negligent. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical costs, including doctor bills, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages if you are unable to work as well as future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium/affection
- Loss of quality of life
Proving things like mental and emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life can be difficult. A seasoned, proactive attorney who knows the personal injury area of law can gather the evidence needed to prove that you deserve compensation.
What is the Time Frame to File a Lawsuit After a Rear-End Car Accident?
The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit after rear-end car accidents in Missouri City is two years for both personal injury and property damage (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). This is a separate deadline from filing a claim with your insurance company. The statute begins to run, or “toll,” from the date the accident and your injuries occurred. In some rare occasions, the discovery rule can apply if your injuries—like a back injury or other internal issues—were not discovered until after the accident.
There are exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations in Texas where the countdown clock is stopped or suspended until certain conditions are met. The statute can be paused if:
- The victim of a rear-end car accident is under 18 at the time of the crash
- The plaintiff is legally found to not be in their normal mental state at the time of the accident and is deemed mentally incapacitated
- The defendant is out of the state and cannot be found to be served with a lawsuit
While two years to file a lawsuit may feel like plenty of time, juggling the aftermath of a car accident with injuries and insurance claims is overwhelming. Hiring a steadfast car accident lawyer who could keep track of deadlines in your case can ease your mind and ensure that your case is filed well within the statute of limitations.
Work with a Lawyer Experienced in Missouri City Rear-End Car Wrecks
Being involved in a car wreck, no matter how minor, can upend your life. Gathering evidence and keeping track of receipts, bills, and out-of-pocket expenses can feel like another job, but you do not have to walk this path alone. Competent, knowledgeable legal help exists for you to rely on after rear-end car accidents in Missouri City.
The lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris have years of experience battling insurance companies all over the country and winning complex personal injury cases. Hiring us means you can rest assured that we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Book a free call with our friendly team today to learn about your legal options after a car accident.
