Getting rear-ended in Los Angeles can lead to far more than just a damaged bumper. These crashes often result in painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and a lot of confusion, especially when symptoms don’t appear right away.
Even at low speeds, a rear-end collision can disrupt your life in ways you didn’t expect. If you’re dealing with rear-end collision injuries in Los Angeles, know that you’re not alone, and legal help is available to guide you through your recovery.
Why Rear-End Collision Injuries Are So Common in Los Angeles
Rear-end accidents affect thousands of people across Los Angeles each year. In 2022, these crashes caused 95 deaths and 19,256 injuries across 12,838 reported incidents. Whether you’re driving through Hollywood or commuting Downtown, the risk is everywhere.
Here are a few reasons why these accidents happen so often:
- Freeway traffic jams: Roads like the I-405, I-10, and I-101 are packed with cars all day long. A minor slowdown can trigger a chain reaction.
- Sudden stops at lights and crosswalks: Drivers often stop fast to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle.
- Tailgating and speeding: Many drivers follow too closely or go too fast to stop in time, especially when they’re texting or not paying attention.
These everyday situations create the perfect conditions for rear-end collision injuries in Los Angeles.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries in Los Angeles Drivers
Rear-end crashes might seem minor at first, but the effects on your body can be anything but. Even if you walk away feeling okay, hidden injuries can surface in the hours or days that follow, especially those involving your neck, back, and joints.
Here are some of the most common injuries drivers experience:
- Whiplash: A sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck can cause stiffness, headaches, and chronic neck pain.
- Back injuries: Pulled muscles, herniated discs, or ongoing lower back pain are common after impact.
- Head injuries: Even without hitting your head, the jolt can cause a concussion or dizziness.
- Shoulder and arm pain: Bracing during the crash or the force of the seatbelt can lead to muscle strain and soreness.
- Knee and foot trauma: Impact from hitting the dashboard or floorboard can result in bruising, sprains, or fractures.
Don’t brush off your symptoms just because they seem minor. Many rear-end collision injuries worsen over time without medical attention, making early diagnosis and treatment key to recovery.
Why “Minor” Rear-End Crashes Can Still Cause Serious Harm
Some people think, “It was just a fender bender, I’ll be fine.” However, even low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries that impact your daily life.
In many cases, pain or stiffness doesn’t show up until hours or even days after the accident.
Here’s why you shouldn’t brush off a rear-end crash:
- You may not feel pain until later.
- Insurance companies often use the lack of visible damage to deny valid claims.
- Without medical proof, it can be hard to get the money you deserve.
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries, but your pain is real. Trust yourself, and let us help you protect your health and your legal rights.
What Treatment and Recovery Look Like After a Rear-End Collision
Getting medical care after a crash is one of the most important steps you can take, not just for your health, but also for your personal injury claim. Early and consistent treatment helps you heal and creates a clear medical record that supports your case.
What to Expect After the Crash
Even if you walked away from the crash, your treatment may include multiple steps over time. From initial exams to specialist care, each visit plays a role in your recovery.
Here’s what the treatment process often looks like:
- Initial exam: You may start with a visit to the ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor.
- Diagnostic tests: Doctors might order X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to check for internal or soft tissue injuries.
- Follow-up care: You may need to see a specialist like a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic doctor depending on your symptoms.
Common Treatment Options
Once your injuries are diagnosed, your doctor will suggest a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Some injuries respond to simple care, while others need long-term solutions.
Depending on the injury, your doctor may recommend:
- Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
- Pain-relieving injections
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Surgery for more serious or long-lasting injuries
How to Protect Your Health and Your Claim
A strong claim starts with strong documentation. By tracking your symptoms and saving every medical record, you’re building the foundation for fair compensation.
To strengthen your case and support your recovery, be sure to:
- Track your pain: Write down your symptoms and how they change daily.
- Save everything: Keep copies of medical bills, prescriptions, and therapy notes.
- Follow doctor’s orders: Go to every appointment and complete your treatment plan.
These records help show the insurance company that your injuries are real and that you’re doing everything you can to recover.
Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Los Angeles?
Rear drivers are typically at fault in rear-end accidents because California law requires drivers to keep a safe following distance and adjust their speed to match traffic and road conditions.
Here are two key laws:
- CVC 21703 – Following Too Closely: This law says drivers should not follow another car too closely. Tailgating is one of the top causes of rear-end crashes.
- CVC 22350 – Basic Speed Law: This law says you must drive at a safe speed, even if you’re going below the posted limit. If it’s raining or traffic is heavy, speeding is still dangerous.
While the rear driver is usually at fault, there are times when the front driver’s actions also contribute to the accident.
For instance:
- They stop suddenly for no reason.
- Their brake lights don’t work.
- They cut in too closely without warning.
Under California’s comparative negligence system, fault doesn’t have to fall on just one person. If both drivers made mistakes, each can be held partly responsible. Even if you were partly at fault, you could still receive compensation for your injuries; the amount may just be reduced based on your share of fault.
Not sure who’s responsible for the crash? Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers can review the details and help you understand your rights, all at no cost to you.
How to Protect Yourself After a Rear-End Accident
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a crash, but taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help if anyone is injured.
- See a doctor – Some injuries take time to appear, so get checked even if you feel okay.
- Collect evidence – Take photos, gather witness info, and document the scene.
- Call a lawyer – Before speaking with the insurance company, talk to a personal injury attorney who can protect your rights.
These actions lay the groundwork for a strong personal injury claim.
When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Pain, mounting costs, and uncooperative insurance companies are clear signs you shouldn’t handle the claim alone. That’s when a lawyer can step in and take the pressure off.
It’s a good idea to get legal help if:
- You have more than mild soreness.
- You’ve seen a doctor more than once.
- Your medical bills are adding up.
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim.
- You feel overwhelmed and don’t know your rights.
Our team can take over the paperwork, talk to the insurance company for you, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait Too Long! There’s a Deadline to File a Claim
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it could mean losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are.
While two years may sound like plenty of time, delays can hurt your case. Medical records fade, witnesses become harder to reach, and important details may be lost. Starting early gives your lawyer time to gather strong evidence and build the best possible case.
The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Get Help for Your Rear-End Collision Injuries Today!
Even a “simple” rear-end accident can cause long-term pain, expensive medical care, and stress. If you’re suffering from rear-end collision injuries in Los Angeles, you don’t have to face it alone.
Call El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights, fight for the compensation you deserve, and you won’t pay anything unless we win.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
