A rear-end collision can begin and end in just a few seconds but the consequences can last for months or even years. Whether it’s a slow-speed crash at a stoplight or a high-impact highway accident, these types of collisions often result in painful injuries, expensive medical care, and unexpected time away from work. Insurance companies often try to downplay the damage, offering minimal compensation or claiming that your pain isn’t serious.
At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped countless clients throughout Northwest Indiana recover after rear-end accidents, guiding them through the legal process, fighting back against unfair insurance companies, and working hard to secure the compensation they’re owed.
If you’ve been involved in a rear end accident, you need a team that understands the full impact of your injuries and knows how to prove them. Contact us at (219) 947-1911 today for your free consultation and let us go to work for you.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are So Common in Northwest Indiana
Rear-end crashes are one of the most frequent types of car accidents across the country, and Northwest Indiana is no exception. This region sees heavy traffic every day, especially along major routes like I-80/94, US-30, and I-65. Drivers traveling between Chicago and Lake County, or commuting to work in cities like Hammond, Gary, Merrillville, and Crown Point, often face sudden stops, construction zones, and aggressive or distracted drivers.
Common reasons rear-end accidents occur in this area include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting or checking GPS
- Following too closely in stop-and-go traffic
- Drivers speeding or failing to anticipate sudden braking
- Poor weather conditions like rain, fog, or ice
- Inattentiveness in construction zones or intersections
In many cases, rear-end collisions happen simply because one driver wasn’t paying attention. It’s often the victim who ends up hurt the most because of the often sudden nature of rear end accidents.
Injuries That Often Follow Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents, even low-speed crashes, can cause significant damage to the body, usually to the soft tissues, spine, and neck. Your vehicle may show only a small dent, but your body can absorb forces strong enough to cause lasting pain.
Common injuries from rear-end accidents include:
- Whiplash, which results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck
- Herniated or bulging discs in the spine
- Lower back injuries and chronic pain
- Muscle strains and soft tissue tears
- Head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder injuries from seatbelts tightening during impact
- Wrist, arm, or knee injuries from bracing for the collision
These injuries can lead to weeks or months of physical therapy, time off work, and ongoing discomfort. In more severe cases, surgery or long-term treatment may be required. You deserve a legal team that recognizes the seriousness of your condition, even when an insurance adjuster tries to say otherwise.
What to Do Immediately After a Rear-End Collision
The steps you take in the minutes and days after a crash can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. Even if you feel okay at first, don’t assume everything is fine— some personal injuries take time to show up.
Here’s what you should do after a rear-end crash in Northwest Indiana:
- Call the police and file a report. This creates a crucial official record of the accident.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. Some injuries develop slowly.
- Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, your injuries, the scene of the accident, and any visible skid marks or signs.
- Get names and contact info for witnesses, along with the other driver’s insurance details.
- Avoid making statements to the insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
- Contact Schafer & Schafer as soon as possible for a free consultation.
It is extremely important to your case to document everything, even if you think it’s not important. While the stress of a fresh accident can be hard to overcome, you owe it to yourself to collect as much evidence while it is fresh to use in defending your case and securing the compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Companies Undervalue Rear-End Injury Claims
Insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not to make sure you’re fully compensated. Rear-end collisions are often treated as “routine” or “low-impact,” and insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize the value of these claims.
They may try to:
- Suggest that your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash
- Offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Downplay soft tissue injuries like whiplash
- Use your statements or social media posts against you
- Delay your claim to pressure you into accepting less
At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we know how these companies operate and we won’t let them take advantage of our clients. We’ll handle all communication with the insurer so you can focus on your recovery, not their tactics.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rear-End Crash?
A rear-end accident can impact every area of your life. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. That includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- All medical bills, including hospital stays, chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and future treatments
- Lost wages, including time missed from work or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Mental distress, anxiety, and trauma
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if your injuries impact your daily activities or hobbies
In tragic cases where someone loses their life due to a rear-end collision, Schafer and Schafer LLP also handles wrongful death claims. We can support grieving families as they pursue justice and compensation.
How Our Northwest Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
With over a century of experience fighting for injured victims, Schafer and Schafer LLP has built a reputation for tough advocacy and compassionate support. We’re proud to serve communities across Northwest Indiana, from Valparaiso and Michigan City to Hammond and Schererville.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team:
- A thorough investigation into the cause of your rear-end crash
- Honest, direct communication from attorneys
- Experienced negotiators who won’t settle for less than what your case is worth
- Trial-ready preparation if insurance companies refuse to be fair
- No attorney fees unless we win your case
Read about our case results to see the outcomes we’ve achieved for people in similar situations.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Schafer & Schafer Today
If you’ve been rear-ended in Northwest Indiana, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Whether you’re struggling with chronic back pain, mounting medical bills, or pressure from an insurance adjuster, Schafer & Schafer is ready to step in and fight for you.
Our team of dedicated rear end accident lawyers will go to work for you day one to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. No one deserves to have to go through the stress of fighting the often apathetic insurance companies alone, especially after a potentially devastating accident that wasn’t even your fault.
Contact us today at (219) 947-1911 for a free consultation with a skilled Northwest Indiana rear-end collision lawyer. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. With a proud legacy of justice on your side, you can’t go wrong with the rear end accident attorneys of Schafer and Schafer LLP.
