Rear-End Car Accident Lawyers in Burlington, VT

Getting into a rear-end accident can throw your whole life off balance. One minute you’re cruising down Shelburne Road or grabbing coffee downtown, and the next, your car’s been hit, your neck hurts, and you’re wondering what to do next. It’s overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand. Stress and frustration have built inside of you and just want your life back to normal. That's precisely why we are here—for the legal headaches, you focus on healing and the road ahead. Let's take that burden off.

Why Do Rear-End Accidents Occur?

Anyone can experience a rear-end collision. There are enough reasons behind this type of collision in Burlington, Vermont.

1. Distracted Driving

We have all seen the scene-a driver staring at their phone and not focusing on the road. It could be to text a friend, to scroll down his playlist, or even because he has nothing much to do. On roads like Pine Street or North Avenue, the distractions in these conditions can easily lead to accidents.

2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Whenever someone accelerates or tails someone, that's a gamble for everyone's safety. It gets worse, though, at rush hour on Route 7 when cars stop unexpectedly. Aggressive driving will raise your blood pressure and raise your chances of a car crash.

3. Vermont's Winter Weather

Vermont winters do not mess around, and neither does black ice on the interstate. Even the most careful drivers lose control, and it turns into a pileup or rear-end collision.

4. Tailgating

If someone is tailing your car so closely that you can't even see their headlights, it is nerve-wracking-and dangerous. Tailgating is one of the biggest causes of rear-end crashes, especially on Burlington's congested streets.

What Injuries Happen in Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end accidents can leave one feeling fine one moment and hurting another. The truth is, impacts at low speeds can deliver serious injuries:

1. Whiplash

The big one is whiplash. It's a snapping motion your neck would make during a collision-and it can lead to pain for days, weeks or even months. You'd think it's just being stiff in the neck or something, but trust is, it's worth seeing your doctor.

2. Spinal Injuries

Your back and spine are fragile. A hard jolt from behind can mess things up in a big way, causing herniated discs or chronic back pain. Treatment can be long and expensive, which makes it all the more important to seek help.

3. Head Injuries

Even if you're wearing a seatbelt, your head can hit the headrest, steering wheel, or window. Concussions are no joke—they can mess with your memory, balance, and overall health.

4. Emotional Trauma

It's not just your body that suffers. After an accident, you might feel anxious about driving or struggle with nightmares about the crash. Emotional scars are just as real as physical ones.

What Should You Do After a Rear-End Accident in Burlington?

Here’s the thing: you’ve got to act fast after an accident to protect yourself—physically, legally, and financially.

1. Make Sure Everyone’s Safe

First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you’re on a busy street, move to a safe spot if you can. Call 911 right away so the police and medics can help.

2. Document the Scene

Take pictures of everything—the damage to your car, the other vehicle, and the surrounding area. Capture a photo of the road conditions, too, especially if icy or slick roads played a part. Do not forget to obtain witness information.

3. See a Doctor

Even if you feel you are fine, go see a doctor. Whiplash and concussions may not present immediately, and the sooner you receive treatment, the better.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

File a claim with your insurance company, but don't get too chatty. Just the facts. You may want to keep your mouth shut and not apologize for the accident; it could come back to haunt you later.

5. Call an Attorney

This is where we come in. When you hire Horn Wright, LLP, we take care of the tricky legal stuff, so you don't have to. From paperwork to insurance company negotiations, we've got your back.

Vermont's Laws: What You Need to Know

Rear-end accidents might seem straightforward, but Vermont's legal system can get complicated.

1. At-Fault Insurance Rules

The individual causing the accident pays for the damage in Vermont. This would mean that if someone had rear-ended you, the insurance of the individual is supposed to cover your car repairs, medical bills, and so on.

2. Proof of Fault

Most of the time, the rear driver is to blame. But sometimes things get tricky. What if the lead car suddenly stopped or had broken brake lights? You'll need solid evidence—like photos, police reports, or witness statements—to back up your case.

3. What Can You Recover?

When you are hit, you shouldn't have to pay for the costs. Here's what you could recover:

• Medical Bills: Covers everything from ER visits to long-term rehab.
• Lost Wages: If you have missed work due to your injuries, you should be compensated for the income you lost.
• Pain and Suffering: It is not just about the physical pain but also about the emotional toll.

Why Horn Wright, LLP, Is Here for You

We understand how overwhelming all this feels. Your car is damaged, your body hurts, and the paperwork piles up. But you do not have to face it alone.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we have worked hard to help thousands of people in Burlington get back to their lives after days as tough as these. We will fight for fair compensation on your behalf so you can focus on your health. Call us now and let's get to it.