Speak To Attorney Now
(707) 422-1202
SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Speak To Attorney Now
(707) 422-1202 SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Rear end accidents happen every day in Sacramento, especially in stop-and-go traffic. One moment you’re slowing for a red light or crawling on Highway 99—and the next, another driver slams into your car. These collisions often seem minor, but they can cause serious injuries and unexpected expenses. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, the situation becomes even more stressful.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we help Sacramento drivers understand their rights after a rear end accident. Our team has handled hundreds of these cases. We know how to deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation. Whether your crash involved a careless driver or someone who fled the scene, we’re here to guide you. This guide explains how rear end accidents happen, how California law assigns fault, and why speaking to a lawyer right away matters.
Rear end accidents happen for many reasons, but most involve driver inattention or unsafe following distance. In Sacramento, these crashes often occur on busy roads like I-5, Highway 99, and surface streets near downtown. During peak commute hours, drivers face heavy traffic, frequent stops, and constant distractions—all of which increase the risk of a rear end collision.
Common causes include texting while driving, checking GPS directions, or simply failing to notice that traffic has slowed. Some drivers follow too closely, giving themselves no time to react when the car in front brakes suddenly. Others may speed through intersections, misjudge stopping distances, or ignore changing traffic signals. In wet weather or poor visibility, even a small mistake can lead to a serious crash.
Rear end collisions can also involve delivery vehicles, rideshare drivers, or people unfamiliar with Sacramento roads. In many cases, these drivers panic or misjudge braking distance. When larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs are involved, the force of the impact can be much more severe—leading to damage beyond the vehicles’ bumpers and injuries that require medical care.
If you were involved in a rear end crash and suspect distracted driving played a role, our legal team can help gather evidence and hold the responsible party accountable. We’ve assisted clients in cases involving texting drivers, rideshare negligence, and high-speed chain reaction crashes throughout Sacramento.
In most rear end accidents, the rear driver holds responsibility. California law requires drivers to leave enough space between vehicles and stay alert for sudden stops. When a driver crashes into the car in front, it usually means they followed too closely, got distracted, or failed to slow down in time.
Still, not every case is so simple. Sometimes the front driver shares blame. For example, they may stop abruptly without warning, fail to use turn signals, or drive with broken brake lights. In some cases, the front vehicle may change lanes dangerously or intentionally cause the crash through aggressive behavior like brake-checking.
California follows a “comparative fault” system. This rule allows both drivers to share responsibility based on their actions. If an insurance company claims you played a role—even when another driver hit you—you could still recover compensation. However, your payout may decrease depending on your share of fault.
When a rear end collision involves an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, the situation becomes more complex. In these cases, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. Our attorneys at The Choyce Law Firm investigate thoroughly, challenge unfair blame, and help you pursue full compensation.
Even at low speeds, rear end accidents can cause painful and lasting injuries. The most common is whiplash—a soft tissue injury that affects the neck and shoulders. Whiplash happens when the impact of a crash forces your head to snap forward and backward quickly. This motion strains muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often leading to days or even weeks of pain and stiffness.
Other common injuries include back strains, herniated discs, and concussions. Many people also suffer from wrist, hand, or knee injuries if they brace for impact. In more severe collisions—especially at higher speeds—victims may experience broken bones, nerve damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Some injuries, like spinal cord trauma, may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time without treatment.
It’s important to know that not all injuries show up right away. You might feel fine immediately after the crash, only to develop symptoms hours or days later. That’s why you should always seek a medical evaluation, even if you don’t feel hurt. A doctor can document your injuries, provide treatment, and help protect your legal claim.
If you need help covering medical bills after an accident, our team can guide you. Visit our page on medical bill payment after a car accident to learn more about your options for treatment, coverage, and reimbursement.
Rear end accidents can leave you shaken, but taking the right steps right away can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Safety comes first. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
Next, exchange information with the other driver. Collect their name, license plate number, insurance details, and contact info. Take clear photos of the damage to all vehicles, the accident location, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are nearby, get their names and phone numbers—they can provide helpful statements later.
Always file a police report if there’s any injury or significant damage. That report becomes a key piece of evidence if you decide to file a claim. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts and let your lawyer and insurance company handle the rest.
In the first 24 to 48 hours after the accident, see a doctor even if you feel okay. Some injuries—especially whiplash and soft tissue damage—can take time to appear. A medical evaluation creates a record that links your injuries to the crash, which is critical for your case.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re not sure how to handle that call, or if the other driver has no insurance, contact us first. We can guide you on what to say and how to protect your rights. Learn more about how long insurance companies have to respond under California law.
Finally, speak to an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. Insurance companies often offer quick payouts that don’t fully cover your losses. Once you accept a settlement, you may lose the right to ask for more—even if your injuries worsen later. Our team can help you understand the full value of your claim and pursue every dollar you deserve.
Insurance companies are not on your side after a rear end accident. Their goal is to limit payouts and close claims quickly. Even when the other driver clearly caused the crash, adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or argue that your pain existed before the collision. If you don’t push back, you could end up accepting far less than your case is worth.
One common tactic is to request a recorded statement shortly after the accident. You are not legally required to give one. These statements can be used against you later—even something as simple as saying “I’m fine” can be twisted to weaken your claim. If an adjuster calls you, it’s best to refer them to your attorney.
You should also be cautious with early settlement offers. Insurance companies often make quick offers before you’ve had a chance to understand the full extent of your injuries. If you accept a low settlement, you lose the right to claim future medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering. Once you sign, there’s no going back.
We help our clients avoid these mistakes. At The Choyce Law Firm, we take over all communication with insurers so you can focus on healing. We know how to push back when adjusters act in bad faith, delay payment, or undervalue claims. If you’re facing an uninsured driver situation, we can also help you navigate your UM/UIM coverage and seek the maximum compensation available.
To learn more about how to protect yourself during this process, visit our page on dealing with insurance companies after a car accident.
After a rear end accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, car repairs, insurance claims, and lost wages—all while trying to recover. Having an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. We protect your rights, build your case, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we’ve helped countless Sacramento residents recover damages after serious crashes. We investigate each case thoroughly, collect all available evidence, and challenge unfair insurance tactics. Whether you were hit by an uninsured driver or injured in a low-speed collision that caused long-lasting pain, we know how to prove your losses and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
We also understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents take on working families. That’s why we offer a FREE consultation and charge NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN. You don’t pay anything upfront, and you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover money for your injuries.
If you’ve already received a settlement offer, don’t sign anything until we review it. We’ll evaluate whether it covers all your needs—including future medical care, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering. And if the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re ready to take your case to court.
To learn more about your rights after a crash, visit our pages on personal injury representation in Sacramento and whether to take an ambulance after an accident. These guides explain your options and help you make informed choices about your case.
If someone else caused your rear end accident, you have the right to seek compensation under California law. This includes more than just car repairs or emergency room bills. A personal injury claim can help you recover financial support for all of the losses you’ve suffered—both economic and non-economic.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance—or any at all—you may need to rely on your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Many drivers don’t realize this type of coverage can step in to pay for medical care, lost income, and other losses caused by a hit-and-run or uninsured driver.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we calculate the full value of your claim and fight to maximize your compensation. That includes working with medical providers, documenting all treatment, and presenting evidence that proves how the crash has impacted your daily life.
If your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or occurred on unsafe public roads, you may need to file a claim against the State of California, which comes with special deadlines and rules. We can help you navigate that process and avoid costly delays.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of a rear end accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this window, the court may dismiss your case, and you could lose your right to recover compensation—no matter how strong your claim is.
There are some exceptions. If your accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on public property, you must file a government claim within six months of the incident. This shortened timeline applies to cases involving city buses, school districts, and public agencies. Visit our guide on personal injury claims against the State of California to learn more.
The clock starts ticking the day of the crash—or, in some cases, the day you discover an injury related to the crash. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early action helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and strengthen your case.
If you’re unsure about your deadline, our team can help. At The Choyce Law Firm, we review your case timeline, handle all necessary filings, and ensure you don’t miss any important legal steps. You can also learn more about time limits by visiting our page on the statute of limitations in California car accident cases.
If you or someone you love was injured in a rear end accident, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. The physical pain, medical bills, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming—especially if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. That’s where we come in. At The Choyce Law Firm, we stand with accident victims across Sacramento, fighting to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover full compensation for our clients.
We understand how rear end collisions disrupt lives, and we know how insurance companies try to downplay these cases. Our team takes immediate action to preserve evidence, build a strong claim, and push for maximum recovery. Whether your crash involved a distracted driver, an uninsured motorist, or a hit-and-run, we’re ready to help.
With our FREE consultation and NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN promise, you can speak with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at no risk. We’ll explain your rights clearly, answer your questions, and help you decide your next steps with confidence.
You’ve already been through enough. Let us take on the legal burden while you focus on healing. Contact us today at The Choyce Law Firm or call our Sacramento office at (916) 306-0636. You can also explore helpful resources about what to do after a car accident, slip and fall claims, or uninsured driver cases on our site.
The Choyce Law Firm
1438 Del Paso Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 306-0636