Rear-Ended and Injured in a Car Accident in California?

If you were rear-ended and injured in a car accident in California, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—and the fastest way to protect your claim is to get medical care, document the crash, and speak with The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you.

Rear-end collisions look “simple” to insurance companies—until the injury is real. Whiplash, concussions, herniated discs, nerve pain, shoulder injuries, and knee trauma are common after being hit from behind, especially in stop-and-go freeway traffic across Los Angeles and the rest of California.

Insurers often downplay these injuries, claim they’re “minor,” or argue they’re “pre-existing.” They also push quick settlements before you know the full medical picture.

This guide is built for injured Californians who want clear answers: what to do next, how fault works, what your case may be worth, and how to avoid insurance traps that reduce your payout.

Call 818-784-8544 now for a FREE consultation. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you.

What Should I Do After Being Rear-Ended In California?

If you’re rear-ended and injured in California, you should:

1. get medical care immediately and follow up consistently,

2. report the crash and get the report information,

3. photograph vehicle damage, plates, and the scene,

4. collect witness information,

5. avoid recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer, and

6. contact a car accident lawyer to protect your claim and pursue maximum compensation.

Call 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation.

Why Rear-End Accidents In California Get Underpaid (and how to stop it)

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of collisions in California. Because they’re common, insurers have a playbook:

• “It’s just whiplash.”

• “You’ll feel better in a week.”

• “There’s barely any car damage.”

• “You waited to treat.”

• “That back problem is pre-existing.”

• “Here’s a quick offer—take it now.”

That playbook is designed to reduce your claim value—especially if you have neck/back pain without immediate imaging, concussion symptoms that develop later, or injuries that worsen over time.

The strongest rear-end cases are built around proof:

• proof of fault,

• proof of injury, and

• proof of impact on your life.

Call 818-784-8544 now. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case.

Common Injuries After Being Rear-Ended (even at “low speeds”)

Rear-end collisions create a rapid acceleration-deceleration force. Even when the cars don’t look “totaled,” your body absorbs the impact.

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

• neck pain and stiffness

• headaches

• shoulder and upper back pain

• reduced range of motion

• muscle spasms

Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)

You don’t have to hit your head to have concussion symptoms. Watch for:

• headaches, dizziness, nausea

• sensitivity to light/sound

• sleep disruption

• memory or concentration issues

• mood changes

Herniated discs and nerve compression

Rear-end impacts can aggravate or cause disc injuries:

• radiating arm/leg pain

• numbness/tingling

• weakness

• sciatica-type symptoms

Shoulder, knee, and wrist injuries

• bracing against the steering wheel or seat can cause tears and strains

• knee injuries can occur from impact with dash or bracing posture

Back injuries that become chronic

Some people feel “fine” day one and then deteriorate after 24–72 hours.

If you’re hurt, treat it like it’s serious.
Call 818-784-8544 now for a FREE consultation.

Who Is At Fault In A Rear-End Accident In California?

The general rule

In most rear-end collisions, the driver who hit you from behind is at fault because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and control their speed.

Exceptions (and what insurers try to claim)

Insurance companies love to argue exceptions, such as:

• you “stopped suddenly”

• your brake lights were “out”

• you “reversed”

• a third vehicle pushed them into you

• unsafe lane change immediately before impact

These defenses don’t automatically defeat your claim, but they can reduce the offer if you don’t have strong evidence.

How to protect against blame shifting

• photos of vehicle positions and damage

• witness statements

• dashcam footage if available

• police report details

• consistent medical timeline

Call 818-784-8544. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case.

What To Do Immediately After Being Rear-Ended (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Get medical care immediately

If you haven’t already been evaluated, go now. Delayed treatment is one of the biggest value-killers.

Step 2 — Document the scene and damage

Take photos of:

• both vehicles

• plates and insurance cards

• skid marks/debris

• intersections and signage

• your injuries (and again as bruising develops)

Step 3 — Get witness information

Even one independent witness can eliminate a “he said/she said” dispute.

Step 4 — Don’t give recorded statements

The other insurer may call quickly. They’ll ask questions designed to:

• minimize your injuries

• suggest you were at fault

• lock you into statements before diagnosis

Step 5 — Track your symptoms and expenses

Save:

• medical paperwork

• prescriptions

• missed work documentation

• out-of-pocket expenses

• daily pain/limitation notes

Step 6 — Call a California car accident lawyer

If you’re injured, you need a plan to protect your claim and maximize your recovery.

Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation. Don’t wait.

How Much Is A Rear-End Accident Case Worth In California?

Rear-end collision case value depends on:

• injury severity and treatment

• whether imaging shows disc injuries or other objective findings

• whether you need injections or surgery

• lost wages and time off work

• future medical needs

• pain and suffering and life impact

• liability clarity and insurance coverage limits

Economic damages (hard costs)

• ER/urgent care, imaging, specialists

• physical therapy and rehab

• chiropractic, injections, pain management

• medication and devices

• future medical care

• lost wages

• reduced earning capacity

• out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages (human losses)

• pain and suffering

• emotional distress, anxiety

• PTSD symptoms and driving fear

• sleep disruption

• loss of enjoyment of life

• disability or permanent impairment

Why early settlement offers are dangerous

Rear-end injuries often evolve. If you settle before:

• symptoms stabilize, and

• future care needs are known,
  you can end up paying out of pocket later.

Call the California car accident lawyers 818-784-8544 for a FREE evaluation. Don’t wait.

The Insurance Company’s Tactics (and how to beat them)

“Low property damage = low injury”

Not true. The human body isn’t a bumper. Rear-end forces can cause serious injury without dramatic exterior damage.

“Pre-existing condition”

Even if you had prior neck or back issues, the crash can worsen or aggravate them. The case becomes a medical proof battle.

“Gap in treatment”

If you stop treating for weeks, they will say you recovered—or were never hurt.

“Here’s a quick offer”

Early offers are designed to close the case before it becomes expensive.

The solution is:

• consistent treatment

• clean documentation

• controlled communication

• strong claim positioning

Call 818-784-8544 now. Don’t wait.

How Long Does A Rear-End Injury Claim Take In California?

It depends on:

• treatment duration and injury severity

• whether fault is disputed

• insurance policy limits

• whether litigation is required

General phases:

1. early evidence + medical evaluation (days/weeks)

2. treatment and diagnosis development (weeks/months)

3. demand and negotiation (often after stabilization)

4. litigation if the insurer refuses fair value

Serious injury cases should not be rushed.

Call 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation about your timeline and strategy.

Mistakes That Reduce Rear-End Settlement Value

Avoid these if you want maximum compensation:

• waiting to get medical care

• downplaying symptoms in early records

• giving recorded statements

• signing broad medical authorizations

• gaps in treatment

• accepting the first offer

• posting recovery activities on social media

• failing to document wage loss

If any of these already happened, you may still have a case—but you should act quickly.

Call 818-784-8544 now. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case.

Why The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus

Rear-end cases look “simple” until insurers start attacking your injuries, your credibility, and your medical timeline. If you’re hurt, you need a law firm that knows how to build evidence, protect your medical narrative, and push for maximum value.

The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus helps injured victims throughout Los Angeles and across California pursue full compensation after serious collisions—including rear-end crashes with neck, back, and brain injuries.

Call 818-784-8544 now for a FREE consultation.
Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you.

FAQs — Rear-Ended and Injured in California

Should I go to the doctor if I feel okay after being rear-ended?

Yes. Many injuries develop after 24–72 hours. Early evaluation protects your health and your claim.

Do I have a case if I didn’t go to the ER?

Possibly. But you should get evaluated as soon as possible and document symptoms.

What if the other driver says I stopped suddenly?

That’s a common defense. Evidence (photos, witnesses, dashcam) can protect you.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost in California?

Most injury cases are handled on a contingency fee (no attorney fee unless there is a recovery). Ask for details during your consultation.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster?

Be cautious. Recorded statements can reduce claim value. It’s often best to speak with counsel first.

Call 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation.

Call Now — FREE Consultation (818-784-8544)

If you were rear-ended and injured anywhere in California—Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Bay Area, Central Valley—do not wait while insurers build defenses and your case value drops.

Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus now at 818-784-8544. Our attorneys are standing by. Don’t wait. Waiting hurts your case. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help you pursue maximum compensation.