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TRUSTED LEGAL HELP FOR INJURED VICTIMS
High-Impact, Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents in Connecticut, but they should never be dismissed as “minor.” Even crashes at relatively low speeds can cause whiplash, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries that may not appear until hours or days later.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, McCoy & McCoy can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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We handle everything at no cost to you unless we win. No fees, no pressure, no surprises.
What Should I Do After a Rear-End Accident?
- Check for injuries and call 911.
- Seek medical attention—even if symptoms seem minor.
- Exchange information.
- Photograph the vehicles, damage, skid marks, and roadway.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement.
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Connecticut?
In most rear-end collisions, the driver who strikes the vehicle in front is considered at fault because Connecticut drivers have a duty to maintain a safe following distance and operate their vehicles safely.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party may share fault for an accident. Our attorneys investigate every rear-end collision to determine exactly what happened and identify all responsible parties.
I Was Rear-Ended, Should I Get a Lawyer?
After getting rear-ended, you may be suffering from injuries such as whiplash, back pain, a concussion, and PTSD. The most important job a rear-end accident victim has to focus on is getting better. Hiring a car accident lawyer will relieve the legal stress you are facing. The attorneys at McCoy & McCoy will handle everything. A rear-end accident lawyer can reduce the time it takes to reach a rear-end accident settlement and maximize the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents
Most rear-end collisions are preventable. They typically occur because a driver is distracted, following too closely, or fails to react to changing traffic conditions.
Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, adjusting the radio, eating, or looking away from the road for only a few seconds can prevent a driver from stopping in time.
Following Too Closely: Tailgating significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Speeding: Higher speeds increase both stopping distance and the force of impact, making serious injuries more likely.
Drunk Driving: Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time, judgment, and coordination, making rear-end collisions far more likely.
Driver Fatigue: Drowsy drivers often experience slower reaction times and may briefly fall asleep behind the wheel.
Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice increase stopping distances. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed for weather conditions.
Aggressive Driving: Drivers who weave through traffic, speed, or drive impatiently often leave themselves too little time to avoid a collision.
Common Injuries After a Rear-End Collision
Rear-end crashes are frequently dismissed as “minor accidents,” but even low-speed impacts can place tremendous force on the body. Many victims don’t begin experiencing symptoms until hours or days after the collision.
Common injuries include:
One of the most common rear-end collision injuries, whiplash occurs when the neck rapidly moves back and forth, damaging muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues.
Herniated and Bulging Discs
The force of impact can damage the spine, causing discs to press against nearby nerves and lead to chronic neck or back pain.
Even without striking the steering wheel, the brain can move inside the skull during a collision, causing a concussion or more serious brain injury.
Compressed or damaged nerves can lead to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and muscle weakness in the arms or legs.
Seat belts and sudden impact frequently cause rotator cuff injuries, torn ligaments, and shoulder instability.
Rear-end crashes commonly result in lower back injuries, spinal fractures, and chronic pain that may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Why Do Symptoms Sometimes Appear Days Later After a Car Accident?
Many accident victims feel relatively normal immediately after a crash, only to develop significant pain later that evening or over the following days.
This happens because the body’s adrenaline response can temporarily mask pain and inflammation. As swelling increases and muscles begin to tighten, symptoms often become more noticeable.
Can I Receive Compensation After a Rear-End Car Accident?
Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused your rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you’ve suffered. Even if your injuries are not immediately apparent, you may still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim if the accident resulted in medical expenses, lost income, or lasting pain.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
The value of a rear-end accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, whether your injuries affect your ability to work, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
How McCoy & McCoy Can Help
Our Connecticut car accident attorneys move quickly to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, obtain available video footage, and consult with qualified experts when necessary. By conducting a thorough investigation from the outset, we can build the strongest possible case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Choosing the right law firm after a rear-end car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At McCoy & McCoy, we understand that you are not just dealing with an injury—you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost work time, uncertainty about the future, and pressure from insurance companies. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal representation and direct support throughout every stage of your claim.
Why Choose McCoy & McCoy?
Over 50 Years of Serving Connecticut Injury Victims
Our firm has been helping injured individuals and families throughout Connecticut since 1960. We have decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims and understand the challenges accident victims face.
Recognized and Respected in the Legal Community
Our attorneys have earned recognition from some of the most respected organizations in the legal profession for their dedication to personal injury law and commitment to achieving results for clients.
Our accolades include:
Recognition in Best Lawyers in America
Included in Best Law Firms rankings
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (Attorney Frank McCoy)
Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections
Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
AVVO Highly Rated Attorney Profiles
Decades of recognition for excellence in personal injury litigation
Trial-Ready Advocacy
Attorney Frank McCoy is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the NBTA. This rigorous credential is held by less than 0.5% of all Connecticut lawyers, signaling the highest level of courtroom expertise. Insurance companies know which law firms settle for the first offer and which law firms – like ours – have the credentials to take a case to trial. Our courtroom reputation gives our clients a level of leverage that most firms simply cannot provide.
The “Insurance Insider” Edge
We know their playbook. Attorney Brian Parrott previously worked as an insurance adjuster, so he knows exactly how they evaluate claims and minimize payouts, giving our firm a unique advantage
Proven Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Connecticut. We know how to build strong cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation when litigation becomes necessary. Because the insurance companies know our record, they are forced to take your case seriously from day one.
Limited Caseload & Direct Attorney Access
When you hire McCoy & McCoy, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case. Unlike high-volume firms that handle hundreds of cases at a time, we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept. This allows us to devote more time, attention, and resources to every client we represent.
After an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you are going to afford an attorney. Focus should be on recovering from your injuries and taking care of yourself and your family – not paying legal fees.
At McCoy & McCoy, we offer free legal consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. If we agree to represent you, you do not pay any upfront costs, retainers, or hourly fees. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is paid only if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Under Connecticut law, contingency fees in personal injury cases are regulated by statute and are based on a percentage of the recovery obtained. If there is no recovery, you do not owe us an attorney’s fee.
We believe every injury victim should have access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
Frank McCoy
Attorney
Brian Parrott
Attorney
Angela Edwards
Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t feel pain until days after the car accident?
Delayed symptoms are common after rear-end collisions. Adrenaline can temporarily mask injuries, causing pain, stiffness, headaches, numbness, or tingling to appear hours or even days later. If you develop new symptoms after the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can I recover compensation if there was only minor vehicle damage in the rear-end car accident I was involved in?
Yes. The severity of vehicle damage does not always reflect the severity of a person’s injuries. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, herniated discs, nerve damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Your claim is based on your injuries and losses—not just the damage to your vehicle.
What if more than two vehicles were involved in my rear-end car accident?
Multi-vehicle rear-end accidents can be more complex because liability may be shared among multiple drivers. Your attorney can investigate the crash, review the evidence, and determine which parties may be responsible for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a rear-end accident lawsuit in Connecticut?
In most cases, Connecticut law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain cases may involve different deadlines, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our Clients’ Success Is Our Success
See what past clients have to say about working with McCoy & McCoy – real stories from people we’ve helped through some of life’s toughest moments. We have a 4.9 ranking on google with over 200+ reviews. Check us out – our clients say it better than we ever could.
“They have been a blessing from day one.”
I highly recommend McCoy & McCoy for anyone who had to unfortunately experience any sort of accident. After my car accident, I was so lost and confused on what to do next. After some research, I stumbled on McCoy & McCoy, and immediately called them. They have been a blessing from day one! They have been nothing but helpful. I cannot thank McCoy & McCoy enough for helping me during such a tough time in my life!
— Valerie, Previous Client
“I’m beyond happy with the outcome.”
I can’t thank Attorney Parrott and Jessica enough for their outstanding service after my car accident while I was 8 months pregnant. They were incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the process with clear explanations. Their professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier, and I’m beyond happy with the outcome. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney!
— Y Colon, Previous Client
“I can’t imagine a better team to have on your side.”
Although no one wants to be in the situation of having to hire a personal injury attorney, working with McCoy & McCoy on my car accident case has been absolute pleasure. Their staff exhibited unparalleled kindness and professionalism. They guided me through the whole process, helped me through every step of the medical care I needed, and kept me informed along the way. They seem to really care about their clients, and I can’t imagine a better team to have on your side. Highly recommended!
— Mike P, Previous Client
Recent Car Accident Case Results
The car accident attorneys at McCoy & McCoy have gained an exceptional reputation for legal representation and has delivered on those expectations for more than 50 years. Read about our most recent case results.
$300,000 Settlement
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle collision and faced months of pain & medical treatment.
$1.2 Million Verdict
Client was driving down Interstate -84, when they were rear-ended by a vehicle that was also rear-ended.
$527,000 Verdict
Our client was crossing the street when they were hit by a motor vehicle. Click to read more.
$805, 000 Settlement
Client was driving on I-91 North, when they were rear-ended by a flatbed truck. The client sustained minimal injuries.
About case results
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Connecticut, don’t wait. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Resources
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Understanding your claim
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