Understanding Liability in Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can result in serious lifelong injuries and pain to be dealt with on a daily basis. While not all rear-end collisions seem to be as serious as some other types of car accidents, the effects can be sneaky and detrimental to an individual’s lifelong wellbeing. 

The types of injuries commonly sustained in rear-end accidents don’t always present themselves right away. Whiplash, concussions, neck, and back injuries are just a few of the immediate or later-onset injuries that could result after being in a rear-end car accident. Such injuries could continue to cause distress for many years and such pain could have a negative effect on a victim’s life. 

Rear-end collisions account for a good majority of all car accidents. Being so common, they may be overlooked as far as seeking compensation goes. This, paired with the fact that rear-end collisions can cause confusion when determining fault and liability. 

In order to understand liability in rear-end collisions, we must first determine any possible negligence. 

Negligence

In the case of rear-end car accidents, most people would place blame on the driver in the back. Considering how it looks, you may conclude that the driver in the back must have been at fault since, technically, their vehicle hit the driver in front of them. 

We will say that it is not always that simple. The driver in front could be considered at fault for many reasons. The matter should not be judged by which car hit the other, it should be judged by determining fault and any possible negligence. 

Negligence includes: 

• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Ignoring traffic laws (I.e. Speeding, running red lights)
• Erratic driving (I.e. Following too close)

It is important to have police at the scene to gather information as well as taking your own notes on what happened. You may need to present this information to an attorney or judge if your case for compensation is taken that far. 

Read More: After Being Injured As A Passenger In A Car Accident

Who’s at Fault?

Since most often the second driver is blamed for the accident, it can be tricky to build a case proving otherwise.

No two car accidents are alike. There is no room to assume when it comes to liability and fault. There are even certain circumstances where there may even be a third party that is liable for your accident. It’s important to look at the situation from all angles. 

There may even be multiple parties, partially at fault. It is difficult to say who is at fault without looking at the situation as a whole. It’s important to gather as much information and evidence as possible and work closely with an attorney to gain the compensation you deserve. 

Please give us a call to work with one of our attorneys if you’ve been in a rear-end collision. We can work with you to help you determine fault and seek compensation from the other parties involved. We will handle negotiations and communication with lawyers and any insurance companies involved.