Who is Liable in a Rear-End Collision?
- March 20, 2019
- Sandy
Rear-end collisions happen to millions of drivers in the United States each year. In fact, they’re the most commonly reported accident.
This type of crash can result in serious injuries for all of the passengers involved. If you find yourself involved in a rear-end collision, it’s important to know who may be liable for the accident.
Liability in Rear-End Collisions
In most cases, the driver who crashed into the back of another vehicle is liable for the accident and injuries it caused. Generally, that driver could’ve done something to prevent the crash from happening.
Drivers should always leave enough space between them and the vehicle in front of them. This way, in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops, you will have more room and reaction time to stop your vehicle and hopefully avoid a collision.
When the Driver Behind You May Not Be Liable
Of course, there are some rare instances when the driver in the back isn’t liable for the rear-end collision. This is typically the case when:
- Multiple vehicles are involved
- The driver in front has one or no working tail lights
- The driver in front was reversing
- The vehicle in front malfunctioned
The bottom-line is every driver has a responsibility to avoid a collision, if possible. When they fail to do this, they can be considered “negligent” and be held accountable for the accident and injuries to any other passengers.
Multiple Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, a rear-end collision can involve multiple vehicles, creating a pileup. Usually the driver who caused the initial chain of reaction can be held liable. However, there are many factors that need to be analyzed by a professional. This investigation will gather evidence to help prove that one or more drivers were irresponsible.
Examples of negligence in a rear-end collision may be:
- A driver who failed to use turn on signals
- A driver who was speeding
- A driver who was following the vehicle in front of them too closely
An Attorney Can Help
A rear-end collision can lead to serious physical and psychological injuries such as:
- Chronic pain & suffering
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Injuries from airbag deployment
- Spinal cord damage
- And more
If you’ve recently been involved in a rear-end collision and suffered injuries, contacting a personal injury attorney will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
An experienced attorney can help you get compensation for things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Transportation costs
- Rehabilitation
- And more
Contact The Barnes Firm today for a FREE consultation, and see if you could be entitled to compensation after an accident.
The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000
English
Spanish