Determining Liability in a Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, accounting for over 30% of all crashes. When you are involved in a rear-end accident, you may wonder who is at fault and whether your medical bills will be covered if you suffer an injury.
At Mayday Law Office, we provide legal representation for individuals injured in rear-end collisions and other auto accidents throughout Houston. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and obtain compensation from any liable parties.
If you were rear-ended and have suffered injury or lost a loved one in the accident, contact our office at (281) 741-1162 to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Rear-End Collisions?
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that rear-end collisions are the leading type of traffic accident. There were over 2 million rear-end accidents in a single year, over 2,000 of which were fatal.
Rear-end accidents were also more likely to cause injury compared with other types of crashes. As noted by NHTSA, rear-end collisions were the “first harmful event” in over 31% of all injury accidents.
Who Is At-Fault?
In general, fault will be placed on the person who rear-ended the car in front of them. However, there are circumstances where another driver may be to blame. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to determine who can be held liable after any accident causing injury or death.
The best way to prove liability is with the help of a Houston car accident lawyer. It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney prior to speaking with the insurance company. An insurance adjuster may try to place you at fault for the accident or try to downplay your injuries in order to get you to accept a lower settlement.
Leading Causes of Rear-End Accidents
There may be one or more contributing factors to a rear-end collision. The most important thing is that you call law enforcement and seek medical treatment if you or another party is injured as a result of the crash. It is not your responsibility to determine fault, and you should not make any statements regarding who you believe was responsible for the accident.
Common causes of rear-end collisions:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Driver inattention or distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Mechanical failures
If you were involved in a rear-end collision, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.
Can Another Driver Be Liable?
Most people assume that the driver who rear-ended the car in front of them is liable for the accident, but this is not always the case. There are certain circumstances when another driver may be held responsible for damages even if they were in the vehicle that was rear-ended.
Proving that another driver was at fault for a rear-end collision can be challenging without the help of skilled legal representation. An attorney can collect evidence showing that the other driver caused the accident.
Some scenarios where another driver may be at fault for a rear-end accident include where they swerve erratically in front of you, conduct a dangerous “brake check,” or are driving while impaired.
Injured in a Rear-End Collision? Call Mayday Today.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in Houston, contact the Mayday Law Office today for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team is proud to serve English and Spanish-speaking clients throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Se Habla Español.
Call (281) 741-1162 to discuss your case directly with an attorney. You pay no fees unless we win. Get started today with your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
