Rear-end collisions are common in Louisville and throughout the United States. In fact, the Washington Post reports that this is the most common form of motor vehicle collision. If your vehicle was struck from behind while you were driving, you could be entitled to a monetary award from the other driver or their insurance company.
In most cases, courts will find the rear driver in these accidents to be at fault. However, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. Following a rear-end crash, you might want to seek the guidance of a skilled Louisville rear-end collisions lawyer.
The attorneys of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, have helped clients successfully pursue legal claims in rear-end collision cases. We are ready to review your accident, build a case, and provide legal advice. To get started, call (844) 730-0233 to schedule your free consultation with the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today.
The Severity of Rear-End Crash Accidents
Many drivers might not give much thought to the possibility of a rear-end collision even though these accidents are common. Rear-end crashes have earned the reputation of being little more than a “fender bender” that is limited to minor vehicle damage or scratched paint. This is, unfortunately, far from the truth.
The reality of these accidents is that they often result in devastating or even fatal injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), these crashes were responsible for more than 7 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017. Victims that survive these collisions often face severe injuries that can alter their quality of life or result in permanent disabilities.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving Louisville, call (844) 730-0233
Fault in a Rear-End Crash
It is widely believed that the rear driver in a car accident is automatically at fault. In most cases, the courts are more likely to find fault with the rear motorist as opposed to the driver in front. That said, there is no hard rule that the rear driver is always responsible. As with any motor vehicle accident, you will have to establish that the driver that rear-ended you did so due to their negligence.
Every driver in Louisville owes a duty to other motorists and nearby pedestrians to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. When they fail to do so, they could face civil liability for any injuries they cause. This is true whether the negligent driver is the front or rear car in a rear-end collision.
There are a variety of factors that could prove negligence in a rear-end collision. These factors include:
- Distracted driving. There are endless ways a motorist could become distracted while behind the wheel. From reading a text to addressing misbehaving children, anything that causes a driver to take their attention from the roadway could lead to a rear-end collision.
- Speeding. Speeding drivers require more time to come to a complete stop. This is a problem when the car in front of them comes to an abrupt stop or slows down unexpectedly. The faster a car is going, the likelier they are to rear-end the vehicle in front of them.
- Driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is a common factor in rear-end crashes. These substances diminish a driver’s ability to act rationally, and they also frequently limit their reaction time. These factors can combine to increase the odds of a rear-end accident.
- Bad weather. Sometimes, inclement weather will play a role in causing a rear-end crash. Precipitation tends to make roads slippery, and heavy rain or fog can obscure hazards in the roadway. Drivers should exercise additional care when operating in bad weather.
- Aggressive driving. Any act of aggressive or reckless driving could increase the chances of a crash. From following other motorists too closely to aggressively changing lanes, any form of aggressive driving could lead to a collision.
A Louisville rear-end collisions lawyer could be able to help you identify the cause of your accident. By evaluating the police report and your injuries, your attorney might be able to help build a case against every party that is responsible for your injuries. Contact the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, to discuss your options after a rear-end crash.
Louisville Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Time Limit on Filing an Injury Lawsuit
The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver is referred to as the statute of limitations. Each state sets its own limitation period, but they generally work in the same way. The statute of limitations serves as a window of time that begins on the date the accident happens. Once that window expires, a plaintiff loses their ability to file a civil suit.
In Louisville, the statute of limitations is governed by KRS § 413.140. According to the statute, you have one year from the date of the crash to pursue legal action. This one-year window is shorter than the limitation period set by many other jurisdictions. Keep in mind that attorneys need time to build a case and investigate your accident. The sooner you speak with legal counsel following a rear-end crash, the sooner they can get started.
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You Could Recover Compensation Following a Rear-End Crash in Louisville
You could have the right to move forward with a personal injury case following a rear-end collision. However, the process of pursuing a claim for compensation and filing a civil lawsuit is complex.
Let the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, take the lead on your personal injury claim. We can help you pursue a rear-end collision case, and we look forward to discussing your options with you. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule your free consultation with a Louisville rear-end collisions lawyer today.
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