Rear-end collisions in the United States are frequent, accounting for about 29 percent of crashes every year. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), there were nearly 2,500 fatal rear-end collisions in 2017 alone.
For the driver who strikes the car in front of them, limiting or avoiding liability can be difficult. Of course, in a car accident, there is often more than one perspective to consider, which can lead to tricky insurance claims and hefty legal battles.
If you or a loved one were involved in a rear-end collision, working with a San Diego rear-end collisions lawyer can help you seek justice. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC works to protect and defend the rights of anyone involved in an accident with a negligent driver, especially those who suffer significant injuries and losses.
To learn more about your legal options and begin building your case, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
Situations That Can Result in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when a vehicle collides directly with another vehicle directly in front or behind it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of the 5.7 million reported crashes in 2013, one-third of them were rear-end collisions where stopping distance mattered. More people were also injured in rear-end collisions than any other type of crash.
Rear-end accident litigation can be tricky. In one-on-one collisions, the fault may lie with the striking driver, but several different real-life scenarios prove that resolving a rear-end accident is not always that simple.
Typically, drivers who are rear-ended by others are not considered at fault for damages, but the exact details will depend on the specifics of the accident. If any of the following situations apply to your case, contact a San Diego rear-end collisions lawyer for help.
- Multiple cars – When more than two cars are affected by the rear-end collision, there could be varying levels of fault for each driver.
- Driver stops suddenly – A driver who suddenly stops during an otherwise normal traffic flow may have acted in negligence. Further investigation could help determine why the sudden stop happened.
- Driver was going below the speed limit – This may be problematic for cars that travel long distances in the left lane, which is considered a passing lane in California. If someone drives in the left lane at a speed that is lower than the allowed limit, that driver could be considered partially at fault for the accident.
- Offending car went in reverse – When a rear-end collision happens because the offending driver backed up into the front of another car, circumstances could prove that the victim was not at fault for the accident.
Of course, the specific details of your case will likely be unique. Speaking with a San Diego rear-end collisions lawyer about what happened is an ideal way to get a realistic perspective on the viability of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving San Diego, call (844) 730-0233
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
The more nuanced aspects of fault deal with the causes and factors that contributed to the rear-end collision. Common accident risk factors include:
- Visibility issues – Modern vehicle design can obstruct visibility on the road and make it difficult to see over the entirety of the car hood or view the full back windshield of the car.
- Distracted driving – Even when looking forward, drivers risk rear-end collisions from routine distractions like scanning the road and checking their mirrors. In other cases, distracted driving is a distinct choice, like texting or browsing through radio stations.
- Speeding – Drivers have an obligation to follow the speed limit and allow room for stopping in an emergency situation. Speeding exacerbates the chances of a rear-end collision and other negligent behavior.
There are many other reasons why a rear-end collision can happen. However, this list likely contains some starting points for many people who are involved in this type of accident. To discuss your legal options after a rear-end collision, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
San Diego Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Legal Options for Rear-End Collision Victims
The challenges of rear-end collision liability do not simply end with determining fault. For victims who suffer injuries, property damage, or other losses, making a full recovery often depends on getting fair compensation. You could handle a rear-end collision case alone, but having a lawyer on your side can help you fully develop a case that protects and defends your rights.
Building a Legal Case
Striking drivers in particular will need help overcoming the limitations of police reports. In the state of California, you must report all accidents with any injuries or deaths, and any property damage over $1,000. If you did not file an accident report at the time, you may still be able to formally file with the help of a San Diego rear-end collisions lawyer.
Other evidence that can make or break a rear-end collision legal battle includes:
- Witnesses – Gathering as many eyewitness accounts as possible can bring perspective to the accident. This can be a passenger, bystander, or someone else with direct knowledge of the accident.
- Police report – Filing a police report at the time of the accident is not just required in most cases, but also shows initiative to make a proper recovery. An officer may determine fault in the case, but that does not necessarily limit your legal options. If another driver violated traffic laws during your accident, it could prove beneficial to your case.
- Car damage – The impact of the crash can affect your car in different ways, so understanding the physical damage is important for giving the full context of the crash.
- Accident scene – Environmental factors can contribute to the cause of a rear-end collision, so inspecting the scene where it happened may help your case. For example, road conditions, signage, and the flow of traffic could have contributed to your accident.
- Injuries – You should get a medical evaluation, even if you did not have any serious or noticeable injuries at the time of the crash. Personal injury litigation can include related injuries that were discovered after the accident within a certain timeframe.
Click to contact our San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers today
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
The San Diego rear-end collision lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. To learn your next steps, call our team today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
