Legal Representation for Victims of Rear-End Car Accidents
Did you know that rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the U.S.? According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 2.5 million rear-end accidents occur each year. And while it is a common belief that the rear driver is automatically at fault for such an accident, the truth is that Texas is what is known as a comparative negligence state. That means a jury has the right to apportion liability between the drivers or find none at all.
What Exactly Is a “Rear-End Collision”?
Rear-end accidents occur when the front bumper of a vehicle makes forceful contact with the rear bumper of the car in front of it. It is important to understand your insurance policy and how it handles rear-end accidents. The sudden jolt of a rear-end accident often causes whiplash and other injuries, even at low speeds.
Typical Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Smartphone usage while driving has increased to almost 24 percent, according to a recent survey conducted by State Farm Insurance. This distraction is responsible for many of the rear-end accidents that occur in Texas. When it comes to danger, intersections are notably sensitive areas that cause many rear-end collisions. Typically because of the following reasons:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield or stop
- Misjudgment of distance or speed
- Continuing to enter an intersection even with blocked visibility
Rear-End Collision FAQs
Q: What should I do immediately after a rear-end collision?
A: Obviously the first priority is to seek out medical attention if necessary. But assuming there are no serious injuries, you should consult with the other driver(s) and get their names and contact information. Document all the information from the driver’s licenses, including the state of issue and license number. It’s a good idea to use your camera phone to snap photos of their documents and license plate, as well as of any damage to the cars. If the driver is not the owner of the car, you also need to get the owner’s contact information.
You’ll also want to use your camera to document any other possible evidence, including road conditions, weather, signage, skid marks, etc. And if there are any witnesses on the scene that can corroborate your story, get their contact information as well.
Q: Should I call the police?
A: Calling the police is always a good idea, especially if the version of events differs between drivers or if there is visible damage to the car or injuries involved. But even if a police officer is on the scene, it is still important for you to take your own notes and document all of the information mentioned above. You should also take down the contact information of the officer, as well as the incident report number.
Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
A: You are under no obligation to answer questions from another driver’s insurance company, and you should politely refuse to do so. They can use any statements you make against you when negotiating the claim.
Q: Who can I turn to for help?
A: If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, no matter which driver you were, it is critical that you know your rights. Contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP today to receive a free consultation. We will explain your legal rights and deal with the insurance company on your behalf to insure you get the best possible outcome.
It’s an unfortunate reality that many people are seriously hurt every day because of another motorist’s negligence, whether deliberately or unintentionally. When these violations cause another to experience significant injuries, it’s likely that the injured party will be entitled to receive compensation for damages.
Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are frequent occurrences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28% of all crashes are rear-end collisions. Frequently, these accidents cause broken bones and other serious injuries, including:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, oftentimes causing paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Death
There are several types of broken bones: complete fractures where the bone cracks in two separate places, single fractures where the bone cracks in only one place, and compound fractures. Compound fractures are serious because these are open fractures where broken bone pierces through the skin. Bleeding and infection are frequent problems in compound fractures. Minor fractures are simple fractures with hairline cracks, transverse breaks, or stress fractures. While hairline cracks may seem insignificant to young adults, these can be serious injuries for the elderly who lack the ability to mend quickly.
Liability for a Rear-End Collision
In the aftermath of a rear-end collision, it is important to know your legal rights. Liability for a rear-end collision is not always the responsibility of the rear driver. Texas law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance from the driver in front of them to avoid hitting the front vehicle or veering into another vehicle or other object. Exceptions to this are if the front driver suddenly stops without warning; if the front driver did not have working brake lights to alert the rear vehicle to the front driver’s slowing down; sudden lane changes by the front driver; or if a vehicle was not legally in the roadway. Drivers in multi-car wrecks that are rear-ended and pushed forward into other cars are generally not liable for damages.
It is important to obtain hospital and police records as well as to gather witness statements after your accident for legal evidence. A lawyer experienced in automobile accidents can be helpful in navigating the courts and pursuing a successful case.
Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers for Help
Contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP today by calling (214) 231-0555 to discuss your rear-end accident case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get the details of your case and begin working toward a positive outcome. We will protect your legal rights and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP works on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless we win. You don’t need a big retainer to get the legal help you deserve. Many legal experts believe that the use of a contingency fee opens up the realm of justice for those who are economically challenged. Our focus for more than 25 years is customer satisfaction.
We accept cases in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and others. Our Dallas car accident attorneys will walk you step-by-step through what to expect during your head-on collision case. Don’t wait. If you can’t come to our location, one of our attorneys will come to you. Call right now for a free consultation.
