Although the driver in the rear is often at fault, there are exceptions.
A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one car hits the rear of another car. In our experience, the driver who rear-ended the other vehicle is at fault approximately 95% of the time.
However, there are exceptions. The most accurate way to determine who is at fault in a rear-end collision is to evaluate all available facts carefully.

Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision

Who is to blame? It depends on all involved parties.
An experienced car accident lawyer knows that driver error or negligence causes most crashes, including rear-end collisions. According to the National Law Review, rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents.

Accidents in Which the Rear-End Driver Is Liable

Rear-end collisions typically take place when one car is stopped with another vehicle approaching from behind, such as:

  • Stop signs
  • Traffic lights
  • Roundabouts
  • Yield signs
  • Congested traffic areas

In these accidents, it is usually the driver’s fault who rear-ended the vehicle in front of them. For example, a car strikes the back of a car, making a complete and legal stop.

Accidents in Which the Front Vehicle Driver Is Liable

There are other situations in which the front vehicle driver is at fault. This often happens when a driver pulls out of a parking lot onto a road. The vehicle entering the street from a private drive or parking lot must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Chain Reaction Accidents or Pile-Ups

Rear-end collisions that happen in traffic or at high speed can create a chain reaction accident. The car from the rear hits the vehicle in front, then hits the car ahead of them. It can be challenging to determine who was the source of the accident in a pile-up.

Evidence of Liability

What types of evidence are used to determine liability?

The liable driver in a rear-end collision can be held accountable for the other party’s injuries and damages. In most cases, the injured party files an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s carrier.
Evidence typically used to determine liability includes:

  • Police or crash reports
  • Witness statements
  • Physical evidence such as tire tracks and skid marks
  • Red light or closed-circuit videos
  • Accident recreation technology

Insurance companies need proof of liability before they pay for medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Some insurance adjusters look for loopholes or reasons to deny or delay legitimate claims, even with proof.

Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions

Always get medical care after a rear-end accident.
Injuries from a rear-end collision may vary depending on several factors:

  • Speed of the moving car at impact
  • Size disparity between vehicles – a compact car versus an SUV
  • Whether vehicle occupants used proper restraint systems such as car seats for children and seat belts for older children and adults

However, some injuries are more likely in a rear-end collision. Rarely do the occupants in either car have a chance to take evasive action or even brace themselves for impact.

Whiplash & Other Neck Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash. Whiplash and similar neck injuries are caused by the forceful, rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck at impact. This motion is similar to the cracking of a whip.

Concussions & Brain Injuries

Occupants can hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or the seat in front of them if they are sitting in the backseat. A concussion is a sharp, sudden jolt or blow to the head. A severe concussion is called a traumatic brain injury, which can be fatal.

Kneecap, Leg & Feet Injuries

Rear-end collision victims often suffer from injured kneecaps, legs, shins, feet, and even toes. These injuries occur when an individual collides with the seat or dashboard on impact.

Air Bag Injuries

Drivers and front-seat passengers may experience burns or cuts caused by the rapid inflation of airbags. These are usually minor injuries, but occasionally, a person may suffer significant face or head trauma.

Broken or Fractured Bones

Rear-end collisions may also cause broken or fractured bones in the hands, wrists, fingers, or lower extremities. These injuries are caused by people instinctively putting their arms and hands to shield them and bracing their legs and feet against the vehicle’s floor.

Compensation for Rear-End Collision Injuries

Victims may receive compensation to pay for medical care, lost pay, and more.
The most common form of compensation for rear-end accident victims comes from the at-fault party’s insurance coverage.
Depending on the extent and severity of the injuries, victims could receive compensation for:

When rear-end collision injuries are fatal, surviving family members could be entitled to wrongful death compensation.

Getting Help for Rear-End Crash Damages

An experienced car accident attorney can help you collect compensation.
Navigating the insurance claim process is difficult on your own. An experienced rear-end accident attorney can be a valuable resource in getting you paid the compensation you deserve.
A car accident lawyer who handles rear-end collisions takes care of the many details involved in an insurance claim, including:

  • Gather evidence of liability
  • Compile medical and injury reports
  • Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
  • File and manage your claim
  • Negotiate for maximum compensation

Often, a rear-end crash is resolved through an insurance settlement. However, a car accident attorney can also represent you if you file a personal injury lawsuit.

Were You Hurt in a Rear-End Collision?

If you were injured in a rear-end collision that was not your fault, call Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. You could be entitled to compensation.

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Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113

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408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000

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6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711