Is the Person Who Rear-Ended Me Automatically At Fault For the Crash?

Rear-end accidents are often the fault of the person who hits you. But that’s not always the case. Crashes can be complicated, and you’ll need to know what caused the accident before pursuing any claim against the other driver.

Even a rear-end accident that seems simple and straightforward can quickly get complicated. That’s especially true when the other side won’t take responsibility. You’ll need evidence to show who is responsible for the rear-end accident you were involved in.

If you have questions about the accident and whether the person who hit you is at fault, contact a Virginia car accident attorney for help right away. The right attorney could answer your questions, investigate the accident, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

When a Driver Rear Ends You, They May Be at Fault

Rear-end accidents frequently are the fault of the person who hits your vehicle from behind. That’s because the person behind you should be aware of their surroundings and leave enough space between the vehicles to be able to avoid colliding with your car. If a driver was doing any of the following before the accident, they could be at fault:

• Driving while distracted by their phone or other devices
• Driving while intoxicated
• Driving while tired
• Driving too fast for road conditions
• Tailgating you

If someone rear-ends you, they could be the ones at fault for the accident. Gather all the evidence you can and speak with a lawyer about the best path forward.

When Drivers May Not be at Fault

While drivers who rear-end other vehicles may be at fault in many situations, there may be some instances when they’re not responsible for the accident. Common situations where a rear-end driver may not be entirely at fault may include:

• When the driver in front unexpectedly pulls onto the road
• The driver in front is driving recklessly or makes dangerous maneuvers
• The brake lights of the lead car are broken or not functional

Every rear-end accident has unique circumstances and facts. As part of your case, you’ll need to understand the accident’s specific facts before moving forward with a claim or lawsuit.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

After an accident, you may have questions about what happened and how your claim could move forward. That’s where an experienced injury attorney comes in. Some of the ways a skilled lawyer can help you includes:

• Thoroughly investigating the accident to gather evidence that supports your case, such as the police accident report, statements from eyewitnesses, photos and videos of the accident scene, medical records, tax documents to show the extent of your lost income, and more.
• Working with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to help determine the cause of the accident and the extent of your losses.
• Filing your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and handling all of the complicated paperwork to ensure all of the deadlines are met in your case.
• Vigorously and skillfully pursuing full compensation through negotiations with the insurance adjusters.
• Taking your case to court, if needed, if the insurance company fails to offer the fair settlement you need.

Don’t accept blame for an accident that isn’t your fault. Talk with a lawyer today about your options and how they could help you prove your case.

Contact an Experienced Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Today

There’s no time to waste after a car accident, so talk with Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. about your case now. For over 40 years, Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. has effectively served rear-end accident victims throughout Virginia, and we’re ready to talk with you. To learn more about how we can help, call us toll-free at 1-800-248-1950 or reach out online now.