WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REAR-END CAR ACCIDENTS

Rear-end car accidents are a common type of traffic collision – in 2015, rear-end crashes made up more than 33 percent of crashes, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These collisions often happen suddenly and without warning and can result in serious injuries, even at relatively slow speeds.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end car accident caused by a negligent driver, contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi for a free, no obligation consultation. We will carefully review your claim to help you determine if you might have a case against the at-fault driver.

Below, we discuss several factors that our New Haven car accident attorneys may examine when reviewing a rear-end collision claim.

 

Causes of Rear-End Collisions

In many cases, rear-end accidents are caused by negligent drivers who are not paying attention, often because they are staring at their cellphones. Other possible causes of rear-end vehicle collisions include:

  • Failing to obey traffic signals and signs
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating other vehicles, which makes it harder to stop to avoid a collision
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driver fatigue
  • Reckless driving
  • Road rage
  • Heavy traffic

 

Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions

Motorists involved in rear-end vehicle collisions may suffer a wide-range of injuries, depending on various factors, such as the speed and force of impact. This may include:

  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Fractures
  • Hand injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Knee injuries

 

Fault in a Rear-End Collision

In most cases, the driver that strikes another vehicle in the same lane from behind is at fault for the crash. However, fault in a rear-end collision is not always this straightforward. There may be several situations where the driver of the front vehicle is partially at fault, such as when:

  • The driver of the front vehicle purposefully applies the brakes of his or her vehicle to “brake check” the vehicle that is approaching from behind
  • The driver of the lead vehicle backs into the other vehicle
  • The lead driver cuts off the trailing driver

 

Typically, the responding law enforcement officer will complete an accident report that details the events that occurred during the collision. This often includes the officer’s beliefs about what caused the accident and the party that may be at fault for the collision.

 

Connecticut’s Comparative Fault Law

In situations where each party involved in an accident may be at fault, Connecticut uses the law of comparative negligence to determine if the victim will receive compensation and if the total compensation award will be reduced.

Under this law, each party involved in the rear-end collision is assigned a percentage of fault based on his or her level of responsibility in causing the accident. If you are assigned a percentage of 50 percent or less, you can still recover compensation, but the amount of compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If you are assigned 51 percent or more of the fault for the crash, you will be barred from recovering any compensation for your damages.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation with D’Amico & Pettinicchi

If you were injured in a rear-end accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. D’Amico & Pettinicchi’s New Haven personal injury attorneys will evaluate your claim and may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today to learn more about your legal options after being injured in a rear-end collision or another type of crash. We represent our clients at no upfront cost and only require payment if we recover compensation. There is no risk in contacting us to discuss your car accident claim.