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A rear-end accident can be sudden and shocking. Such an event can leave a person with serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and more. The potential consequences of a rear-end accident can quickly throw a person into a physical, emotional, and financial hole.
While it is uncommon for the person in the forward vehicle to foot the bill for their injuries, it should be noted that this may sometimes happen. Most people believe that the rear vehicle in a rear-end accident is always responsible for the crash. However, this is a common misconception. Learn the situations where the person in the forward vehicle may be held responsible for a rear-end collision instead.
Who’s Responsible for a Rear-End Accident?
Most of the time, the person driving the rear vehicle in a rear-end accident will be held liable for damages. This is because, in most cases, any rear-end accident can be avoided if the driver of the rear vehicle allows enough following distance between them and the car in front of them.
Sometimes, however, this is not possible. Situations where the forward vehicle may be held liable for a rear-end accident include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The driver of the forward vehicle changes lanes without signaling and cuts off the rear vehicle.
- The driver of the forward vehicle puts their car into reverse to get out of a crosswalk. The driver then forgets to shift back into drive when the light turns green and hits a vehicle behind them.
- The driver of the forward vehicle is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and commits a traffic error that causes a collision with a vehicle behind them.
Car accident claims can be complicated. If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision or another type of car accident, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys are here to help. Learn how we can make the legal process easier for you.
Call Kershaw Talley Barlow at (916) 520-6639 to schedule a free consultation.