A rear-end crash, also called a rear-ender, is a car accident that occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another car. Rear-end collisions are usually caused by driver error, such as following too closely, distracted driving, or speeding.

While most rear-end accidents don’t cause serious injuries or damages, they can still be incredibly stressful, and sometimes determining the at-fault driver can be complicated. If you’ve been in a rear-end accident and you’re not sure who is at fault, contact an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you investigate the accident and determine who is liable.

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Concord car accident lawyers have years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you have questions about who is at fault in a rear-end crash, contact us for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Concord, NC

After any car accident, if you don’t need immediate medical assistance, it is important to exchange insurance information with the other driver and call the police. Try to move your car off of the road if possible, but take pictures first in case there is a dispute later as to what happened. Once you have exchanged information with the other driver and called the police, you should contact an experienced Concord car accident lawyer.

Determining Fault in Concord Rear-End Car Accidents

In many rear-end accidents, liability is clear-cut. The at-fault driver is typically the driver who hit the car in front of them. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

• The Other Driver – If the rear-ended driver made a sudden stop or was weaving in and out of traffic and cut the other driver off, they may be considered at fault for the accident.
• A Third Party – Sometimes rear-end collisions result in a chain reaction.  Often, the last car in the chain is the one who caused it.  However, it’s possible that you were rear-ended by one vehicle, and then another car came along and hit that person because you were stopped and you get hit again.  In those cases, you need an experienced attorney to help you sort it all out.  

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Fault in Rear-End Collision Cases?

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, there are a few pieces of evidence that can help prove that the other driver is at fault:

• The Police Report – The police report will contain information about how the accident happened and will likely assign fault to one of the drivers.
• Witness Statements – If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements could help prove what happened and who was at fault.
• Pictures of the Accident Scene – Pictures can help show the position of the cars and any damage that was done.

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, contact an experienced Concord car accident lawyer. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we can help you determine who is at fault and help you hold them accountable so you can recover compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Concord, NC

Rear-end accidents are the most common type of car accidents, and they can happen for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:

• Distracted Driving – Drivers who take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can rear-end the car in front of them.
• Speeding – Drivers who are going too fast may not have enough time to stop if the car in front of them suddenly slows down or stops.
• Tailgating – Drivers who follow too closely behind the car in front risk not having enough time to stop if the car in front of them suddenly brakes.
• Bad Weather – Rain, snow, and ice can make it difficult for drivers to see the car in front of them and to stop quickly if necessary.
• Brake Light Outages – The purpose of a brake light is to indicate to the driver behind you when you are stopping. If a brake light is out, the driver behind you may not realize that you are slowing down or stopping, which could cause them to rear-end your car.
• Sudden Stops – If a driver in front of you slams on their brakes, you may not have time to stop in time and could rear-end them.

Contributory Negligence in Concord, North Carolina

In some cases, both drivers may be found at fault for a rear-end collision. This is most commonly seen when one driver tailgates the other, and the lead driver suddenly stops to brake check the following driver.

Unfortunately, because North Carolina follows the pure contributory negligence rule, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries if you are found even partially at fault for the accident.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Concord

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, you might be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for costs related to the accident. Suppose you suffered head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other severe injuries. In that case, you may recover compensation for any medical treatment you receive due to the accident or emotional distress caused by your injuries.

An experienced Concord car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Rear-End Car Accident?

In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long to settle your claim or don’t file a lawsuit to preserve the statute of limitations, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries. That is why it’s important to talk to your lawyer about the statute of limitations in your particular case. 

Contact a Concord Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.

Our auto accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation

Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.