Posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 at 3:58 pm
If I’ve been hit in a rear-end collision, is the driver behind me automatically at fault?
When rear-end collisions happen, the trailing driver will likely be considered at least partially responsible for the accident. This is because all drivers have a responsibility to follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If the car in front of you needs to slow down or stop for any reason, you need to allow enough distance to bring the vehicle to a sudden stop and avoid a collision.
There are some instances in which the driver of the car that was rear-ended could be partially responsible for the accident. Some examples of negligence on the part of the driver in front include:
- Broken or malfunctioning brake lights – If the vehicle’s brake lights were not functioning correctly, the driver of the following vehicle might not have adequate warning of the impending stop.
- Reversing suddenly – If the driver in front reverses without notice, they could be at fault for the accident.
- Stopping for no reason – If the driver in front stops without an apparent reason, they could be held liable for the crash.
- Mishandling mechanical problems – Stopping to address a mechanical issue is normal, but drivers have a responsibility to pull over to the side of the road or engage their hazard lights.
When it comes to recovering compensation for a rear-end collision, it is important to note how the process works. Alabama subscribes to a “contributory negligence” system, which means that it will be challenging to recover compensation if you are found to be at fault for the crash by even a slight percentage.
That’s why it is so important to have an experienced Birmingham car accident attorney on your side if you’ve been hurt or if your property was damaged in a rear-end collision. To secure the compensation you need to pay your medical bills, replace lost wages from time missed from work, and get your vehicle repaired or replaced, you will need to present a convincing claim, and for that you will need a good car accident lawyer.
The lawyer assigned to your personal injury case will work quickly to secure all of the necessary evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault and behaved negligently. They will negotiate with insurance company representatives to get a fair settlement for your claim, and if no such arrangement is offered, they will try your case in court.
The most important thing to remember after a car accident is that time is of the essence. You should first seek immediate medical attention and then contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure that vital evidence is preserved and witness testimony is secured.
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If you have been hurt in an accident in Alabama, the Birmingham car accident lawyers at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP are here to help you. We have the experience, skill, and resources that you need on your side.
Call us at (205) 324-1212, chat with us live, or fill out a contact form to schedule a free consultation with us today.
