Rear-end accidents are some of the most common traffic crashes in North Carolina and across the country. They can range from relatively minor fender benders to multi-car pile-ups at high speeds.
These collisions often occur when heavy traffic comes to an unexpected halt but can also happen in low-speed scenarios at stop signs and traffic lights. Driver distraction, fatigue, and impairment are common causes, not to mention mistakes behind the wheel. Harsh weather and poor road conditions can also play a role in rear-end collisions.
At Martin & Jones, our Raleigh rear-end collisions lawyers help people and families who have been injured in rear-end collisions and other crashes. We are accomplished attorneys who combine decades of experience to maximize our clients’ compensation and hold negligent drivers fully responsible for the devastation they cause.
Traffic accidents happen, even for the most experienced and cautious drivers. When they occur, crashes can come with significant and even life-changing consequences. It is important to know that you are not alone: A lawyer at our firm can guide you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
What Is a Rear-End Accident?
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle strikes the back of the car in front of it. Nearly one-third of all traffic accidents are rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The majority of those crashes involve one car moving slowly or completely stopped at the time.
They often seem minor because of the relatively minimal physical damage the crashes may cause to the vehicles involved. Even those involved in a rear-end crash may not be fully aware of any injuries, especially those that happen at low speeds, because symptoms may not emerge until after the collision. These collisions can come with severe and lasting injuries.
Our rear-end collisions lawyers commonly see cases involving cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. These crashes can raise complicated questions of liability, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. Insurance companies often fight aggressively to limit or avoid payouts. That is why having an experienced accident attorney in your corner is crucial.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
The rear driver is often – but not always – to blame for rear-end crashes. That is because the rear driver typically fails to stop in time to prevent the collision.
Some of the most common factors behind these crashes include:
- Tailgating: Following too closely makes it harder to react in time when vehicles ahead stop abruptly.
- Distraction: A rear driver who is not paying attention may not notice in time that traffic is slowing.
- Front driver cut off: A vehicle swerves in front of another car, causing it to hit the brakes and resulting in a collision with another car behind it.
- Speeding: The faster a car is traveling, the more time it takes for the vehicle to slow down or come to a stop.
- Fatigue: Driving while drowsy decreases awareness and slows reaction time.
- Impairment: Getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs, even over-the-counter or prescribed medication, is a reckless decision that puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Malfunctioning vehicle: Mechanical problems may cause a lead car to slow or stop unexpectedly or make it harder for the rear car to stop.
Most of these scenarios involve negligence by one or more drivers. All motorists in North Carolina have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. That means remaining alert and aware behind the wheel, complying with traffic rules, and refraining from dangerous behavior like drinking and driving.
Anyone who does not live up to this responsibility is considered negligent and likely to be held liable for any accidents that happen as a result. Although drivers may point the finger at one another, witness statements and physical evidence can cut through the noise. A car that has been rear-ended typically shows damage to the back bumper, while a vehicle that has rear-ended another car typically shows damage to the front bumper.
A Raleigh rear-end accident lawyer at our firm can help you determine how a crash happened, identify those to blame, and obtain the full compensation available under the law.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Crashes
The type and severity of any injuries in a rear-end collision vary based on the speed at which the cars are traveling and the size of the vehicles, among other factors.
Occupants of both the vehicle in front and the rear vehicle behind can suffer traumatic force during the impact. The driver and passengers may be propelled backward while those in the rear vehicle are launched forward.
Our rear-end collision lawyers commonly handles cases involving the following injuries:
- Eye damage
- Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Damage to internal organs
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
The force of a rear-end collision can knock one or more vehicles off the road or into oncoming traffic. Rear-end crashes also often cause chain reactions, increasing the number of vehicles involved and the amount of people hurt.
Drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts are at much greater risk of injury and death in rear-end and other traffic accidents. More than 500 people are killed statewide in crashes while not buckled up every year, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. People who are not wearing seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from their vehicles in the event of a collision.
Our Raleigh Rear-End Collision Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident or other type of crash, the Raleigh personal injury trial lawyers at Martin & Jones offer compassionate, results-driven representation. There are time limits for filing a car accident lawsuit in North Carolina, so please contact our offices right away for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our team can be reached online or by phone at 1-800-662-1234. We have offices in Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington and serve clients throughout the state.
FOR FREE No Win, No Fee
Review Us
“Thank you so much for everything that you did for Gene and I in our lawsuit and trial. We appreciate all of the hard work, long hours and care that was shown to us. All of you are such special people to us. We are so fortunate to have been represented by the five of you. I hope that you got the chance to get some well deserved rest and sleep. Thanks again for everything. Sincerely…”
