Protecting the Rights
of Injury Victims

Thomas DeLattre and Glen D. Wieland

Who is at fault in a rear-end auto accident?

On Behalf of | Mar 17, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

When taking to the road in Orlando and the nearby areas in Florida, drivers should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. In many cases, avoiding a motor vehicle accident (MVA) hinges on reacting if a dangerous situation arises. However, certain collisions cannot be avoided. A prime example is a rear-end crash. Knowing who is at fault may be essential when considering the available steps to take in the aftermath.

Rear-end collisions are common

There are certain important factors to remember with rear-end auto accidents. Statistically, one study says that approximately 29% of auto accidents that lead to a serious injury are rear-end crashes. More than 7% of traffic deaths happen in this kind of accident. There is a perception that the driver of the vehicle that collided with the one in front of it is at fault, but that might not be true.

The circumstances of every case must be analyzed. Frequently, rear-end accidents happen if a vehicle slows suddenly because of traffic ahead of it, because of a driver not seeing the vehicle in front with its turn signal activated, because of a traffic light about to change, because of a driver slowing instead of speeding through, or because of falsely anticipating that a vehicle in front will immediately move when the light changes. In other cases, the driver who was rear-ended could be somewhat responsible for stopping short without reason, for backing up without warning, for brake light malfunctions, or for not slowing when turning.

Assessing how the accident happened is imperative

People simply out for a day of leisure or on their way to work can have their lives upended by an MVA. Medical costs, lost income, a radically changed life, and even fatalities can result.

To adequately recover, it might be necessary to consider legal options. Some might fear this alternative due to misplaced beliefs about its cost. Generally, there is no charge unless the injured person receives compensation. When justice matters, people who have been negatively impacted by a rear-end MVA should be aware of their rights and how to move forward in pursuing a case.

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