Rear-end on collisions might sound less severe than other types of car accidents but still have the potential to cause property damage, serious injuries, and fatalities. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a rear-end accident in Tennessee, a qualified car crash attorney could provide assistance in your case. Speak with a Davidson County rear-end collision lawyer and know you are in good hands.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
There are many causes of rear-end accidents, but some of the most common causes include the following:
Driving while impaired under the influences of alcohol or drugs greatly increases the chances that a rear-end accident will occur. In addition, a motor vehicle operator who drives too fast often has difficulty stopping their vehicle in time, and a driver who fails to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles increases the risk that a rear-end accident will occur.
Finally, adverse weather conditions can greatly impair a motorist’s visibility, and consequently, increase the chances that an accident will occur.
Comparative Fault in Rear-End Collisions
In the state of Tennessee, courts decide responsibility for rear-end accidents based on the concept of comparative fault. Under this philosophy, a judge compares the fault of involved parties to determine the percentage of fault for each party and decreases any plaintiff’s settlement by the degree to which they were responsible for the accident.
To obtain compensation in a rear-end accident, a person must prove that they were no more than 49% at fault to still receive compensation. At 50% percent responsibility, courts assess everyone as equally responsible for the accident. At any degree of responsibility beyond that, a Davidson County court can deny a plaintiff the right to recover any compensation whatsoever. A Davidson County rear-end collision lawyer could attempt to dispute/disprove fault on the plaintiff’s behalf.
Situations Where the Rear Driver Is at Fault
There are a variety of ways in which the driver of the rear vehicle in a rear-end collision can be responsible for the accident. The driver may fail to maintain a safe following distance from the lead vehicle, and as a result, cannot stop in time when the lead vehicle brakes. Alternatively, they may be distracted and not adequately focused on the dangers that lie on the road or fail to yield to the right of way by not slowing or stopping to allow the other vehicle to properly merge.
Situations Where the Lead Driver Is at Fault
Many people assume that rear-end collisions are always the responsibility of the rear-end driver. In some cases, however, the leading driver is responsible for causing the accident. Under Tennessee law, a lead driver might be responsible for an accident when the lead driver’s brake lights do not work properly, if the lead vehicle swerves in front of another, or if the lead vehicle reverses into the front end of the vehicle behind it.
Consulting a Davidson County Rear-End Collision Attorney
If you or a loved one were involved in a rear-end collision, a Davidson County rear-end collision lawyer may prove to be particularly helpful in navigating issues with the insurance company or other involved parties. Contact an experienced rear-end collision attorney in Davidson County today to obtain the assistance you need with your rear-end collision accident.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
