After a car accident, one of the important determinations to make is who caused it. Drivers who caused an accident because of negligence, traffic violations, and vehicle maintenance issues leave them vulnerable to accident claims and lawsuits. And victims will hire the best Shelbyville Car Accident Lawyer to protect their rights and help them pursue the compensation they deserve.
Read-end car accidents are common. A driver may make a sudden stop for some reason such as when an animal suddenly appears before them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t give enough time for the car behind them to stop without hitting the car in front of them. So, who is to blame for this type of car accident?
Fault May be Assigned to the Motorist Who Rear-Ends
People who are behind the wheel must avoid causing accidents by following traffic laws and monitoring road conditions. The majority of education programs for drivers will show the importance of maintaining proper distance while they drive and slowing down if a car in front of them applies its brakes.
Driving while distracted and speeding usually contribute to rear-end accidents. When the police investigate this type of accident and determine who is at fault, they may assume the motorist who hit another motorist from the rear did not watch the cars around them or drove too fast.
Understanding Your Rights Following a Rear-End Accident
If you drove a car and hit another car from behind, you may file an accident claim against your insurance. Sometimes, the police determine the driver of the car in front of you was at fault. In this case, you can file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
But since rear-end accidents usually mean a motorist made several minor driving mistakes, the driver in the rear car may not be allowed to file a civil lawsuit or get compensation when they go to court. This is based on the state’s pure contributory fault laws.
Do You Need a Lawyer If You Were Rear-Ended?
First, it is important to address the circumstances in which your vehicle got rear-ended. Often, the motorist who hit you is legally responsible.
Again, every driver must exercise due care while behind the wheel. Thus, they have to maintain safe following distance and speed. Often, rear-end crashes happen because one driver failed to do any of these things.
If you got rear-ended while driving your car safely, your initial source of monetary recovery is your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. But if you sustained severe injuries, you may be able to file a claim under the insurance policy of the other motorist. After reviewing your medical records, your attorney will consult with experts to know if you can file this type of claim.