New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers:  Liability in Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are car accidents that happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another.  These are one of the most common types of car accidents.  It is relatively simple to determine what occurred in a rear-end collision based on the resulting damage to the vehicles involved.  The striking vehicle will usually sustain front end damage, and the vehicle that is hit from behind will have back end damage.  Determining who is at fault, or liable, for the accident is not always as simple.

Usually, in rear-end collisions a driver who fails to stop in time to avoid crashing into a car in front of him or her is at fault for causing the car accident.  Traffic laws require drivers to follow other vehicles at a safe distance that will allow them enough space to stop in time to avoid colliding into a car in front of them.   Tailgating, distracted driving, and speeding are often factors in rear-end collision car accidents in which the driver of the vehicle that crashes into the back of another is legally responsible for the injuries and damages incurred in the accident.

Although the driver of the car which sustained front end damage is typically liable for a rear-end collision, there can be extenuating circumstances in which negligence can be imparted on the driver whose vehicle was hit from behind.  Contributory negligence refers to shared responsibility for the accident, and may reduce or prevent any monetary recovery from the other driver’s insurance company.   For example, if the brake lights on a car do not work, a following vehicle may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.  In this case the front car may be found liable or partially liable for the resulting accident.

Occasionally rear-end collisions involve three or more cars.  Liability in multi-vehicle car accidents can more complicated.  If vehicle A strikes vehicle B from behind, and vehicle B is pushed into the back of vehicle C, the driver of vehicle A may be found liable for any injuries incurred by the driver of vehicle C even though vehicle A did not directly impact vehicle C.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Victims Injured in Rear-End Collisions

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, the experienced Cherry Hill personal injury lawyers at DiTomaso Law will evaluate your case at no charge to determine who is liable for your injuries. If your accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, our Camden County car accident lawyers will fight to make sure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.  Our contingency fees, which are only paid upon successful outcome of your case, are significantly lower than the fees charged by most other personal injury attorneys.

Contact us online or call DiTomaso Law at 856-414-0010 to schedule your free case evaluation.  Our offices are located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we represent clients throughout South Jersey including in Mt. Holly and in the communities of Southeastern Pennsylvania.