Dallas Rear-End Accident Attorney

Rear-end accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, especially in city traffic. Common causes include:

• Tailgating: Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. If they follow too closely, they may not have enough time to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front of them suddenly stops.
• Speeding: Motorists who drive above the posted speed limit or fail to safely adjust their speed in adverse weather conditions can impair their ability to react to other drivers, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Distracted driving: Operating a vehicle while texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or engaging in other distracting activities can delay the driver's reaction if the car in front of them suddenly stops or slows.
• Poor conditions: Drivers must adjust their driving to account for poor weather or road conditions. Motorists who drive too fast in inclement weather and other hazardous conditions can cause rear-end accidents due to delayed response times and poor visibility.

The rear driver is usually at fault for rear-end accidents. This is because all drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to ensure enough time to stop if a driver in front suddenly brakes. In the event of an accident, the rear driver may be liable for any resulting injuries. However, there are some exceptions to this.

In some cases, the lead driver may be partially or fully responsible for the rear-end accident due to:

• Broken brake lights: Inoperable taillights are a common cause of car accidents because other drivers can’t tell when the lead driver is braking, preventing them from adjusting their driving in response to ongoing traffic and surroundings. If the lead driver had a broken taillight at the time of the accident, they may be liable for damages in a rear-end accident.
• Mechanical malfunctions: Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe to drive. If a mechanical malfunction or faulty part causes a vehicle to suddenly stop on the road, the owner of the vehicle may be liable for a rear-end accident, even if they weren't the one driving the vehicle at the time.
• Reversing: A driver who reverses from their home or driveway into an active street or roadway without checking for oncoming traffic may be liable if another motorist rear-ends their vehicle as a result.

Texas is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who is responsible for causing an accident is also responsible for paying damages. To recover compensation in a rear-end accident claim, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. However, liability is rarely clear-cut.

Seeking sound counsel from a qualified lawyer who is knowledgeable about these types of cases is crucial to establish liability and recover damages. Your attorney can help you prove liability in your rear-end accident claim by gathering evidence and investigating the scene of the accident, such as obtaining medical records, collecting witness and expert statements, analyzing police reports and traffic camera footage, and examining vehicle damage.

When it comes to determining liability in a rear-end accident, it’s important to understand how state laws may impact your claim. In Texas, courts use a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury claims. Also known as the “51% rule,” this allows you to recover damages even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, as long as your level of fault is less than 51%.

For example, if a court determines that you were 20% responsible for the rear-end accident while the other driver was 80% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If there is $60,000 available in damages, you would only receive $48,000 after the 20% deduction.

With a whopping population of 1.3 million, Dallas is a high-risk area for auto accidents. In 2020, Dallas ranked #6 for the highest number of traffic deaths, making it crucial to exercise your rights by seeking compensation after a motor vehicle accident. If you were harmed in a rear-end accident, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Seek medical care: Put your health first by seeking immediate medical attention for yourself and anyone else who was injured in the accident.
2. Call the police to file an accident report. Establishing this documentation can provide valuable evidence in your case.
3. Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including any eyewitnesses at the scene.
4. Document the accident: Take photos of the scene of the accident, including vehicle damage and road conditions.
5. Don’t claim fault. Avoid making statements to anyone about fault or responsibility besides the police or your attorney.
6. Contact a qualified attorney. Contact an experienced rear-end accident lawyer to handle your claim and protect your rights.

At Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the enormous toll that comes with a wrongful injury. From affording medical care to securing time off work to recouping last wages, victims often face tremendous physical, emotional, and financial burdens during their recovery. That’s why our firm is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. From truck accidents to rideshare accidents, we have a proven track record of success in a wide range of injury claims. If you were harmed by another’s negligence, our seasoned trial lawyers can fight tirelessly to alleviate stress during your recovery period by seeking the financial relief you deserve.

If you were injured in a rear-end accident, our attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us online to discuss your case.