Tennessee Auto Accident Lawyers Explain Liability for Injuries and Losses in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents often occur without warning, leaving victims with little to no time to react. Imagine you are stopped at a red light in Nashville when the car behind you fails to stop and crashes into you, causing severe whiplash and chronic back pain. Would you know how to proceed? The legal team at GriffithLaw is here to help. Below, our Tennessee car accident lawyers explain how liability is determined and how damages are calculated in rear-end collisions.
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Most Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents are the most common type of vehicle collision. Rear-enders account for nearly one-third of all car crashes. Common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Tailgating: Tailgating is one of the biggest causes of Tennessee car accidents. When motorists follow the car in front of them too closely, they don’t have as much time and space to react when they need to stop suddenly.
- Speeding: Driving too fast can also reduce the amount of time a driver has to react, slow down, or stop. A high-speed rear-end accident can result in particularly serious injuries.
- DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that can impair someone’s ability to drive safely and maintain full control of their vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is an major problem, as drivers who are busy texting or changing the music in the car aren’t paying full attention to other vehicles on the road.
- Weather: Bad weather conditions can also contribute to rear-end collisions. Drivers may have to deal with slippery roads and reduced visibility, giving them less time to react to hazards.
Who Is Typically Liable in a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends the vehicle in front of them is generally liable. However, this is not always the cause. The insurance company for the rear driver may try to contest their client’s liability and assert that the driver in front is partly to blame. For example, they may argue that the brake lights of the car in front weren’t working, the driver of that vehicle slammed on the brakes for no reason, or there was some other mitigating factor.
Tennessee is an at-fault state that observes the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. This means the parties to blame for causing the accident are liable for damages to anyone harmed in the crash. If you are the victim of a rear-end collision and are found to be partly to blame, any damages you are eligible to receive will be reduced by the percentage of liability assigned to you.
This is one reason why it’s so important for people who are involved in a rear-end collision to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in Tennessee, securing legal counsel as soon as possible is crucial to protecting your rights. When you choose GriffithLaw to represent you, we will work with you to collect compelling evidence, including testimony from expert witnesses, to strengthen your personal injury claim.
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Potential Injuries Car Accident Victims May Suffer
When you’re involved in a rear-end accident, you may suffer a variety of injuries. Many of these can be severe, especially if the other driver was traveling at high speed and you didn’t have time to brace yourself for impact. Examples of possible injuries include:
- Whiplash, which can damage bones and soft tissue through the skull, neck, and spine
- Psychological shock, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Broken fingers, wrists, or arms from impact with the dash or airbag
- Neck and back injuries, including spinal damage and chronic back pain
- Traumatic brain injuries like concussions and chronic headaches
Possible Damages in a Car Accident Injury Claim
The range of potential recoverable damages in a car accident can vary significantly based on the facts of the accident and its impact on the victim. In some cases, the total damages may exceed car insurance policy limits. Your lawyer can explain your legal options for maximizing compensation. Your claim may seek to recover such costs and losses as the following:
- Property damage, such as repairs needed to your vehicle
- Lost wages from time lost from work, including bonuses and overtime
- Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injury or disability
- Past, current, and future medical expenses, including long-term rehabilitation
- The cost of home modifications like stair lifts and hospital beds
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other expenses incurred as a result of the injury, like daycare and home cleaning services
Seek Fair Compensation With Our Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers
Victims of rear-end car accidents sometimes proceed with a false sense of confidence because they feel like the other driver is obviously 100 percent at fault. However, things are rarely quite so simple. There is no guarantee that responsibility for the car crash will be fully assigned to the driver who hit you from behind. Even if that does happen, having strong legal representation in your corner can help you get the best possible settlement. At GriffithLaw, we have a strong track record of securing successful settlements and verdicts for our clients, who report being wholly satisfied with our service and professionalism.
Contact Our Tennessee Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a serious car accident, contact GriffithLaw today to discuss your case. To schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experienced lawyers, please contact us online or call us at 615-823-8233. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you are not required to pay any upfront costs to pursue a claim. We charge no fee if there is no recovery. We also invite you to download your free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.
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