Whether you’re stuck in traffic or stopped at a light, the last thing you expect is to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, this is often the case with rear-end collisions, which are among the most common accidents in California. As such, understanding how these accidents happen, who can face liability, and the important steps you should take after a rear-end collision to protect yourself is imperative. The following blog explores these matters, as well as why it’s in your best interest to connect with a Contra Costa County car accident lawyer to help you fight for the justice you deserve if you’ve sustained injuries.
How Is Fault Determined in a Rear-End Collision?
In the vast majority of instances, when a rear-end collision occurs, the car at the back of the accident is generally at fault. This is because, as the following vehicle, the driver has a responsibility to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. A such, if they are following too closely and the car in front brakes, the following vehicle may be unable to stop before a collision occurs.
You’ll also find that many accidents are the result of distracted driving. When a driver is texting, daydreaming, eating, or engaged in any other activity that has their attention away from the road, they may not notice the car in front of them braking as they approach a stop sign, intersection, or traffic building up. As such, the distracted driver will be unable to stop their vehicle, resulting in a crash.
In some instances, however, the driver at the front of the accident can face liability, especially in instances of “brake checking.” This occurs when a driver suddenly and forcefully hits their brakes despite having no legitimate reason to do so. This can cause the driver behind to collide with the vehicle in front.
What Steps Should I Take After the Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, there are a number of important steps you should take to protect yourself. Generally, the most important thing you should do after an accident is call emergency services to request a police presence and medical personnel. The police can conduct a preliminary report and compile important information, while the emergency medical technicians can assess and treat the injuries you have sustained. Even if you feel okay, you should allow the EMTs to examine you, as your injuries may not immediately appear.
In addition, if you are physically able to do so, you should begin gathering evidence at the accident scene. This includes taking photos and videos of the damage to both vehicles, where the vehicles are in relation to one another on the road, any hazards or conditions that could have contributed to the accident, and the injuries you have sustained.
Finally, you should connect with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options following an accident. Unfortunately, filing a claim can be a complicated process, and making errors can impact the outcome. As such, the team at O’Connor Law APC is ready to fight for you. We understand how overwhelming it can be to file a lawsuit while healing from the injuries endured, which is why we are here to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances during a free consultation with a member of our dedicated legal team.
