San Jose Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Rear-end collisions account for roughly 30 percent of crashes reported in the U.S. at over 1.7 million annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While rear-end accidents tend to be less severe than other types of car accidents, they are not without risk.
If you have been involved in a rear-end accident in San Jose, it is imperative to seek legal counsel from a skilled personal injury lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected and you are compensated for any damages you incurred.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
There are a variety of factors and situations that can cause rear-end accidents. However, some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:
Tailgating
Tailgating is the most common cause of rear-end collisions and occurs when one car is following another too closely. When a driver does not leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, they put themselves at an increased risk for collision. When two cars are too close on the road, a sudden stop or the simple act of slowing down can cause a collision.
Distracted Driving
In rear-end accidents, it is common that a combination of distracted driving and tailgating caused the crash. Behaviors such as checking your phone, eating, and programming your GPS all fall under the umbrella of distracted driving. When drivers are distracted, they have less time to respond to changes on the road.
Speeding
Driving aggressively and above the speed limit makes it hard for drivers to brake appropriately and is a common cause of rear-end accidents.
Failure to Perform Routine Maintenance
Often, a vehicle failure—specifically with a car’s brakes—causes rear-end accidents. Accidents that involve vehicle failures usually could have been prevented with routine maintenance checkups by the at-fault driver.
Fault in Rear-End Collisions in San Jose
The factors discussed above primarily involve situations in which the rear driver is at fault. However, contrary to popular belief, the rear driver is not always at fault in rear-end crashes. Scenarios in which the front driver or another party may be assigned blame in the accident include:
- A three-car rear-end crash in which the third driver hits the middle vehicle with so much force that the middle car is pushed into the frontmost car
- The front driver had a manufacturer defect in their brakes
- The front driver was tapping their brakes or intentionally stopping in an unsafe manner
- The front driver changed lanes in an unsafe manner
Although many people assume that determining fault in a rear-end crash will be simple and straightforward, this is not always the case. Usually, determining fault in these types of accidents is more complex than it initially seems.
Rear-End Crash Injuries
In some rear-end crashes, drivers will walk away with minor or no injuries. However, in rear-end crashes where high speeds are involved, the incurred injuries can be severe or even fatal. Some injuries that drivers may suffer from a rear-end collision include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Lacerations and contusions
- Facial scars and bruises from an airbag explosion
These are some of the injuries that drivers may experience from a rear-end collision accident. If you incur any injuries, it is important to meet with a skilled personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive proper compensation.
Why You Need a Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Some rear-end accidents can be dismissed as minor fender benders and won’t require legal action. However, in some cases, rear-end accidents result in significant injuries to the drivers involved, which can lead to expensive medical costs.
In extreme cases, these medical injuries can have a lasting impact on a person’s life, including their ability to work and their quality of life. In these scenarios, it is best for drivers to work with a lawyer to get the financial compensation they deserve.
Schedule a Consultation with a San Jose Rear-End Collision Lawyer
At Adamson Ahdoot, our skilled team of personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the specifics of your accident. With more than 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases in San Jose, our team offers clients aggressive advocacy and unwavering support. As a smaller firm, we provide our clients with unbeatable attention to detail. We are proud to serve San Jose’s diverse clientele by offering free consultations in English and Spanish.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers, call today at 877-871-3265 or fill out our online contact form.
