A rear-end car accident is a common type of crash that can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, broken bones and concussions. In Wilmington, rear-end car accidents are often caused by careless and reckless driving. If you’ve been involved in this type of crash, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Hiring a rear-end car accident attorney in Wilmington to represent you can make it easier to pursue the justice you deserve.
What Is a Rear-End Accident?
A rear-end accident describes a motor vehicle collision where the front of one car crashes into the back of the vehicle it is following. The forces involved in this type of crash can send vehicle occupants violently forward and backward, inflicting potentially serious injuries. If the force of the crash propels the second vehicle into a third vehicle (and so on), this is known as a chain reaction car accident.
What Are Your Rights After a Rear-End Car Accident in Wilmington?
If you get injured or suffer property damage in a rear-end collision in Wilmington, you have the right to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver under North Carolina’s fault-based law. Determining fault for a rear-end collision takes assessing which driver was in violation of a traffic law at the time of the crash.
In North Carolina, the law (General Assembly Section 20-152(a)) states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” This law places a responsibility on the rear driver to maintain a safe following distance when following someone else.
Under this law, all drivers must maintain a safe amount of space between their vehicles and other cars based on the circumstances and road conditions. If a driver in Wilmington fails to obey this traffic law and does not leave a reasonable following distance, he or she could be held responsible for a rear-end collision.
Can the Front Driver Be Held Liable for a Rear-End Collision?
For the most part, rear drivers are found to be responsible for rear-end collisions in Wilmington. These drivers are often guilty of mistakes such as tailgating, texting while driving, drowsy driving and driving under the influence that increase the risk of rear-end crashes. Yet, there are circumstances where the front driver involved could be held liable.
If the driver in the front position of a rear-end collision abruptly cut off the rear driver and slammed on the brakes, for example, he or she could be held liable for the crash. Intentional brake-checking, an unsafe lane change or broken taillights can also make a front driver liable. An investigation of a crash will be done to determine which driver is at fault.
How Can a Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Wilmington Help You?
The steps that you take after a rear-end accident can impact what happens during your car insurance claim. It is important to report the crash to the police, exchange information with the other driver and seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Protect your rights by not admitting fault and not giving an insurance company a recorded statement.
When you are ready to seek financial compensation for your losses, contact a car accident attorney in Wilmington for advice. A lawyer can represent you during a rear-end collision case to help you prove that the other driver was at fault. If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a rear-end car accident, schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at Shipman & Wright, LLP for a free consultation about your case.