Rear-End Collisions in Kearny
If you’ve experienced a rear-end collision in Kearny, you might be facing painful injuries, property damage, and a pile of overwhelming medical bills. These accidents often catch you off guard and can leave you confused about your legal options. A knowledgeable Kearny car accident lawyer can help you take the appropriate steps and make sure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
When you’re involved in a rear-end collision, you can face unexpected damage to your vehicle and painful injuries. Below are common reasons these crashes happen:
- Distracted Driving: Looking down at a phone, changing music, or looking at something outside the car distracts a driver from the road.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely reduces your reaction time, leading to rear-end collisions when traffic slows unexpectedly.
- Speeding: Driving too fast shortens the distance you have to brake, increasing the chance of hitting the car in front.
- Weather and Road Conditions: Rain or ice reduces visibility and makes it harder to stop, contributing to rear-end accidents.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue lessens alertness and slows reactions, which can result in accidents when traffic stops.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision in Kearny, it’s a good idea to reach out to an attorney who can help you move forward.
Liability in Rear-End Accidents
Most people assume that the second driver in a rear-end accident is always at fault. While this is often true, there are times when the trailing driver isn’t entirely or even partly liable. Below are a few examples:
- Sudden Lane Change: If the front driver cuts into your lane without signaling, you might not have enough time to brake.
- Faulty Brake Lights: If a car’s brake lights aren’t working, you might not know they’re slowing down.
- High-Speed Chain Reaction: In multi-car pileups, another driver’s impact could push you into the vehicle ahead, making it difficult to avoid causing an accident.
- Brake Checking: Brake checking occurs when the driver in front suddenly slams on the brakes to startle or punish the trailing driver, leaving little time to react. If you can show that the other driver engaged in this reckless behavior, it may shift liability away from you.
If you’ve been hurt in a rear-end accident, liability may not be as simple as you think. Consulting with a Kearny personal injury attorney can help you navigate your options and accurately determine who is at fault.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Rear-End Accident
A lawyer serves as your voice when you’re pursuing compensation for both physical harm and property damage following a rear-end accident. They’ll begin by analyzing the specifics of the crash, reviewing all available evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any video footage. From there, they can identify who is responsible for the collision and assemble a strong claim on your behalf.
Once liability is established, they’ll negotiate with insurance companies, seeking a settlement that offers you a fair resolution for your injuries and other losses. Throughout this process, they’ll maintain communication with you and make sure you understand what’s going on. By protecting your rights and keeping you informed, a lawyer can ease your stress so you can focus on your recovery.
If you have questions or need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a rear-end accident lawyer.