A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle runs into the car in front of it. Rear-end accidents can range from simple fender benders to devastating crashes.
These accidents occur unexpectedly. The weight of the following vehicle, combined with its speed, determines how much force the front car will be hit with. The higher the speed and bigger the vehicle, the more forceful the impact.
Regardless of the speed, unsuspecting drivers and passengers tend to get jolted abruptly.
Depending on the speed and size of the rear driver’s vehicle, rear-end accidents can lead to devastating injuries. Some common injuries sustained in rear-end car crashes include traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, head, neck, and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations and bruising, sprains, broken bones, and even psychological damage, such as a fear of driving.
A rear-end collision can cause severe damage to your car. The vehicle may sustain alignment issues, suspension or electrical problems, engine damage, or bumpers falling off.
Some common causes of rear-end collisions include tailgating (following too closely behind a vehicle), speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, road rage, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and knowingly driving with mechanical problems or defective braking systems.
Rear-end Collision Laws In Nevada
Nevada law states that drivers must leave a reasonable space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. Drivers have to be ready to stop suddenly without hitting anyone else. It is a misdemeanor moving violation in Nevada if drivers fail to maintain a reasonable following distance between themselves and other vehicles. Additionally, following too closely may be considered Negligence and grounds for fault in a civil car accident claim.
The other driver may receive a ticket if you get hit from behind. You may have the right to claim financial compensation through the other driver’s insurance or your insurance. Also, filing a legal claim to receive fair and just compensation for your damages may be necessary.
In a few cases, the lead driver can also be held responsible for rear-end accidents in Nevada by braking abruptly or changing lanes unsafely.
Sometimes, third parties may be at fault for causing a rear-end crash in Las Vegas. The potential causes of these crashes include mechanical defects, which could be the fault of the car’s manufacturer,
constant rain, which is no one’s fault unless the drivers were not driving cautiously, or poorly maintained roads and highways, which could be the fault of the city council or county.
Rear-end Accidents And Negligence Per Se
When determining fault in a rear-end accident, the driver who violates the law may be found liable under the doctrine of “negligence per se.”
According to the doctrine of Negligence per se, the rear driver, through a failure to drive with caution or by following too closely, may be at fault for the accident without the need to prove liability under the common law standard of Negligence.
A common defense or claim by a defendant is that the lead vehicle abruptly braked. Even in the case where the front driver brakes suddenly, causing the rear driver to rear-end their car, the rear driver may still be at fault for the accident under Negligence per se if the rear driver was following too closely (tailgating) or operating a vehicle while distracted, drunk, speeding, or another negligent cause.
Pacific West Injury Law – Unwavering Commitment To Safeguard The Legal Rights Of Car Accident Victims
Only experienced Las Vegas auto accident attorneys can successfully negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a rear-end auto accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas, you need a car accident lawyer who can accurately depict your injuries with testimony, exhibits, and experts who will make a compelling case and ensure you receive damages sufficient to truly allow you to recover from your injuries.
Even if you are unsure about whose fault an accident was, the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Pacific West Injury Law strongly recommend you speak to a specialist in car accident law. Compensation can often be claimed even if partial responsibility for an accident is with the injured party.
Money cannot fix the damage caused, but compensation often opens up possibilities for improved access to treatment, equipment, and home adaptations and can alleviate the loss of income that rear-end collisions can lead to.
At Pacific West Injury Law, we have years of experience handling complex personal injury cases and look forward to helping you with yours.
To arrange a free consultation with an experienced rear-end collision attorney at our personal injury law firm, call us today or contact us online.