Rear-End Collision Attorney in Mesquite Helping Injured Victims Seek Maximum Compensation

It is estimated that over 30% of all crashes in the United States each year are rear-ended collisions, making it one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. Rear-end collisions can result in damaged vehicles and significant injuries, and victims may be entitled to compensation. Learn the facts about rear-end collisions and see why working with an attorney may be in your best interest.

What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions may occur due to a combination of factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or even tailgating. A driver is supposed to maintain their attention on the road, observe the speed limit, and avoid following another vehicle too closely. That way, if the vehicle in front of them comes to a sudden stop, that driver will have enough time and distance to react.

When the driver following another vehicle is distracted by their phone or doing other tasks such as adjusting the radio, eating, or reaching for something in the back seat, they may not have time to react and may collide with the back of the other vehicle. Likewise, driving aggressively and exceeding the speed limit or following too closely makes it hard to bring the vehicle to a stop. Driving while intoxicated or drowsy may also affect a person’s judgment and reaction time, causing a rear-end collision.

Is Brake-Checking Illegal in Texas?

While it is common for the driver who rear-ends another vehicle to bear most of the responsibility for the accident, rear-ending another vehicle does not automatically make that driver at fault for the collision. The driver of the vehicle that was hit can sometimes share responsibility if they were driving in a reckless manner or breaking any traffic laws.

An example of this scenario is a practice informally referred to as brake-checking. When noticing another vehicle following too closely behind them, a driver may choose to suddenly apply their brakes on purpose in an attempt to make the other vehicle back away. Unfortunately, this can also lead to a rear-end collision. Texas does not have specific laws addressing brake-checking, but it could be considered reckless driving, and the driver who engages in brake-checking could be at fault for the other driver’s injuries if their actions were carried out willfully. It is always best to speak to an attorney if you believe the driver in front of you caused a rear-end collision due to brake-checking.

What Type of Damages May I Be Eligible to Receive?

Being involved in a rear-end collision can be a very stressful situation, especially if your vehicle has been severely damaged or you have sustained significant injuries. Generally speaking, victims of a rear-end collision may be eligible to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are tangible financial losses directly resulting from the accident. Common examples of economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Non-economic damages are the more subjective losses a victim may sustain, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. As in any auto accident, a rear-end collision claim is the combination of both economic and non-economic damages. It is recommended to consult an attorney to determine the exact amount you may be eligible to receive for your case.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for My Rear-End Collision Case?

Any type of car accident can be a jarring, traumatic event that makes it hard for those involved to figure out the right steps to take. In addition, even when you are eligible to file an insurance claim, you may find that you are dealing with an insurance company that would rather protect its profits than pay you what you deserve.

At the Oberg Law Office, you can get the knowledgeable legal help you need to secure maximum compensation for your case. Attorney Gregg Oberg and his legal team can handle all aspects of your case for you, so you can focus on healing and recovering from your accident. Call the Oberg Law Office in Mesquite, Texas, at 972-682-9700 to learn more.