Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents. If a rear-end collision left you injured, it may be in your best interest to seek out the best legal advice available to pursue compensation for your damages. An experienced Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer can offer you their assistance in fighting for the coverage you need. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated injury attorney can represent you today.
Pasadena Laws Regarding Rear-End Collisions
The National Highway Safety Commission reports that of the 6 million automobile accidents every year, about 40% involve rear-end collisions. The law in Pasadena establishes rules about who is at fault in a rear-end collision. More specifically, the legal principle applicable to rear-end collisions is that of legal negligence. Common California Vehicle Code violations that contribute to rear-end collisions can include:
- Tailgating
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving recklessly during inclement weather
- Failure to maintain the braking system on their motor vehicle
- Distracted driving
Under negligence law, drivers are required to exercise ordinary care when operating their motor vehicle. In most rear-end accident cases, the driver who crashes into the back of another car is the party responsible for not exercising this care, which means they and their insurance company may be held liable for any damages and injuries they caused. A weathered Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer can be a valuable asset in proving this liability.
Fault in Rear-End Collision Cases
In Pasadena and throughout California, or at least in Los Angeles County, there is no law that states that the car that is behind the other driver in a rear-end collision is automatically at fault. That being said, insurance companies and police officers often find the car in the back to be at fault because the majority of rear-end collisions can be avoided by leaving a cushion of space between both drivers of both cars, a safe distance away from each other and avoid things like tailgating.
While there is no law that says that the car in front is automatically clear of responsibility or if the car behind is automatically responsible but that is generally the case. It is important to keep comparative negligence in mind because there are actions that the driver in front could take that could reduce the amount of liability, reduce the amount that they are trying to recover in court or when discussing with insurance companies from the driver behind depending on whether they are acting reckless or taking risks that are unreasonable or driving in a way that is generally unsafe or not anticipated.
Role of Contributory Negligence
There is contributory negligence in rear-end accident collision cases and they can lessen the liability or the amount that the driver in front can recover against the driver in the rear depending on how unsafe or how unreasonable they are driving because if they are taking risks, then they are driving in a way that is unsafe. Simply because they are hit does not mean that they will be able to fully recover for all their damages and injuries. A Pasadena rear-end collision attorney can explain the nuances of contributory negligence and how it can impact someone’s case.
Methods and Tools a Lawyer May Use
Some of the methods and tools that a Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer might use are accident reconstruction experts, human factors experts, and experts who can look at the tire marks on the road to determine how fast the parties were going and how quickly they acted to stop. They can use surveillance cameras in the area to try to get an understanding of what happened. Eyewitnesses are a good tool as well. Those are just a number of tools that can be used when prosecuting and pursuing a rear-end collision case in Pasadena. The attorney can attempt to gather as much evidence as possible, while the accident is fresh, as that is the best opportunity to gather such evidence.
How a Pasadena Rear-End Collision Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Pasadena rear end collision lawyer knows all the issues that may arise in your case, and can offer you guidance throughout the potential settlement or litigation process so that you will know what to expect. If you wish to pursue compensation for your injuries, do not hesitate to reach out to a qualified Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer today for your initial consultation.
