Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end vehicle collision can result in very serious injuries such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and death. Injuries from a rear-end vehicle accident may require long-term medical care or rehabilitation resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, and even lasting lifestyle changes. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident caused by the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to recover financial damages for the resulting damages you suffer.

What is a Rear-End Accident?

A rear-end collision occurs when a moving vehicle hits the back of another vehicle, which may be stationary at the time of impact, or slowing down just before impact. Rear-end collisions typically occur at traffic stops or in heavy traffic conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that rear-end accidents account for more than 29% of all crashes. According to the National Safety Council, rear-end collisions contribute to 17% of deaths in car accidents involving other vehicles.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Although rear-end accidents are common, they can be avoided. The most common causes of rear-end accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Impaired driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Fatigue
• Failed brakes

Who is Liable in a Rear-End Accident?

Every driver has a duty to exercise ordinary care in operating their vehicle for their own safety and the safety of other road users. This duty require that drivers:

• Be attentive to vehicles in front of theirs and other vehicles and road users around them to avoid a collision
• Follow cars at a reasonably safe distance
• Have reasonable control of their vehicle
• Drive within the speed limit or at a speed no greater than reasonable given traffic and other conditions on the road
• Exercise ordinary care generally to avoid a collision with other vehicles and road users on the road

When a driver fails in their duty to exercise reasonable care in operating their vehicle, and that failure was a substantial cause of an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting damages. All drivers have the same duty, and a victim in a rear-ended vehicle may also be found to have failed in their duty. In such cases, the victim’s damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault apportioned to them.

Compensation for Rear-End Accidents in Kentucky

If you were injured in a rear-end accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to recover economic damages including past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, property damage, and noneconomic damages including for pain and suffering.

In Kentucky, an injured rear-end accident victim may only recover damages that were caused by the negligent driver’s actions. You must prove with reasonable certainty that the damage you suffered was caused by the negligent driver’s actions. An experienced rear-end accident lawyer will have the resources to investigate your case and establish your damages. Your specialized personal injury lawyer in Louisville will also help you gather convincing evidence to establish a link between the accident and your damages, as well as the value of your damages.

Contact an Experienced Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident and you need information about your legal rights and entitlements, you can call Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC. today at (502) 369-0616 today or contact us online for your free case evaluation. Our Louisville car accident lawyers have years of experience helping victims of rear-end accidents get the compensation they deserve.