Regardless of the type of accident you were in, auto collisions are often frightening and have the potential to be life-altering. Rear-end car accidents that catch you completely by surprise can be especially jarring and can lead to dangerous bodily harm, or even the loss of life to you or a passenger.
The cost of these injuries, both financially and psychologically, can be extreme. If you have been injured in a rear-end collision and believe it to be the result of a negligent driver, a knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you recover compensation for these costs, as well as your mental and psychological suffering.
If you need help with a rear-end car accident in Bartlett, reach out to the Law Office of David E. Gordon for guidance you can trust.
Who is at Fault in a Rear-End Accident?
In rear-end collision cases, the driver who hits the other from behind will nearly always be at fault. They are usually responsible for avoiding such an accident by maintaining a safe following distance and properly stopping their vehicle in time.
Rear-End Car Accident Laws in Bartlett
State law requires that drivers follow the driver ahead of them from a distance that is “reasonable and prudent” with due regard for the speed and safety of other vehicles as stated in Tennessee Statutes § 55-8-124. In short, driving too closely behind another car is a traffic offense that can lead to misdemeanor charges. Finding that the individual was following too closely in a Bartlett rear-end collision could mean that they were negligent. This can be helpful information when proving fault in a civil claim.
Exceptions to the Rule
Even though most rear-end collision cases will commonly find the rear driver responsible, there are some exceptions to this, such as:
- If the front driver’s brake lights were not working and this made their vehicle difficult to see
- If the rear-end collision was caused by another driver in a multi-vehicle accident or pileup
- If the individual in the front car was driving distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
While these situations are less common, they do sometimes occur.
Causes of a Rear-End Vehicle Collision
Due to the exceptions mentioned above, determining the cause of the rear-end accident will matter significantly to the outcome of a personal injury case. In addition to following too closely, other causes of a rear collision may include, but are not limited to:
- Poor visibility conditions
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Defective or improperly maintained brakes
- Inexperienced drivers
Seeking the help of an attorney with experience handling rear-end collisions in Bartlett is an important step in ensuring the person truly responsible for the accident is held accountable.
Consult a Bartlett Rear-End Car Accident Attorney Right Away
Rear-end car accidents could leave you seriously injured and in a great deal of pain. Along with these inconveniences, you could also be dealing with high costs from your medical bills and time missed at work. The driver who is responsible for causing the auto collision should be held accountable for their negligence.
Contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon today and set up a free consultation to find out the best way to handle your rear-end car accident in Bartlett.
