Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. These wrecks happen when one automobile strikes the back of another. Many of these crashes are minor, and the drivers walk away without bodily harm or property damage. Other times, they result in serious injury.
If a negligent driver rear-ended you and caused you to suffer injuries and losses, you may have the right to collect compensation through a personal injury claim. Schedule to meet a diligent car crash attorney from the Law Office of David E. Gordon to discuss your rear-end car accident in Cordova and your options for moving forward.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Vehicle Collision
Being involved in any type of car crash can be stressful and traumatic. Knowing what steps to take following a Cordova rear-end car accident can help alleviate some of this stress and help motorists prepare for their civil lawsuit.
Call the Police Department to Report the Collision
While some think calling the police department is unnecessary, doing so is vital for a claim for damages. The police will complete an accident investigation and prepare a report that contains vital information and evidence.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even when involved drivers do not feel like they suffered injuries, they should seek treatment from a healthcare professional. Many do not realize they have injuries until after the adrenaline from the crash wears off. Additionally, having a record of medical care helps to connect the accident to the motorist’s injuries and is crucial for civil action.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
When drivers do not sustain severe injuries in the crash, collecting evidence at the scene can help build a claim to collect compensation from the liable party. They can take photographs of vehicle damage and injuries, ask for the contact information of the other driver as well as any witnesses, and request a copy of the crash report.
Common Rear-End Crash Causes
Distracted driving is among the most common causes of all auto collisions, including rear-end wrecks. Some of the other common reasons these events happen include:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driver inexperience
- Improper turning
- Failing to adhere to traffic safety laws
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
Wet or slippery roads or poor visibility are also significant causes of rear-end car crashes in Cordova.
The Modified Comparative Negligence Rule After a Rear-End Car Crash
The civil court must examine the actions of all involved parties to a civil claim and assign responsibility accordingly. This means an injured party may receive partial fault for their Cordova rear-end car wreck. Under the Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-11-101, an injured person is still eligible to collect compensation from the other driver if their portion of the liability is less than 50 percent.
The judge and jury will diminish the total award for compensation by the percentage of fault the injured claimant holds. For example, if the award for damages is $200,000, but the court determines the injured party is 20 percent responsible, the total settlement amount the claimant will collect is $160,000. Attorney David E. Gordon can help calculate damages under the modified comparative negligence rule.
Schedule to Meet a Skilled Attorney About Cordova Rear-End Car Accidents
You could be eligible for a settlement when a negligent driver rear-ends you and causes you to suffer injuries and losses. Let a skilled legal professional guide you through the challenging civil court process and fight for a fair settlement amount on your behalf.
Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon today to schedule a consultation to begin reviewing the details of your rear-end car crash in Cordova.
