A rear-end collision can cause expensive property damage and serious physical injuries. Handling a rear-end car accident case in San Antonio can be difficult, especially since a car insurance company will not protect your best interests. It is up to you to protect your rights by hiring an experienced car accident attorney to represent you.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision describes a traffic accident where the front of one car collides with the back of the car in front of it. A rear-end collision can range from a minor fender bender (due to a collision at low speed) to a catastrophic high-speed accident with life-threatening injuries.
If a rear-end collision involves a large truck, it could turn into an override or underride accident; when the truck rolls up and over the smaller vehicle or when the smaller vehicle gets wedged beneath the truck, respectively. Our San Antonio truck accident attorney can hold negligent 18-wheeler drivers and companies accountable.
Common Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
A victim can suffer a wide range of injuries in a rear-end collision. The severity of the injuries sustained can depend on the circumstances of the crash. Examples include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Lacerations and scarring
- Burn injury
- Internal injury
- Soft-tissue injury
- Facial injury
At high speeds, a rear-end collision could take the life of an occupant in one or both vehicles. With any type of injury or loss, a victim in San Antonio can pursue compensation from the at-fault party through a car accident claim.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Car Accident in San Antonio?
Texas is a fault state, which gives crash victims the right to seek financial damages from the driver at fault. The driver operating the rear vehicle is typically held liable for a rear-end collision in Texas. It is this driver’s responsibility to maintain a safe following distance, pay attention to the road and apply the brakes as necessary to prevent an accident. The failure to adhere to these duties can cause a rear-end collision.
If the rear driver is distracted, texting while driving, fatigued, intoxicated, speeding, tailgating or breaking traffic laws, these are examples of negligence that could make that driver liable for a resultant rear-end collision. However, the driver of the leading car could also be held liable if he or she contributed to the crash, such as by cutting off or “brake-checking” the rear driver.
Another possibility is holding a vehicle manufacturer responsible for a defective car part, such as bad brakes that made it impossible for the rear driver to stop in time to avoid impact. Every case is unique; an investigation of the rear-end car accident will be necessary to determine the liable party or parties. After your accident, call the police to obtain a police report. Then, contact an attorney to investigate and determine fault for you.
How an Attorney in San Antonio Can Help You After a Rear-End Collision
If you were recently involved in a rear-end collision in San Antonio, you may be eligible for financial compensation from one or more parties. The right lawyer will take over your claim to ensure that your needs are met and you are treated fairly by an insurer.
Your lawyer can investigate the rear-end car accident, identify the at-fault party or parties, collect evidence, and speak with an insurance company on your behalf. You can trust your attorney to fight for maximum compensation while you focus on healing. Contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo today for a free case review.