Rear-end Collisions in Virginia and North Carolina

Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of collision we see on the highways of Virginia and North Carolina.

They often occur during congestion and are fenders benders. But, as Virginia personal injury lawyers, we don’t downplay these kinds of wrecks.

Rear-end collisions can cause deaths or very serious injuries. This is particularly the case if you are hit behind by a heavy vehicle like a tractor-trailer.

There is a well-known presumption that rear-end car accidents are always the fault of the driver who rear-ended the vehicle in front. This is not always true.

For example, you may have been rear-ended, and the force could push you into the back of the car in front of you. In such cases, the wreck is not your fault. The driver of the car that is rear-ended may also be at fault in some of these wrecks.

However, Virginia has a contributory negligence law. If you are just 1 percent to blame for your wreck, you may not be able to make a recovery. However, you should never assume you were to blame. By talking to a personal injury lawyer, we can tell you if you have a case to pursue.

Negligence is the legal term that’s used when someone’s conduct falls below an established standard of care. You are considered to be negligent if your actions fall short of what a reasonable person would have done in the same circumstances.

An example of negligence is when a driver changes lanes without checking properly if the road is clear.

All drivers in Virginia and North Carolina owe each other a duty of care when operating a motor vehicle. In a personal injury lawsuit, it’s our job to prove the other driver breached their duty if we take on your case. Here are some examples of negligence on the highway that can lead to rear-ender crashes.

• Filing to stop within a reasonable time
• Failing to pay attention and look out for dangers
• Not driving at a reasonable speed. A driver does not only have to drive below speed limits but to maintain a speed that’s safe for the highway conditions.
• Not maintaining properly control your vehicle;
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Not using use your turn signals and
• Failing to follow at a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you.

f you have been rear-ended and hurt in an accident, please call us at (757) 333-3333.