Our attorneys represent clients who are in pain and are suffering through no fault of their own. Many of these clients have found themselves injured after a car accident. By far, the majority were in the most common accident type of all, being they have been rear ended by another driver.
The Facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rear end car crashes account for 28% of all accidents in the US.
While this type of collision can cause serious injury, rear-end accidents actually account for only 6% of traffic fatalities.
Because of the nature of such a collisions, when it comes to determining fault of a rear-end car accident, the driver in back is logically and obviously deemed at fault and ultimately held responsible.
Who’s At Fault
If you close your eyes and think of being rear ended by another vehicle, you probably imagine a scene where the driver either takes his eyes off the road just before he rams into you or is following too closely to make an adjustment when you need to make a sudden quick stop. While the driver that does the rear-ending is commonly found to be the one a fault, the lead driver can also take some of the blame.
If you are driving and your brake lights are out or you are planning on turning but fail to signal, you will likely bear some of the responsibility should an accident occur.
Take Your Responsibility Seriously
Driving a car is a responsibility. You owe other drivers, your passengers as well as yourself a safe trip. Below are some recommendations to help you avoid being the cause of a rear end accident:
Every time you get behind the wheel, make sure you are alert and keep your focus where it needs to be…on the road in front of you.
Give plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. A good rule of thumb is the Two Second Rule. To do this simply pick an object on the side of the road and start counting once the car ahead of you passes it. You should be able to count One – One – Thousand, Two – One – Thousand before you get to the object.
If the weather is bad, make sure you give a bit more distance between you and the car in front of you so you have the time to react.
Use turn signals so that the people behind you know your intentions and can adjust their driving accordingly.
If you need to pull over to the side of the road, make sure you turn on your hazard lights so that you call attention to your vehicle. (Do not use hazard lights when driving.)
Be sure your brake lights are in good working order and make sure you repair any issues as soon as you become aware of them.
If you have been in an accident or have a loved one who has been injured, we want to hear your story. Sobo & Sobo has helped victims of virtually every sort of car accident. Many of which were clients who have been rear-ended. Here are a few:
John
John Sherry drives a school bus for a living, so he’s a careful driver who knows the rules of the road. Stopped in his car at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, another vehicle plowed into him from behind. The driver of that car had been distracted by something nearby and didn’t stop in time to avoid rear-ending John.
Sobo & Sobo attorneys and paralegals worked closely with John to win compensation for his injuries and for the injections and surgeries his back, neck and shoulder required. Along with fair compensation for the accident, John says he discovered something else. “Sobo & Sobo went above and beyond. They took the time to find out how I was doing. Really doing. They were like family to me.”
Stephen
Stephen was a passenger in a car traveling on Route 17 when the driver of it made an unsafe lane change. Immediately afterwards, the car Watson was riding in was rear-ended. He suffered injuries as a result and had neck surgery to remedy the effects of the accident.
The insurance companies for both the driver of Watson’s car and the vehicle that rear-ended him would not offer their full liability policies. Following a four-day trial the jury found both the drivers at fault and as a result, the insurance companies then offered their full liability policy coverage.
Stephen shared: “I contacted Sobo & Sobo Law after my accident and their lawyer, Jim Harris, handled my case every step of the way. Sobo & Sobo won the day. They were terrific”
If you have a story similar the ones above, we encourage you to give us a call us. You can reach Sobo & Sobo anytime at 855-GOT-SOBO.
