Rear-End Accident Attorney
Rear-end collisions are not always minor “fender benders.” This type of crash can cause serious or catastrophic injuries. If you have been hurt in a rear-end accident that was someone else’s fault, contact Malloy Law Offices, LLC today. Our rear-end accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for injured people.
Why Choose Malloy Law Offices, LLC?
- At Malloy Law Offices, LLC, we value relationships. First and foremost, we forge a close partnership with our clients. We make sure your rights are protected and your questions are answered, keeping you consistently informed of the status of your case.
- Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, allowing injured people access to the legal system and justice. We never charge a fee unless we win a recovery for you.
- In addition to English, we speak Spanish and Russian.
Rear-End Accident Statistics
A rear-end accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Of all the fatal motor vehicle crashes in a recent year, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that rear-end collisions accounted for 2,350 (6.8%). However, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes are the most common type of collision in the U.S., accounting for approximately 29% of all traffic crashes and causing a significant number of injuries and fatalities every year.
How Do Rear-End Collisions Occur?
Most rear-end accidents are the result of some type of driver error. Common causes include:
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more distance is required to stop, and the greater the impact upon collision. Speeding can lead to rear-end collisions that cause serious injuries.
- Following too closely: Drivers who tailgate put themselves and others at risk. Following too closely does not leave enough distance to avoid a collision in case the traffic ahead stops or slows down suddenly.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on a cell phone, operating a navigation system, fiddling with the stereo, conversing with passengers, or otherwise distracted may not notice that the traffic ahead has stopped or slowed down in time to avoid a collision.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: DUI drivers with impaired driving are more likely to cause all types of motor vehicle accidents, including rear-end crashes.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries, even low-impact crashes at slower speeds. Injuries commonly sustained in rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Back and spine injuries
- Shoulder and knee injuries
Who Is Liable?
Generally, when a moving vehicle hits a stopped vehicle from behind, the driver of the moving vehicle is presumed to be negligent and liable for resulting injuries. However, there are some exceptions. Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule by which the at-fault driver can defend against a negligence claim by proving that the driver who was hit was to some degree at fault for the accident. Situations in which the driver who was rear-ended can be shown to be contributorily negligent include:
- Backing up into the front of another vehicle
- Intentionally slamming on the brakes in a fit of road rage
- Abruptly changing lanes and cutting off another driver
- Failure to use flashers or give other notice when a vehicle is disabled
Connect with A Rear-end Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured when another driver rear-ended your vehicle, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced rear-end accident attorney as soon as possible. Call Malloy Law Offices, LLC right away for the sound legal counsel and strong representation you need after a rear-end accident.