A rear-end collision happens when one car has the right of way, and the car behind it violates that right of way and collides with the vehicle in front. If you have been injured in such an accident, an Omaha car accidet lawyer could help you determine whether you can pursue compensation.
Call an Omaha rear-end collision lawyer today to learn more about relevant driving laws that could affect your case. Do not face the legal process alone, get help from a compassionate legal representative.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Omaha
One of the most common causes of rear-end car wrecks is inattentive driving. These accidents often happen when a driver in front of others must slow down due to traffic or a stoplight, and the driver behind him/her is not paying attention. Unfortunately, cell phones largely contribute to such accidents.
Our lawyers have seen that texting while driving is the most common cause of rear-end accidents. For example, a driver who sees that there is a green light before looking back down at his/her phone does not know if the light turns yellow, or if a vehicle in front is slowing down to stop. The person looking at his/her phone would not know that his/her light is turning red, and by the time he/she looks up, he/she might rear-end the car in front because it is too late to stop.
Assumption of Fault
While most people assume that the car behind is always at fault in rear-end collisions, that is not always the case. There are many factors that can allocate fault in such collisions, the first of which is determining the reason and purpose that the driver in front stopped.
For example, if the person in front is looking for a destination in an unfamiliar area and slams on his/her brakes in a last-minute decision, it could cause the car behind him/her to collide with the back of the vehicle. State law obligates drivers to operate his/her vehicles with reasonable care, and anticipating drivers to slam on his/her brakes falls outside the scope of reasonable care.
Contributory Negligence in a Back-End Accident
The role of contributory negligence in rear-end accident cases is to determine how the accident happened, who bears the responsibility for how it happened, and whether the wreck would have happened if the person did not do what he/she did.
For example, a person might roll through a stop sign when he/she does not have the right of way, and another vehicle could T-bone him/her. The driver that crashed into the other may incur some liability if he/she broke any laws — such as driving above the speed limit — to the extent that he/she caused excessive, preventable damage.
Establishing Liability Through Traffic Citations
One of the most telling factors for establishing liability in a rear-end crash is whether either of the drivers was cited by law enforcement for a traffic violation. The violation of a traffic ordinance that caused an accident is almost always going to establish negligence on one driver.
Collecting and Preserving Evidence with the Help of a Lawyer
Evidence preservation is one of the most essential factors of a rear-end collision claim, and a skilled Omaha attorney should be contacted sooner rather than later to start collecting evidence. As time goes by, memories fade, evidence gets lost, and people move around, so it is critical to catalog relevant information as soon as possible.
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Contact an Omaha Rear-End Collision Attorney Today
An Omaha attorney who has experience in rear-end car crashes can help you if you have been hurt in such an accident. The legal process that follows a rear-end car wreck can be complicated and frustrating, so enlist the help of a determined Omaha rear-end collision lawyer today for guidance and advice. Call today and schedule your consultation.
