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Rear-End Collisions

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If you have been injured in a car accident involving a rear-end collision, the Maine personal injury lawyers at Hardy, Wolf & Downing are ready to stand by your side. In most cases, the rear driver in a rear-end collision is determined to be liable for the accident; in many cases, such complaints are settled before going to court but still require an experienced attorney.

It is essential to have attorneys with experience and in-depth knowledge to make sure that you get everything that the insurance company owes you after a collision. At Hardy, Wolf & Downing, you can find a Maine car accident lawyer who will fight for everything you deserve for the injuries and losses that you have suffered in a rear-end collision accident.

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Rear-End Collisions: Deceptively Simple

Almost one-third of all highway accidents involve rear-end collisions. These kinds of accidents can be deceptively simple.

In most cases, the rear driver in the accident is considered negligent under the law. However, in certain instances, there are mitigating circumstances that suggest that the driver who was rear-ended is responsible.

For example, where the front vehicle’s brake lights do not work, or where the front vehicle suddenly applies its brakes without a good reason, or where a vehicle abruptly backs out of a parking space. In these cases, the front vehicle may be partly or completely liable.

In addition, rear-end accidents can result in devastating injuries or even loss of life. At other times, rear-end collisions can initially appear to have no medical consequences; however, common rear-end accident injuries such as whiplash can become apparent hours or days later, complicating the litigation process. It’s important to seek medical attention and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions


Rear-end collisions occur when drivers fail to maintain control of their vehicle and do not or are not able to slow down fast enough to avoid hitting the car in front of them. Common causes include:

  • Tailgating, speeding, or reckless driving. 
  • Impairment due to drugs, alcohol, or fatigue.

  • Environmental conditions, such as foggy weather, rain or snow, may reduce vision and prevent the at-fault vehicle from realizing that traffic has slowed.

  • Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake lights, turn signal defects, or non-working brakes.
  • Distractions include using cell phones or other hand-held devices, eating or drinking, changing radio stations, or any other activities that take the eyes, hands, and mind away from the road, wheel, or the task of driving.

Rear-End Collisions and Liability Issues


In rear-end collision cases in Maine, it’s generally assumed that the rear driver is the party at fault. It’s considered negligent behavior if a Maine driver does not leave an adequate following distance between their car and the car in front.


Maine also has laws against distracted driving, making it a crime to drive while distracted and banning all texting. A driver who texts while driving is already breaking the law; if that driver rear-ends the car in front of him or her, it is clear who is at fault.


Yet, there are factors to consider which may absolve the fault of the rear driver:

  • The brake lights of the car in front were not working.
  • The turn signal of the front car malfunctioned or wasn’t used.
  • The front car stopped abruptly for no apparent reason or for reasons having to do with road rage or impaired driving.
  • The front car merged in an abrupt and unsafe fashion.
  • The brakes of the rear vehicle malfunctioned.

These and other circumstances may make it difficult to establish that the rear car is liable for the accident or may tend to establish that both parties share responsibility.


In Maine, car accidents are adjudicated according to “comparative negligence.” This means that both drivers can receive a share of the blame. However, if the percentage of plaintiff’s negligence reaches a certain level, they will receive no compensation.


When all of these factors are considered, it becomes clear that some rear-end lawsuits may not be as cut-and-dried as they seem at first glance.

 

What are Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Collisions?


Injuries from rear-end collisions can range from relatively mild to extremely serious:

  • Brain injuries
  • Concussion
  • Back and neck injuries or sprains
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Fractured vertebrae
  • Herniated discs
  • Whiplash
  • Broken ribs or collarbone
  • Internal injuries
  • Leg and knee injuries
  • Psychological trauma
  • Blood clots
  • Lacerations and scars
  • Bruises

Compensation for Maine Car Accident Injuries

If you have been injured in a rear-end crash, you likely have extensive medical bills and other recovery costs. You may have missed a significant amount of time from work or even lost your job. Depending on the nature of your injury, you may no longer be able to do your former job. You deserve compensation for your expenses, lost income and earning potential, and psychological trauma that such a crash may have inflicted on you.

In the worst cases, you may have lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, and you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Let the Maine car accident lawyers at Hardy, Wolf & Downing ensure your family gets the compensation you deserve for these losses.

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Get the compensation you deserve. Contact Hardy, Wolf & Downing today to get started with an initial free consultation to talk to a lawyer about your situation.

How Can the Lawyers at Hardy, Wolf & Downing Help You?

We can handle any claim from start to finish; investigating the crash, locating witnesses, finding necessary medical records, dealing with insurance agencies, and building a rock-solid case. We will take care of all the details so that you can focus on recovering your life after the trauma that you have suffered. And you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to make sure you win the maximum compensation available for your expenses and losses.