Rear-end accidents are some of the most common car wrecks. They can range in severity from a minor fender-bender to a fatal accident. One of the significant factors in determining a rear-end wreck’s severity is the following vehicle’s speed. It is also possible for the following vehicle to push the lead vehicle into other traffic.
If you have been injured in one of the many rear-end car accidents in Iberville Parish, you should speak with a trusted auto accident attorney about your legal options. Louisiana law presumes that the following vehicle is liable, but injured drivers and passengers in leading or following vehicles may be entitled to compensation. A Plaquemine attorney can evaluate your case and provide information about potential claims.
Rear-End Accidents Explained
In most circumstances, a rear-end accident happens because of tailgating, meaning the following vehicle is too close to the leading vehicle. The general rule that drivers learn is that they should keep two seconds of following distance between their front bumper and the vehicle in front of them. However, this general rule is only a rough guide. The heavier the vehicle and the faster a person is driving, the greater the following distance should be. If the road conditions are bad, it can increase the stopping distance, so drivers should also increase their following distance in rainy or wet weather.
Tailgating is not the only cause of rear-end accidents, as anything that increases response time can contribute to a wreck. Distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, and drowsy driving can all decrease reaction time to cause rear-end car wrecks in Iberville Parish that could have been prevented.
Fault in a Rear-End Collision
Like most other states, Louisiana presumes that the person who rear-ends a vehicle is at fault for the accident. Louisiana R.S. 32:81 provides the rules for following vehicles. Generally, the following vehicle — the person whose front bumper hits the rear bumper of the leading vehicle — is responsible. Under most circumstances, they have the most opportunity to act to prevent the accident.
That being said, a leading vehicle can contribute to or even cause a rear-end accident. Backing up into a vehicle, using non-working brake lights, slamming on the brakes, or merging and stopping can all shift fault to the leading vehicle. It is essential not to assume fault in a rear-end accident, and even the driver of the following vehicle may be eligible for damages. Consulting a Plaquemine attorney familiar with Iberville Parish rear-end car accidents can help people understand their rights and responsibilities under the circumstances.
Comparative Fault
Louisiana is a pure comparative fault state. That means each party is financially responsible for their share of an accident. Even if a plaintiff shares the majority of the responsibility, they can still recover from a defendant based on the defendant’s share of fault.
In many locations, if a person is assigned the majority of responsibility for an accident, they cannot recover compensation from the other involved drivers. Because most vehicle accidents involve two or more drivers, a pure comparative fault law makes personal injury claims more straightforward to prove in Louisiana. An Iberville Parish attorney can assist rear-end car accident victims in Plaquemine and the surrounding community.
Learn More About Rear-End Car Accidents in Iberville Parish
Many people have misconceptions about rear-end accident liability and Louisiana’s comparative fault laws. Instead of trying to guess whether you have a potential claim, the best thing to do is consult with an injury attorney serving Plaquemine. They can provide the information you need about rear-end car accidents in Iberville Parish. Call Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers, to schedule your consultation.
