According to National Safety Council analysis of nationwide data, roughly 40 percent of motor vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions. Being rear-ended can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial setbacks. When dealing with the aftermath of a crash, you need a Lafayette rear-end collision lawyer who offers skilled and determined legal support to help you pursue fair compensation and peace of mind.
The Thibeaux Firm is led by Attorney Omar Thibeaux, known as “The 25% Attorney” for his flat 25 percent fee when he wins accident cases. We have over 20 years of experience helping Louisiana accident victims pursue the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a Lafayette car accident attorney.
How Can a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer Help After a Rear-End Collision?
After a rear-end collision, legal representation can help you build a strong case for compensation. A Lafayette rear-end accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are protected and the insurers don’t take advantage of you. We’re committed to helping you get through the legal process by managing all the legal steps involved in pursuing your car accident claim.
Why Are Rear-End Collisions So Dangerous?
Rear-end crashes often cause severe car accident injuries because the sudden impact can throw drivers and passengers forward. This unexpected jolt puts strain on the neck and spine, leading to auto accident injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and concussions.
A rear-end collision can also push a struck vehicle into oncoming traffic or other vehicles, creating additional hazards. Due to the physical impact on the body, rear-end crashes can lead to the need for costly medical treatments and long recovery times, even at low speeds. If you suffered a serious injury in a rear-end crash, an experienced car accident lawyer can review your Lafayette car accident case during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions often result from driver negligence. Although they can happen in a wide range of scenarios, some common causes of these auto accidents include:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers looking at their phones or other distractions that cause them to look away from the road may fail to notice a vehicle stopping ahead, causing them to crash.
- Tailgating – Drivers who tailgate don’t have enough distance to stop safely if traffic suddenly slows down.
- Speeding – Traveling at high speeds makes it difficult to stop quickly, especially in congested traffic. Similarly, accelerating too quickly in stop-and-go traffic can easily lead to rear-end crashes.
- Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, or slick roads can impact visibility and increase stopping distances, causing more of these Lafayette car accidents.
- Sudden Braking – Unexpected stops, often due to traffic or road hazards, can surprise trailing drivers who aren’t leaving sufficient space in front of them.
Understanding the causes of a crash can play a crucial role in determining fault. Your Lafayette rear-end crash lawyer can gather evidence to demonstrate what led to the collision and fight to recover maximum compensation.
Who Is at Fault for a Rear-End Accident?
Fault is usually placed on the rear driver in rear-end accidents, as they are expected to maintain a safe following distance under Louisiana traffic laws. However, certain circumstances can alter this presumption of fault, especially if the lead driver behaves negligently.
When the Front Driver Is at Fault
While the driver in the rear is generally at fault, the front driver might bear responsibility in some cases. This can happen if:
- The front driver suddenly reverses.
- The front driver stops suddenly without a legitimate reason.
- The front vehicle’s brake lights are not functioning correctly.
In these scenarios, the front driver’s actions may be determined to have contributed to the accident, potentially altering the outcome of your personal injury case.
When the Rear Driver Is at Fault
In most cases, the rear driver is held responsible for a rear-end collision. A lack of safe stopping distance, high speeds, or distractions often lead to these crashes. Louisiana law presumes the rear driver is responsible in these situations, and they are likely liable for compensating you. An experienced rear-end collision injury lawyer in Lafayette can help gather evidence to establish the other driver’s fault.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rear-End Crash?
A rear-end collision can lead to various losses. Working with experienced Lafayette car accident lawyers can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – This includes immediate treatment costs as well as any long-term care, physical therapy, medical bills, or surgeries related to the accident.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost income and potentially lost future earnings if the accident affects your long-term employment prospects.
- Pain and Suffering – You can also pursue compensation for any physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the collision.
- Property Damage – Your compensation claim may also include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the crash.
If you were injured in a rear-end car accident in Lafayette, our law firm is committed to recovering fair compensation for your personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free case review.
How Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule Can Affect Rear-End Collision Cases
Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still pursue and recover compensation, but the amount will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20 percent responsible for the collision, your compensation would be reduced by 20 percent. An experienced Lafayette rear-end collision attorney can help by providing thorough evidence and arguments to support your claim. They will also fight against attempts by the at-fault driver to shift blame to you and thus reduce your payout.
Contact The Thibeaux Firm for Experienced Legal Representation
If you’ve been rear-ended in Lafayette, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Attorney Thibeaux and our team are dedicated to offering respectful, determined, and caring representation to car accident victims. We’re committed to making high-quality legal services accessible to all, including by providing representation without requiring any upfront financial commitment from clients like you. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and get started on your path to recovery with an experienced lawyer for rear-end collisions by your side. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence after an injury accident.