Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by rear-end accidents that occur every year, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimating that rear-end shunt or rear-end collisions account for 33% of injury-causing accidents in the U.S.
Rear-end crashes are common in specific areas, particularly congested urban areas in locations such as roundabouts and junctions where drivers are often in a rush. So, what is a rear-end collision? A rear-end crash describes an auto accident between two or more vehicles in which one car collides or crashes into the rear of another.
If your life or that of a loved one has been affected by a rear-end car accident in North Carolina, we can help. Whether you were slowing down or stopped when the crash happened, you may be able to obtain compensation. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, our experienced car accident attorneys can work with you to get the compensation you need and deserve. For answers to your questions and more information, call our Charlotte rear-end car accident lawyers today at (800) 693-7833.
What Are the Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in North Carolina?
A rear-end shunt or a rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle collides into the back of the car in front. Either when the front vehicle is stationary or stopped, for example, at a roundabout, stop sign, traffic lights, a junction, or in areas where traffic is moving slowly.
If a row of vehicles is involved in a rear-end shunt – multiple rear-end crashes can occur. In most cases, accidents such as these happen due to one motorist’s negligence driving too close to the car in front and fails to stop on time, or another motorist lapping on without brake lights. Other common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting while driving)
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving/DUI
- Tailgating (following the car in front too closely)
- Vehicle malfunction
- Bad weather (heavy rain, icy roads, and fog can result in wet roads and reduced visibility, all making rear-end crashes more likely)
Distracted driving and reckless behavior are perhaps the most common cause of rear-end collisions. Driver distraction leads to slower reaction times, which means the driver may not have time to slow or stop on time. Also, the build-up of traffic can cause frustrations and temper frays resulting in reckless driving that leads to rear-end crashes.
If you’ve sustained injuries in any kind of rear-end car accident that wasn’t your fault, call Ted A. Greve & Associates today. We can work with you to file your claim and pursue the compensation you need to open a new chapter in your life.
What Are the Injuries Commonly Caused by Rear-End Accidents?
When another car crashes into another from the rear, severe injuries can result even when the crash occurs at a low speed. Injuries can be fatal if the collision occurs at high speeds.
Common rear-end shunt accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Bruising
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations
- Head trauma
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in North Carolina?
If you’ve suffered any damage or injury related to a rear-end crash in Charlotte, NC, that was caused by someone else, you may be able to claim compensation – so long as you file your claim within the statutes of limitations for car accident in North Carolina.
The statute of limitation for personal injury claims from car crashes, including rear-end collisions, is three years after the accident date. The Charlotte rear-end car accident lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates are prepared to review and file your claim on time. Learn more about deadlines related to car accident claims in North Carolina and your legal options by booking a free case consultation with our lawyers.
What Steps Should You Take if Involved in a Rear-End Collision?
Following a rear-end collision or any other auto accident in North Carolina, you should take the same practical steps. These steps include:
Check for Injuries
Check for injuries, and put your safety and well-being first; if your physical and mental condition permits, check on others. If anyone needs medical help, perform first aid but do not move anyone with neck or back pain unless they are in imminent danger.
Call the Police and an Ambulance
Call an ambulance to attend to the injured and the police to write and file a report of the crash.
Stay at the Scene and Gather Evidence
Don’t leave the scene! Take photos of the accident. You’ll want to capture the vehicles’ position, tire marks, number plates, and any detail that could help your case.
Collect Information
Get the other motorist’s contact and insurance information. Also, take the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
See a Doctor
Get treated at a hospital. This will help identify any underlying or “silent” injuries. Besides, a record will be made of your injuries and any trauma you sustained, so it’s crucial you tell your doctor everything you feel, no matter how small.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurance company of the crash. However, consider doing this after speaking to a trusted lawyer.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Call a well-reputed Charlotte car accident lawyer. While rear-end crashes tend to be straightforward, you’ll want an experienced expert by your side to eliminate any chances of compromising your ability to recover compensation.
How is Fault Determined for a Rear-End Car Collision in North Carolina?
Typically, the driver of the vehicle that collides into another is legally liable for a rear-end crash since it is his/her responsibility to maintain a safe distance between his/her car and the vehicle in front, ensuring he/she has enough time to react and stop should the leading car also stop.
If it’s a rear-end shunt involving multiple vehicles, the fault falls on the driver at the very rear of the chain or cars. Each of the subsequent collisions was by his/her negligence. Therefore, all claims should be met by his/her insurance company.
However, there are incidents where the driver in front is liable for the crash or shares some responsibility because his/her actions contributed to the collision. For instance, when a driver was rear-ended by another car because his/her tail lights were out.
Note that North Carolina uses contributory negligence, which means that any party found responsible for the crash – even if he or she was 1% responsible for the crash – cannot recover any compensation. An experienced rear-end crash attorney can prove the other driver’s negligence and accurately determine their fault for the crash.
What Can I Recover as Compensation for a Rear-End Collision Claim?
In Charlotte, North Carolina, rear-end car accident victims can file an injury or product liability claim to recover compensation for damages related to the accident. Damages that may be awarded for rear-end shunt or rear-end collisions include:
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
When a rear-end crash causes a wrongful death, the surviving family can seek compensation for:
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income of the deceased
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Rear-End Accident Claim?
An experienced and knowledgeable rear-end car accident attorney can assist you in several ways after a crash caused by another motorist. A skilled attorney can do the following for you:
- Investigate the contributing and surrounding factors to the accident
- Collect evidence
- Determine fault and identify all liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Define damages and estimate compensation
- Stand against scare tactics
- Offer guidance and support through the process
- Trial representation
By hiring a lawyer for your rear-end accident claim, you can avoid making unfortunate decisions, even if it was a minor accident. At the very least, consider calling our offices for a free initial consultation to know where you stand. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews, and we can inform you of your legal options for pursuing compensation for your losses.
Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer Fees
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we accept rear-end car accident cases on contingency (referred to as a no-win, no-fee agreement), so we can take your rear-end injury claim without asking for any upfront legal fees. And if your injury claim is not successful, you won’t have to pay.
You have been through enough as it is. It may seem today as though your rear-end car accident has taken over your life, but don’t lose hope; there’s a chance to gain the upper hand in this situation and recover compensation for losses and injuries. An experienced rear-end car accident lawyer can take the heavy lifting off your hands and maximize your compensation.
Contact a Charlotte Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you have any questions regarding car accidents in North Carolina or would like to begin a no-win, no-fee claim, call Ted A. Greve & Associates. Whether you were rear-ended at a junction, red light, stop sign, or elsewhere, we can help. Call our Charlotte rear-end accident attorneys at (800) 693-7833 today for a free consultation.
