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Who is at fault for a rear-end crash in California?

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are an infinite number of ways in which motor vehicles could collide depending on their speed and trajectory when they encounter each other. However, there are certain kinds of crashes that occur frequently.

A T-bone crash occurs when the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another. A head-on collision may occur at an intersection when people don’t monitor their surroundings or accurately predict what another driver will do. Rear-end collisions are among the most common.

Someone striking your vehicle from behind could cause soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, head injuries and catastrophic damage to your vehicle, especially if you had already stopped your vehicle. If you recently suffered injuries or major property damage in a rear-end crash, who is likely at fault for that wreck?

California law addresses rear-end crash risks

Traffic laws in California aim to make road travel as safe as possible. Drivers who comply with the law will significantly reduce their personal chance of causing a collision. When it comes to driving behind another vehicle in traffic, California regulations are very clear.

Drivers should always maintain an appropriate and safe following distance. Lower-visibility situations and slippery road conditions require even longer following distances. In addition to maintaining an appropriate space between vehicles, drivers also need to pay attention to their surroundings and not distract themselves, or they may fail to notice when the vehicle in front of them suddenly stops because a child runs out into traffic.

If a driver gets hit from behind, in most scenarios, there is a presumption that the driver in the rear vehicle is the one at fault for the crash.

Why fault matters after a wreck

Determining the party to blame for a motor vehicle collision is actually quite important because it establishes financial responsibility. The driver to blame for the crash will have to provide insurance coverage for the people affected by the wreck. They typically also risk a civil lawsuit if their coverage is too low to fully compensate the people affected by the collision.

Establishing that the driver who rear-ended you was to blame for your motor vehicle collision will make it easier for you to get compensation for your injuries and property damage losses.