Rear-End Car Accidents in Houston

The rear-end collision is the most common type of accident between two motor vehicles. This crash happens when the front of a car strikes the back of another vehicle. While they have earned a reputation as being little more than “fender benders,” these collisions have the potential to lead to life-changing consequences.

When you are hurt in a rear-end car accident in Houston, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your physical injuries, emotional pain and suffering, and material damages. To receive a monetary award, you need to establish the other driver was at fault, which can be easier said than done. The good news is that you have the right to rely on a skilled car collision attorney to pursue justice in your case.

Is the Rear Driver Always Liable?

There is a common misconception that the following motorist in these accidents is automatically at fault. While the court frequently finds this driver liable in rear-end collisions, that is not always the case. The law treats these incidents the same as any other injury lawsuit, in that an injured person needs to show the other driver’s negligence led to the crash.

Still, the following driver is often found to be at-fault in these situations. This is because they have an obligation to avoid hazards in the road in front of them, including any vehicles and their drivers with whom they share the road. When a following motorist fails to stop in time to avoid a crash because they are distracted or impaired, they could be held responsible in a civil lawsuit.

Questions of negligence are legal issues. One of the important ways an injury attorney could help is by identifying the cause of a Houston rear-end crash and holding the responsible driver accountable.

Injuries in a Rear-End Collision

Certain physical injuries are more likely to occur than others as a result of a fender bender in Houston. The injury most commonly associated with a rear-ender is whiplash, which involves a person’s neck experiencing soft tissue damage. Whiplash often heals on its own but can, at times, require significant medical intervention. Some other examples of injuries include:

• Cuts and bruises
• Sprains and strains
• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Any of these wounds have the potential to lead to a viable case for compensation when negligence is involved.

Time Limits on a Lawsuit

Anyone considering legal action in Houston following a rear-end crash will need to move forward without delay. There is a legal deadline—known as the statute of limitations—that applies in each of these cases. Any time an injured person fails to comply with this time limit, they lose the opportunity to pursue compensation.

A person generally has two years from the day of a crash to file a civil lawsuit. While there might be limited exceptions that give someone more time to file, it is crucial to comply when possible. Usually, the court has little choice but to dismiss an injury claim forever if it violates the statute of limitations.

Talk to a Lawyer in Houston About Rear-End Car Crashes

When you are hurt in one of these collisions, you should consider exploring your legal options: You deserve to be compensated if your injuries occurred as a result of negligence. Call a skilled attorney right away to discuss rear-end car accidents in Houston. Our team is prepared to handle your legal claim while you focus on recovery.