Do you know that rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle accident in the United States? According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), rear-end collisions make up nearly 30% of motor vehicle collisions nationwide.
You need to know what to do to protect your legal rights and financial interests after a rear-end crash—and this starts with knowing how liability is determined for these types of accidents. Our Houston auto accident lawyers provide a guide to rear-end collisions in Texas.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Texas
Cada accidente de coche en el sureste de Texas requiere una investigación exhaustiva para determinar exactamente cómo sucedió y por qué sucedió. Esto no es diferente para los accidentes traseros. Sería un error suponer que todas las colisiones traseras tienen la misma causa subyacente. Algunas de las razones más comunes por las que este tipo de accidentes ocurren incluyen:
- Ir a rebufo (seguir demasiado de cerca);
- Exceso de velocidad;
- Conducción distraída;
- Conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol o las drogas;
- Reserva repentina por parte del conductor delantero; y
- Luces traseras o de freno del vehículo delantero defectuosas.
El conductor de atrás no es automáticamente responsable en Texas
Hay una percepción errónea común que el conductor trasero es automáticamente el que tiene la culpa de una colisión trasera. Sin embargo, eso simplemente no es la realidad en Texas. Si bien es cierto que el conductor de atrás es mucho más probable que sea considerado legalmente responsable de este tipo de accidente, las circunstancias específicas del caso siempre importan. Texas es una jurisdicción de negligencia comparativa, cada parte en un accidente de vehículo de motor es responsable de su parte proporcional de la culpa.
Por ejemplo, imagine que usted era el conductor delantero en un accidente por alcance en Houston. Usted sufrió $ 30.000 en daños totales en el naufragio. Si una investigación revela que la colisión trasera ocurrió porque el conductor de atrás iba a exceso de velocidad y distraído, usted puede hacerlos responsables de la totalidad de sus daños, o $ 30.000. Sin embargo, si una investigación revela que usted es parcialmente culpable porque su vehículo no tenía luces de freno en funcionamiento, su indemnización se reducirá en función de su nivel de culpa....
Rear-End Accident Compensation
Después de un choque por alcance, usted necesita compensación financiera para pagar sus cuentas y apoyar a las personas en su vida. En la Firma de Abogados Kolodny, nuestros abogados de accidentes automovilísticos en Houston ayudan a las víctimas de choques por alcance a luchar para maximizar su apoyo financiero. La compensación puede estar disponible para:
- Reparaciones de automóviles;
- Facturas médicas;
- Apoyo a la rehabilitación;
- Salarios perdidos;
- Dolor y sufrimiento;
- Desfiguración; y
- Discapacidad.
Rear-End Accident FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rear-End Accident in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must initiate legal action within two years to preserve your right to seek compensation for injuries or damages. However, there are exceptions that may extend or shorten this period, so it’s important to consult a lawyer to understand your specific situation.
Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Rear-End Collision, Even If the Damages Seem Minor?
Yes, it is advisable to contact a lawyer after a rear-end collision, even if the damages appear minor. Minor accidents can still result in hidden injuries or complications that may not be immediately apparent. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate the potential for compensation, and guide you through the claims process to ensure you are adequately compensated for all damages.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the other driver involved in the rear-end collision doesn’t have insurance, you have a few options. First, check if you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) as part of your own auto insurance policy. This coverage can help pay for your medical expenses and damages.
If you don’t have UM coverage, you may still pursue a claim through your own health insurance or other personal resources. Additionally, you could explore filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver directly, though collecting damages may be challenging if they lack insurance and resources. Consulting with a lawyer can help you navigate these options effectively.
How Is Liability Determined in a Rear-End Collision in Texas?
Liability in a rear-end collision in Texas is not automatically assigned to the rear driver. Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that fault is assigned based on the specific circumstances of the accident. Both parties may share some degree of fault.
For example, if the rear driver was speeding and the front driver had faulty brake lights, liability could be split. This means that the amount of compensation you can receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.
Contact a Houston Rear End Collision Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation
At the Kolodny Law Firm, our team of the best car accident lawyers in Houston have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle rear-end collision claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a rear-end crash, we are more than ready to help.
Call us now or contact our legal team online for your free, no-obligation consultation. We represent car accident victims in Houston, Harris County, and beyond.
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Where to find our Houston office
Los abogados de lesiones personales de Houston del bufete de abogados Kolodny Law Firm ofrecen una representación dedicada a las personas lesionadas por negligencia. Trabajamos incansablemente para asegurar que nuestros clientes reciban la compensación que merecen. Contáctenos para una consulta gratuita, y permítanos luchar por sus derechos mientras lo apoyamos en cada etapa de su caso de lesiones personales.
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