Did another driver hit your car from behind? If so, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and disoriented, but you aren’t alone. You’re the victim of a rear-end collision, and a Concord car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights.
These crashes often happen suddenly, and they typically cause serious injuries to those who are hurt. The moments following a rear-end crash can be confusing, especially when fault and responsibility are unclear.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we have over 250 years of combined experience. Together, our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation. We have the skill and legal knowledge to represent you as your rear-end collision lawyer in Concord.
How Rear-End Collisions Typically Happen
Rear-end accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These types of collisions are caused by the trailing driver’s failure to stop in time. However, not all crashes follow the same pattern. The specific actions of both drivers affect how fault is determined.
Rear-end crashes often happen during rush hour traffic, at stoplights, or on high-speed roads. The abrupt nature of city and suburban driving increases the likelihood of sudden stops. These car crashes can also occur on long, open roads due to delayed driver response times.
Rear-end collisions can range in severity, from low-speed impacts in parking lots to high-speed crashes on freeways. However, no matter how the collision that left you injured occurred, it’s important to reach out to a Concord personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later.
For a free legal consultation with a rear end accident lawyer serving Concord, call (877) 333-1000
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
When looking at the details of your case, your rear-end collision attorney will be able to tell you what caused the rear-end collision in the first place. Until then, let’s take a look at what often causes these collisions to better understand how liability is assigned in North Carolina.
Distracted Driving
The leading cause of rear-end collisions in North Carolina is distracted driving. This includes texting, eating, using a GPS, or adjusting in-car systems. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds can prevent a driver from noticing that traffic ahead has either slowed or stopped.
Despite North Carolina’s ban on texting while driving, distractions behind the wheel remain a major concern. This is particularly true in growing cities like Concord, where heavy traffic and multi-lane intersections demand constant attention.
Following Too Closely
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 20-152, drivers are not allowed to follow another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent” based on traffic speed and road conditions.
Tailgating reduces the margin of error, making it more likely that a driver will rear-end the vehicle in front during a sudden stop. To prevent this, drivers must maintain a safe distance, particularly in areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic.
Speeding
Speed reduces the amount of time a driver has to react and increases the distance needed to come to a full stop. A driver who goes over the speed limit or drives too fast for traffic conditions can be held responsible if they end up crashing into the back of another vehicle in front of them.
Road and Weather Conditions
Wet roads, fog, and ice increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Drivers are still expected to adjust their behavior to account for hazardous conditions. Failing to slow down or use proper lighting during adverse weather can be considered negligent in North Carolina courts.
Sudden Stops or Unexpected Hazards
Rear-end collisions also happen when the lead driver stops suddenly. While the trailing driver is generally presumed to be at fault, that presumption can be challenged under two conditions:
- If the stop was made without reason
- If the stop was made without warning
This can occur in cases where a driver brakes sharply to avoid hitting an animal, makes an illegal turn, or changes lanes improperly.
Concord Rear End Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Standard
North Carolina is one of only a few states that follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. Under this legal standard, if the injured party is found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, they are barred from recovering damages.
This has a significant impact on rear-end accident claims. In many states, liability in a rear-end collision is usually straightforward: the rear driver is presumed at fault. But in North Carolina, if the lead driver somehow contributed to the crash, they might not receive compensation.
This legal nuance makes it especially important to consult with a rear-end collision injury lawyer who understands how contributory negligence can affect your ability to recover damages in these cases.
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Contact Our Concord Rear-End Collision Lawyers as Soon as Possible for Help With Your Case
Rear-end collisions can leave you feeling overwhelmed in more ways than one, but you don’t have to go through this experience by yourself. Instead, reach out to the Concord rear-end collision attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices.
As Your North Carolina Law Firm™, we can help you understand the details of your case and how to pursue compensation as the victim of the accident. We’re focused on People Over Profits™, and we believe a right without a remedy is just a suggestion™.
That’s why we prioritize seeking justice on your behalf. Don’t wait to reach out for help—we’re here for you. The sooner you contact our rear-end collision lawyers in Concord, the sooner we can get started on your case.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
