Who’s at Fault in a Maryland Rear-End Collision? Proving Liability Key To Receiving Compensation

Rear-end collisions are among the leading types of car accidents in Maryland. They happen on highways, interstates, and local roads, as well as in neighborhoods and parking lots and can cause concussions, whiplash, and other severe injuries. While it may seem obvious the rear driver is at fault, there are exceptions and insurers often shift blame onto the other driver to deny or reduce payouts.

If you get hurt in this type of crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your property damages, medical expenses, and other losses. Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys protect your rights and explain how proving liability is the key to getting compensation.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents In Maryland

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents on U.S. roads and can cause potentially life-threatening injuries. Nearly 90 percent of rear-end accidents happen due to driver inattention or failure to react in time. In addition to being distracted, other common causes of rear-end car accidents in Maryland include:

• Tailgating, reducing the amount of time the lead vehicle has to slow down;
• Speeding, which makes it significantly harder to stop in time;
• Improper passing, especially at intersections or in heavy traffic;
• Weather conditions, such as rain or fog, which increase the required stopping distance.

Maryland drivers are generally responsible for maintaining a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles. However, there are exceptions in which the front driver in a rear-end collision may share liability, such as when brake lights are out or they make an abrupt, unexpected stop.

Proving Fault When Maryland Rear End Collisions Happen

While it may seem obvious that the other driver is to blame if you are hurt in a rear-end car accident in Maryland, filing this type of claim can still be challenging and complex.

Maryland’s contributory negligence law makes it so that if you are found even somewhat at fault for the other driver hitting you, it could prevent you from getting compensation in a claim. Arguments insurers often use to deny or downplay payouts to victims of rear-end crashes in Maryland include:

• You stopped suddenly and without reason, giving their client little time to respond;
• Your brake lights were malfunctioning, making it difficult for the rear driver to react;
• You were distracted or impaired, partially causing the accident;
• Your injuries are less severe than you claim, minimizing potential compensation.

Having strong evidence is crucial in these cases. Our Maryland car accident lawyers gather police reports, traffic surveillance footage, medical records, and expert testimony to prove the other driver is liable and that you are entitled to compensation.

Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today To Request A Consultation

Rear-end collisions in Maryland can cause potentially devastating harm. To prove the other driver is liable and get the compensation you are entitled to, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. Request a consultation with our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers today.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/document/analyses-rear-end-crashes-and-near-crashes-100-car-naturalistic-driving-study-support-rear

dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf