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New Haven Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions may be common types of car accidents in Connecticut, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening or stressful if you find yourself involved in one. Knowing what to do and how to seek fair financial compensation for a rear-end collision in New Haven can make it easier to protect your rights in this situation.

What Causes Rear-End Car Accidents in New Haven?

A rear-end collision is a highly preventable type of car accident. These crashes can generally be avoided if all drivers maintain a safe following distance from each other and pay attention to the road.

Many examples of driver carelessness or recklessness can cause rear-end collisions in New Haven, including:

  • Following too closely or tailgating
  • Aggressive or road-rage driving
  • Weaving in and out of different lanes
  • Cutting other drivers off
  • Distracted driving 
  • Texting and driving
  • Failing to keep a proper lookout
  • Brake-checking
  • Driving with broken brake lights or taillights
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving while drowsy or fatigued

Any broken traffic law or act of negligence, meaning the failure to behave in a way that a reasonably prudent driver would have, could cause a rear-end car accident.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rear-End Collisions

When the front of one vehicle strikes the back of another, the occupants of both cars can suffer serious injuries, even if the collision occurs at a low speed. The force of the impact can send a victim’s body rapidly forward and backward. This motion can result in back, neck and spine injuries, including whiplash. A serious rear-end impact can inflict traumatic injuries such as soft-tissue damage, dislocations, broken bones, head and brain injuries, and internal injuries. It is important to remember that sometimes the symptoms of car accident injuries can be delayed due to a rush of adrenaline in the body.

Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Collision in New Haven?

Connecticut is a fault state. This car insurance system allows you to pursue financial compensation from the driver or party at fault for causing a rear-end car accident in New Haven. In most cases, the rear driver is held responsible; it is this driver’s responsibility to maintain a reasonable following distance, watch the road, and apply the brakes at the right time.

However, there are exceptions. The driver in front during a rear-end collision could bear liability if he or she behaved negligently or broke a law, such as through unsafe passing or intentional brake-checking. Other liable parties could include the manufacturer of a vehicle part (e.g., in a case involving bad brakes) or the government in charge of road maintenance.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You?

Proving a rear-end collision case and collecting fair compensation can be difficult as an injured victim. A skilled New Haven car accident lawyer can carefully investigate your crash, collect evidence against the other driver or a third party, hire qualified experts to strengthen your case, and negotiate with a car insurance provider on your behalf. If necessary, your lawyer can file an injury lawsuit with the courts in New Haven to hold someone accountable for your rear-end accident.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in New Haven Today

If you get involved in a rear-end car accident in New Haven and sustain serious injuries, the New Haven injury attorneys at Jacobs & Jacobs can help you move forward with a claim. We will put our years of experience and knowledge to work for you to achieve the best possible results. Contact us today to start your case with a free rear-end collision consultation.

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