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Did you know that rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident throughout the United States? A recent study showed that around 40% of all auto accidents are rear-end collisions typically caused by late braking from distracted drivers. In the city of Phoenix alone, in 2020 it was estimated that around 78% of all vehicle crashes were either rear-end collisions, left turns, angles, or single-vehicle accidents.
With these types of accidents becoming more common, it is important to be attentive while driving and have a trusted lawyer on your side in the event you are in a rear-end collision. Shapiro Law Team in Arizona is here to make sure that you and your vehicle are protected in the event of an accident. Not sure what to do after a rear-end collision? Read on to learn the basics of what a rear-end collision is, Arizona laws about these types of collisions, as well as what to do if you find yourself in one of these situations.
A rear-end car accident, or rear-end collision, refers to a type of car accident where one car brakes too late and collides with the rear bumper of the car in front of them. The severity of the accident can depend on a multitude of factors, including how congested or busy traffic is at the time of the accident as well as the speed at which the cars were traveling. Damage can occur to both the rear bumper of the car in front as well as the front bumper of the car in the back.
How a rear-end car accident happens can vary depending on the situation. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
What to Do After Getting Rear-Ended in Phoenix?
The severity of an injury from a rear-ended car accident can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. However, it is important to take all injuries from a car accident seriously and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Some of the more common types of injuries from a rear-ended car accident include:
The laws surrounding rear-end car accidents are different depending on which state you reside in. However, for rear-end collisions in the state of Arizona, the driver in the rear car is typically held liable for the accident.
Typically, the rear car in the accident is considered at fault for rear-end collisions. However, the state of Arizona also works under a pure comparative negligence system. This means that fault for a car accident is not a black-and-white decision of one driver being at fault and the other not at fault at all.
Instead, the fault is split into a percentage between both cars involved, so one car could be 60% at fault while the other is 40% at fault. However, as long as you are considered less than 100% at fault, you can still receive compensation.
Who Is Usually At Fault For Rear-End Collisions?
What do you do if you find yourself in a rear-end collision? Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, there are steps to be taken after the accident to protect both you and the other car involved.
In the state of Arizona, individuals rear-ended in a car accident have up to two years to file for a personal injury lawsuit against the individual held liable for the accident. After two years, the statute of limitations has expired and you cannot sue the other driver involved in the accident.
Even if there is no noticeable damage to your vehicle or injuries to any party involved, it is still recommended to file a police report of the accident to keep on record. Having a record of the incident at the time it happens ensures that the collision is recorded accurately. In addition, this initial report can be referred back to in the event any party involved files a lawsuit.
Rear-end collisions can be scary for all drivers involved, and the repercussions of these accidents can be long-lasting and impact not only your health but the integrity of your vehicle. This is why it is important to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona to make sure you are protected and receive the compensation you deserve. Working with a trained professional verifies that you receive compensation regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Looking for personal injury lawyers in Arizona? Contact us for a free consultation of your case. At Shapiro Law Team, our team of certified lawyers is here to help you get back on your feet after a rear-end car accident.
I got rear-ended. There is no visible damage to my car, is it worth going through insurance just to have it on the record?
Yes. Having any collision, regardless of severity, on record not only impacts your insurance rates but also protects you in the event the other driver wishes to seek compensation.
What happens if I rear-ended someone but there’s no damage?
A report of the accident should still be reported to both the authorities and your insurance. Even if there seems to be no visible damage at first glance, any parties involved in the accident can still file for compensation.
Am I always at fault for a rear-end?
Arizona state law views the rear driver as the one at fault for rear-end car accidents. However, the state also works on a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you could be found partially liable for the accident.
Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?
Yes. These are often referred to as fender benders, but they are still considered accidents.
Is it worse to be rear-ended while stopped?
Yes. If you are rear-ended while your car is not moving, it can lead to more severe injuries to yourself as well as more severe damage to your vehicle.
I got rear-ended, how much money will I get?
This depends on how liable you are for the accident as well as the severity of the damage done to yourself or your vehicle.