Can I Be Found Liable If My Car Is Rear-Ended In A Crash? 

Reasons You Could Be Held Liable If You Are In a Rear-End Collision

Although the majority of the time rear-end collisions will be blamed on the rear driver, there is always an exception to the rule, and rear-end livability cases are no different.

In the event you were rear-ended by another vehicle and suffered damage, here are a few reasons why you could be held fully or partially liable for the accident.

1. No Brake Lights

You may have been rear-ended because the driver behind you couldn’t tell you were breaking because your brake lights were not working.

If you cause an accident because you have a brake light out and the police officer finds out, you will be held responsible for the accident.

2. Engaging in Illegal Activity

If you are hit from behind but were operating the vehicle under the consumption of alcohol or drugs, you will more than likely be held responsible for the accident occurring.

Even if the care behind you stops late and hits you, you could still be to blame.

Engaging in any form of illegal activity while driving will always render you, at a minimum, partially at-fault for the accident.

3. Backing into the Front of another Vehicle

Just because the rear-end of your car is damaged and the front of the other person’s car is damaged does not necessarily mean they ran into you.

If you are backing out and into traffic and you fail to yield and hit the vehicle behind you, this is technically a rear-end collision, but you will be considered at-fault for the accident.

4. Making an Improper U-Turn

Maybe you missed your turn and think you will make a u-turn at the next light to get back on track.

If you make a u-turn in an illegal zone, and your car is hit from behind, you will be considered at-fault because your car should not have been there in the first place.

5. Failure to Yield

If there is a yield sign, and you decide to speed up to try and cut everyone off, you will be held responsible if another driver hits you from behind.

You cannot ignore traffic laws and expect to be completely guilt-free if an accident occurs.

When a personal injury occurs, the police will be called, and they will listen to your version of the story along with the other drivers and any potential witnesses.

They will complete an accident investigation to determine liability and who takes the blame.

If you were following all traffic laws and the other driver is indeed given a ticket for the accident, you are entitled to hire a personal injury attorney to help you receive the compensation you are owed.

Check out a related blog: How Police Reports Establish Fault for Accidents.