Mobile Rear-End Accident Attorney

Pursue Compensation After a Rear-End Collision with the Help of Our Team

Driving is a skill that demands a motorist’s absolute focus and attention. Despite public awareness campaigns and aggressive legislative measures, distracted, intoxicated, and reckless driving continues to be a serious problem throughout Alabama. In fact, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there are over 155,000 traffic collisions a year, many of which are rear-end collisions.

Rear-end crashes are the most common type of car accident in the United States. Even so, many people underestimate the physical and financial hardships that tend to accompany these collisions. Survivors often sustain an assortment of physical and cognitive injuries that require costly and ongoing medical treatments.

Even if an accident injury heals, the survivor’s body may continue to deteriorate from the point of injury, leading to disc or joint degeneration, osteoarthritis, and other debilitating medical conditions and side-effects. Consequently, many accident survivors need to take legal action just to afford their mounting medical debts and circumvent a bankruptcy filing.

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, contact the Mobile car accident attorneys at Cunningham Bounds today. Our trial-tested legal team has been providing effective legal services, aggressive representation, and compassionate guidance to the wrongfully injured of Alabama since 1958. We have a comprehensive understanding of the various ways a catastrophic injury can destroy your finances and impact your overall quality of life. For this reason, we are willing to do everything in our power to help you pursue damages that facilitate both your physical and financial recovery.

Rely on our 500+ years of combined experience. Contact our Cunningham Bounds at (251) 299-0101 to discuss your case with a qualified legal professional.

Understanding Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision is a type of traffic accident where one vehicle crashes into the rear of another vehicle. This typically occurs when the following vehicle fails to stop or slow down in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front. Rear-end collisions can happen at various speeds and can result in varying degrees of damage and injuries.

Common causes of rear-end collisions include:

• Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle reduces the reaction time if the leading vehicle slows down or stops suddenly.
• Distracted driving: Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can distract drivers and prevent them from noticing when the vehicle in front slows down or stops.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces the time available to react to changing road conditions, including sudden stops by vehicles ahead.
• Driver fatigue: Being tired can impair a driver's ability to react quickly to changes in traffic conditions.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Malfunctioning brakes: In some cases, mechanical issues such as worn brake pads or brake system failures can prevent a driver from stopping in time.
• Sudden stops: When the vehicle in front stops suddenly, the driver behind may not have enough time to react and stop in time.
• Road hazards: Debris on the road, potholes, or other unexpected obstacles can cause drivers to brake suddenly, leading to rear-end collisions for those following closely.
• Inexperienced drivers: Novice drivers may lack the skills and experience needed to anticipate and react to changing traffic conditions effectively.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic or trying to beat red lights increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

Who is Liable for a Rear-End Collision?

In Alabama, there's a legal presumption that the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault in a rear-end collision. This presumption arises because drivers are expected to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and to be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.

However, there are situations where the driver of the lead vehicle may share or bear full responsibility for the accident. For example:

• If the lead driver suddenly reverses without warning.
• If the lead driver's brake lights were not functioning properly, and this contributed to the collision.
• If the lead driver's vehicle had mechanical issues that caused it to stop suddenly.
• If the lead driver cuts off the rear driver abruptly and without warning.

Remember, Alabama follows a harsh legal doctrine known as contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, if the plaintiff (the injured party) is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation from the defendant (the at-fault driver).

Common Injuries & Damages

As the term implies, a rear-end collision occurs when a motorist crashes into the back of another vehicle. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there are over 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States each year, resulting in over 500,000 injuries and 1,700 fatalities. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, these injuries can range from minor to catastrophic for any parties involved.

Common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents include, but are not limited to: