Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law helps car accident victims in Oklahoma City. Any car accident brings up questions, but most revolve around who’s at-fault. Even in something as seemingly simple as a rear-end collision, fault can sometimes be difficult to untangle. Our team of car accident lawyers can help you through this process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who’s At-Fault in a Rear-End Car Accident?
It might seem easy to figure out who’s at-fault for a rear-end accident in Oklahoma City. The driver that hits you is going to be mostly responsible because of something they did–or didn’t do. In legal terms, this is known as negligence, and it’s the key to figuring out who’s at-fault. In fact, in any car accident, you’re going to have to show that:
- The other party had a duty to drive safely.
- They failed to meet this duty (they were careless).
- This carelessness caused the accident.
- The accident directly led to your injuries or damages.
Once you show these points, you can figure out who’s at-fault. Even in a rear-end collision, though, more than one person or group might share some of the blame. Usually, this involves:
- Pedestrians or passengers – They might share blame if they stepped into traffic suddenly or distracted the driver.
- Vehicle owners – If a car’s poor maintenance (like broken brake lights) caused the accident, the owner could be responsible. They might also share blame if they let someone else drive the car.
- Car or parts manufacturers – If a car defect, such as faulty brakes or lights, led to the crash, the maker or seller could be at fault.
- Government agencies – If bad road conditions or broken traffic signals were involved, the responsible government agency could be liable.
In Oklahoma, you can file a claim against anyone who shares fault. While this can make the process more complicated, it can also help you get more financial support in the legal process. That said, it’s important to look at how these accidents happen so you can narrow down who’s at-fault.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents in Oklahoma City?
There’s several factors and conditions that often lead to rear-end accidents in Oklahoma City, especially when negligence is involved. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can happen anywhere, but especially in busier areas like Bricktown or highways like I-35. So, here’s a look at some of the more common causes of rear-end accidents in Oklahoma City:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of a rear-end collision. Drivers who focus on their phones, eat, or talk to passengers may not notice when the vehicle in front of them slows down or stops.
- Tailgating – Driving too closely behind another vehicle is another major cause. If the lead vehicle stops suddenly, the driver behind may not have enough time to react and avoid a crash.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drug use can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make good decisions, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end accident.
- Speeding – Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions can make it harder for drivers to stop quickly enough to avoid hitting the car ahead of them.
- Poor visibility – Bad weather, like rain, fog, or night driving, can reduce visibility. This makes it harder for drivers to see what’s ahead, increasing the risk of a rear-end accident.
- Part failures – Sometimes, rear-end accidents happen because of vehicle issues like faulty brakes. If a car’s brakes fail, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris, can also cause rear-end accidents. Drivers may lose control or fail to stop in time if they hit a hazard in the road.
No matter what causes your particular rear-end collision, the outcome is likely to result in pretty serious injuries and other damage and losses you’ll have to deal with. The best way to do that is to go through the legal process, and that’s an area where our experienced team can guide and support you.
Why Should You File a Claim After a Rear-End Accident in Oklahoma City?
After a rear-end collision or car accident in Oklahoma City, your main priority should always be your health and safety. However, once you’re focused on recovery, you’ll need to go through the legal process to fully access the financial support and benefits that the law makes available to you. Our experienced team at Ylla Gosney can guide you through each step of the process, making sure you have a strong claim for damages that will help you recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages from missed work or lost benefits and earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your car or other damaged property
- Costs relating to your pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Costs relating to any reduced quality of life or companionship because of the accident
- Wrongful death expenses if your injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages, in cases of intentional negligence (like DUI)
Going through the legal process after a rear-end collision is challenging, but it’s easier with the right help. Our team can help you by providing experienced legal guidance, investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed. Most importantly, we offer peace of mind, handling the legal side of things so you can focus on getting better. With our support, you won’t have to face this challenging process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
