Rear-End Car Accidents in Bakersfield

Rear-end collisions may have a reputation for being relatively minor, but the reality is that these accidents may change your life permanently. Even low-speed crashes could result in neck injuries and other conditions that affect you for months or years.

If you were hurt in a rear-end car accident in Bakersfield, you could benefit from a discussion with a dedicated injury attorney. Recovering financial compensation is possible if there is evidence that the other driver was negligent.

How Do These Accidents Happen?

Numerous scenarios could ultimately lead to a rear-end collision in Bakersfield. More often than not, these accidents occur due to mistakes made by the driver in the rear car. Distraction is a major issue, as motorists who fail to keep a watchful eye on the road ahead might realize too late that the driver in front of them has slowed down or stopped suddenly.

These accidents can also occur in harsh weather conditions. Wet, slippery roads increase the odds of a crash, especially when the other driver is traveling at unsafe speeds.

The support of an attorney could be helpful in these situations, as they provide insight into whether an accident occurred due to negligence. It may not be immediately clear when another person’s carelessness caused a collision.

Who Is at Fault for a Rear-End Collision?

In Bakersfield, there is a presumption that the rear driver is at fault when they strike the car in front of them. Motorists must carefully watch the road ahead, and it is the rear driver’s responsibility to maintain a safe distance and watch for changing road conditions to avoid a crash.

Presumptions can be powerful in a personal injury case because they favor one side over another. Without evidence to rebut the presumption, the rear driver is generally found negligent.

However, under certain circumstances, fault may lie with the lead driver or another party. Examples include:

• Brake checking
• Defective braking systems
• Reckless driving
• Sudden stops
• Multi-vehicle collisions

It is important to remember that rebutting a presumption is possible.

Why Comparative Negligence Rules Matter

Determining which party is at fault for a rear-end car crash in Bakersfield is not always straightforward. It is possible for both parties involved to share some of the blame. California applies a legal standard called comparative negligence to determine whether a party is eligible for damages even when they are partially at fault.

Under the law, plaintiffs may seek compensation whenever someone else is responsible for their losses. This is true even if the plaintiff is primarily to blame. For example, a party that is 99 percent liable for a collision could still seek damages, although they would have their recovery reduced by their percentage of fault.

In the above example, that means the injured party would only recover one percent of their total losses.

Talk to an Attorney in Bakersfield About Rear-End Car Accidents

There are countless types of collisions between vehicles every day, but none are as common as rear-end car accidents in Bakersfield. If you were hurt after being rear-ended, it is time to explore your legal options. It may be possible to recoup your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

You have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about your rights during a confidential consultation with an attorney. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule yours.