Car accidents are never on anyone’s to-do list, but unfortunately, they sometimes happen. Rear-end car crashes are some of the most common on any street, including those in the Plainfield, Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Fishers areas. As such, you may be wondering: Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?
Andy Mohr Collision Center is here to inform you more on this topic so that you can better settle your collision questions. Additionally, we’ll provide some great information on how to get your vehicle repaired in the case of a crash.
Finding Who’s at Fault
You may think that the trailing driver is always the culprit in a rear-end collision, but that isn’t always the case. Rather, it’s the fault of the person who was the most negligent in the situation. Thus, there are a few ways to discover who is at fault.
- Driver Responsibility – This includes two steps. First, a sense of duty must be established. Since all drivers must own up to one sense of responsibility or another when behind the wheel, this is pretty much already established.
Second, there must be proof that one driver has breached that sense of responsibility. Were they failing to pay attention to the road or their surroundings? Did someone not stop within a reasonable timeframe? This can also be determined if a party was unable to control their vehicle, was not going the correct speed (either too fast or too slow), or was not following the vehicle ahead at a safe distance.
- Negligent Driving in Rear-End Collisions – Typically, the driver who is following behind is considered at least partially to blame in these types of collisions. However, a driver who got rear-ended can also be at fault, but there must be proof to back up that claim. Backing up or stopping suddenly, brake lights not working, or having a flat tire are all examples of the rear-ended driver being negligent.
- Police Reports – If the police were called and came to the site of the accident, a car accident report was made and is available for you to obtain. This report includes the officer’s opinion on what happened, if any citations were issued, and if negligent behavior was at fault. This can be used to prove who was to blame for the rear-end collision.
- State Traffic Laws – Looking to traffic laws for your specific area might also help you find who’s to blame for a collision. If someone was clearly not abiding by the law, that should assist in determining who was at fault, be it the car that was rear-ended or the rear-ending car.
Receive Professional Collision Repair near Plainfield, Indianapolis, Bloomington, & Fishers
Now that you know the possibilities for who is at fault in a rear-end collision, it’s time to get your vehicle back to normal once again. We know how important it is that you get back on the road as quickly as possible, which is why the certified professionals in our collision center are here to work with you when you need it most.
From glass repair and alignments to paint jobs, wheel repairs, and dent fixes, Andy Mohr Collision Center has your back. We can even help you get a rental car if your vehicle needs extensive repairs. To make an appointment for an assessment, reach out to our team today!
