If you sustained injuries in a rear-end collision in Alabama, you may have the right to recover compensation from the party who hit you.
These potentially serious accidents are a growing problem for Alabama motorists.
Both drivers and passengers can sustain catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
You may require extensive medical treatment and recovery, preventing you from working or engaging in your normal activities.
Many victims sustain long-term or permanent disability.
To learn more about what causes most rear-end collisions in Alabama, or for help recovering the compensation you deserve, talk to a Birmingham car accident lawyer at the Fob James Law Firm.
What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, driver errors were a contributing factor to at least 114,734 total traffic crashes in Alabama in 2018, rear-end collisions being one of the most frequently occurring types of collisions.
The following are the leading causes for most rear-end collisions in Alabama:
- Tailgating,
- Misjudging the distance required to stop,
- Speeding,
- Impaired driving,
- Tired or fatigued driving,
- Distracted driving, and
- Losing vehicle control.
Other factors that can cause or contribute to rear-end crashes include weather factors (such as wet roads) and vehicle component failure (such as faulty brakes).
Roadway obstructions, third-party vehicles, and drivers who fail to yield or who pull into traffic unexpectedly can also contribute to rear-end collisions.
Rear-End Motor Vehicle Crash Stats in Alabama
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle crashes. They are account for 29% of all crashes.
In fact, the number of rear-end crashes that occur each year in the U.S. is about the same as the number of angle crashes, sideswipes, and head-on collisions added together.
In 2023, more than 56,000 rear-end crashes occurred in Alabama, resulting in thousands of incapacitating injuries and fatalities, according to the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS).
Data from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) indicates that rear-end vehicle collisions pose a growing threat to Alabama motorists.
No matter how carefully you drive, you can’t control the actions of other motorists on the roadway.
What Kind of Injuries Result from Rear-End Alabama Accidents?
Being struck from behind by another vehicle can lead to catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common injuries that result from this type of collision include:
- Neck injuries,
- Spine injuries,
- Facial injuries,
- Head injuries,
- Fractures,
- Dislocations, and
- Internal injuries.
Even a seemingly minimal impact can cause whiplash—a complex injury involving the bones, nerves, and soft tissue of the neck and upper spine.
Many victims do not develop symptoms of whiplash and other injuries for days or weeks after a collision.
If you were hit from behind by another vehicle, seek medical attention immediately and then contact an Alabama car accident lawyer.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Rear-End Car Accident?
If you suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, a legal concept known as no-doubt liability may apply to your claim.
In cases of no-doubt liability, the courts assign fault to the driver of the rear vehicle.
Alabama, however, recognizes the doctrine of contributory negligence.
This means that if you are found to have negligently contributed to the accident–even 1%–your claim may be denied.
As a result, the rear vehicle’s driver (or his or her insurance company) will frequently argue that you contributed in some way to the crash.
Insurance carriers routinely deny claims on the false assertion that you contributed to the accident.
For this reason, even when the rear vehicle’s driver is clearly at fault, you may need an accident attorney to aggressively advocate on your behalf.
Rear-end collision attorneys can help victims pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If your attorney cannot obtain an acceptable settlement from the insurance company, you may be able to pursue compensation by filing a civil lawsuit.
You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Talk to an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Fighting to get the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries can be challenging.
The experienced car accident lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm can help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or to speak with one of our Alabama rear-end collision attorneys.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.