Rear-End Collision Accidents
Las Vegas, Nevada
Rear-end collision accidents
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Las Vegas and Nevada. If you have been seriously injured during a rear-end auto accident and plan to sue the at-fault driver, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We don't charge for consultations.
Usually, we can tell you what settlement to expect and what you should do next on the phone.
What is a rear-end collision?
A rear-end collision occurs when a motor vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, all-terrain vehicle, 18-wheeler, or bus) crashes into the one in front of it.
Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?
All drivers have a duty of care to follow the road rules. When drivers tailgate each other, drive while distracted, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they do not take all reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable harm to others and fail to fulfill their duty of care. In Las Vegas and Nevada, the driver who strikes the car in the front is at fault, or at least partially at fault, and financially responsible for all damages after the crash.
Mechanical defects or road defects can cause a rear-end collision
Very rarely, mechanical errors in the car (e.g., brakes) or road defects (e.g., potholes) can cause a rear-end collision. In these cases, the third party - the carmaker or the city - is liable.
If you hit a car from behind
If you rear-ended someone, you are not always at fault. You would not be at fault if the driver in front were driving erratically or dangerously, making it impossible for the driver behind to avoid a collision. Or if the driver in front suddenly stopped and failed to give any other reasonable notice to the driver behind. Finally, if the driver in front travels a safe distance and at a safe speed, but the weather conditions make it impossible to stop, you would not be at fault. You need videos, images, or witness statements to prove it.
Who is at fault in a multi-car rear-end accident?
When three or more vehicles pile up, the last car's driver or the previous vehicle in a chain (the so-called trigger) is liable for the multi-vehicle accident. The car or, sometimes, multiple vehicles in the middle are usually not at fault because they had no control over the collision. If you have any questions, call our office at 702-432-1000.
We helped many clients to get their full and fair settlement after the rear-end accident.
Rear-ended while stopped
If you get rear-ended when you stop at the traffic light or the intersection, the vehicle behind you is at fault. However, there may be exceptions. For example, if the driver stops his car suddenly for no apparent reason and gets rear-ended, or if extenuating circumstances contributed to the accident, liability shifts to the driver of the stopped car or even to a third party. For more information, call our office.
When a truck is involved
A rear-end collision when a truck is involved in an accident is more complicated than a car accident, mainly because several additional factors are involved.
First, the investigation is more extensive.
Second, the liability claims often hinge on specific federal trucking law violations.
Finally, the settlement negotiation is more challenging because you go head-to-head against a commercial truck carrier and its attorneys.
If the truck hit you from behind
• First, make sure you are OK. Do you require an ambulance? If you are OK, then proceed to the next step.
• Take photos of the truck and see if it was carrying anything heavy. The weight matters because it impacts the time it takes to stop, and there is more force behind the impact. The overall condition of the truck driver is essential, too. Did they look tired or disheveled? Many drivers skip the break so they can log more hours. It is not only illegal but also impacts reaction time.
• Contact a rear-end accident attorney. We invite you to call us to discuss your case.
Rear-ended in Uber
If an Uber driver rear-ends you, do the same as in any other car collision — exchange your information with another driver and get a police report. If somebody gets injured, call the ambulance, take many photos, and gather eyewitness information. Then, contact an attorney who is experienced in handling Uber accident cases.
Rear-end collision settlement
Many clients ask about the average rear-end collision settlement. It may disappoint you, but there is no such thing as an average rear-end collision settlement. Each rear-end collision accident is different. As a rule, the settlement amount correlates to your medical bills (past, present, future), damage to your property (car and other belongings), lost wages due to the inability to work, and pain and suffering.
When you are partially at fault
Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. In Nevada, the plaintiff could collect compensation from ALL at-fault parties if the plaintiff was less than 51% responsible for the accident. In other words, even if the plaintiff was partially responsible for an accident, they are still entitled to injury compensation, but the compensation will be smaller.
The percentage of fault is not always easy to calculate. Often, only the jury can determine the percentage of fault and the settlement amount.
And if the plaintiff is responsible for 51% or more, the plaintiff won't recover anything.
Challenges to rear-end collision cases in Las Vegas and Nevada
• Most vehicle insurance coverage will pay up to the maximum allowed limits for medical bills arising from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. If the insurance company considers the treatment unnecessary or the plaintiff reaches the maximum reimbursement, the insurance will refuse to pay.
• Often, disputes arise over liability coverage, especially if the driver or vehicle fits into particular categories included or excluded from liability coverage.
• Multi-vehicle accidents take a long time to settle, mainly because many parties are involved.
We can help
At Heshmati & Associates, we have recovered money to get justice for nearly every kind of personal injury, including rear-end collision cases. We are very good at negotiating the best possible settlement for our clients.
To discuss your situation, call our office at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with a rear-end accident attorney.
We work on a contingency basis. There are no fees or costs unless we get monetary compensation for you.
Our office represents clients in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Clark County, and Nevada.
Last updated on May 10, 2024.
