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Maryland Car Accident Lawyer

Who is at Fault for a Rear End Car Collision in Maryland?


A rear-end collision is violent, typically drivers don’t see the other vehicle coming. the impact can startle and jolt passengers in the vehicle causing serious injuries and even death. Baltimore personal injury lawyer Randolph Rice discusses.

Who is at Fault in a Maryland Rear-End Collision?

In almost every rear-end collision, the driver of the second vehicle is at fault. That means the person that was operating the vehicle that struck the rear of the other vehicle is liable.

However, there are times when a rear-end collision can be the fault of the front vehicle. This can occur when the first vehicle backs into the second vehicle. Even though it may not be a rear-end collision (backing accident), it is a case of backing up without looking. Other circumstance where the front vehicle driver may be at fault is if there is contributory negligence on the part of that driver.

What is a Rear End Collision?

A rear-end collision (often called rear-ender) is a traffic accident where a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle) makes contact with the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end accidents can occur at any speed from low speeds such as 1-20 mph up to high-speed accidents in excess of 65 mph.

Maryland Rear End Collision Laws

Title 21 of the Maryland Vehicle laws provide the Rules of the Road. In general, TR 21-310 provides that a driver of a motor vehicle may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent.

All drivers in Maryland must consider the speed of the other vehicles and the traffic as well as the conditions of the road at the time. That means, that if it is raining or snowing, the conditions require the driver to consider these factors when following another vehicle.

Backing Up a Vehicle in Maryland

Maryland TR 21-1102 states under general conditions “The driver of a vehicle may not back it unless the movement can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic.” This requires each driver to ensure that when they do back up, that it is safe to do so and not interfere with another vehicle or object. If a driver backs up and does cause a collision, then that driver would be liable for the accident.

What is the cause of rear-end collisions?

Most rear-end collisions occur because a driver is distracted or not paying attention. These are two very different types of causes for a rear-end collision. Distracted driving means a driver is not paying attention to the road or other vehicles, such as:

  • A cell phone or smartphone
  • A child in the vehicle
  • The radio or dash console
  • Another passenger in the vehicle
  • Eating or drinking
  • Changing the radio
  • Reading a map or Google maps
  • Any other task or distraction in their vehicle.

Whereas, a distracted driver not paying attention because of an outside distraction. This can be:

  • A driver checking road signs and not paying attention to traffic before the driver
  • Looking at the wrong traffic signal
  • Trying to change lanes, looking back and not paying attention to the vehicle in front of their vehicle
  • Tailgating
  • Any other external distraction.

Maryland rear-end collision lawyers

Hurt in a rear-end collision? the Maryland rear-end collision lawyers with Rice, Murtha & Psoras are experienced and trusted in the field of rear-end collision injuries and accidents.

Their lawyers have represented clients for years injured from serious rear-end collisions in Maryland. Don’t take chances with your accident injury case, contact the office today at (410) 694-7291 or 1-800-470-RICE.

No fee unless we win and all consultations are free, call today to speak with attorney Randolph Rice about your accident. They have secured $100,000.00 for rear-end accident victims in Maryland.

Rear End Accident Settlement

Because liability is typically proven in rear-end accidents, settlements are common. However, insurance companies in Maryland will fight the injured on how much they should be compensated for their injuries.

That’s why a skilled personal injury lawyer can force the insurance company to pay the proper amount for injuries suffered after a rear-end accident in Maryland. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Rear End Collision Statistics

National Safety Council found that in 2016 there were more than 40,000 traffic fatalities in the United States.  This was the first time in 10 years there has been an increase in traffic fatalities. In addition to deaths, almost 4.6 million people had to seek medical treatment after an auto accident in 2016.

In 2014, the National Safety Council reported the following statistics:

  • There were over 4,200,000 crashes in the United States
  • 6.6% (1,966) of the accidents were fatal accidents after a rear-end collision
  • 31.7% (522,000) of the rear end accidents result in injury
  • 32.9% (1,442,00) of the rear-end accidents result in property damage only
  • 32% (1,966,00) of accidents were the result of a rear-end collision

Rear End Collision Injuries

Rear-end collision injuries can be serious because of the force that is placed on the body from the force of the accident. the Maryland personal injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras are experienced in litigating rear-end collision accidents.

When a vehicle strikes another vehicle, the occupants in the struck vehicle will be thrown or pushed forward. That force usually pushes the passengers into the seat belts as well as the dashboard, steering wheel, front windshield, or front seats, if seated in the rear.

Read-end collision injuries can include:

  • Whiplash
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Head injuries from striking an object inside or the car, including the windshield
  • Knee and leg injuries from striking the console of the vehicle
  • Broken bones
  • Head trauma
  • Soft tissue injury and damage
  • Many other types of internal and external injuries

Damage from a rear-end collision

Most damage after a rear-end collision is seen on the rear of the vehicle that was struck. There are situations where front-end damage is present. This can occur when the struck vehicle is pushed into another vehicle or object like a telephone pole or barrier.

Visible damage may be minor, but often there is extensive damage to the frame of a vehicle after a rear-end accident. Vehicles that are damaged in a rear-end collision should be taken to a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop to ensure that all damage is identified.

Rear End Collision Damage

Some rear-end accidents are so serious that the vehicles are a total loss. This can be common depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of impact. If your car was damaged in a rear-end collision or injuries were sustained, contact the Maryland car accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras for immediate help.