Rear-End Car Accidents in Maryland

Experienced representation after you are injured in a car crash

A rear-end collision, also known as a rear-end crash or a rear-end accident, occurs when a vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. This type of collision is usually caused by one driver following another too closely, also called tailgating. Rear-end collisions can cause damage to both vehicles and can also result in injuries to the occupants of the vehicles, ranging from minor to severe.

If you or a loved one suffered injury in one of these types of accidents, the Maryland attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA can help. We have a long history of helping the injured secure the compensation to which they are entitled after another’s negligence causes them harm. We protect your legal rights and handle the process so you can take the time you need to recover from your injuries.

What is a rear-end car accident?

Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of car crashes in the United States. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports 2,428 fatal rear-end accidents in 2020. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports 1,386,000 injuries resulting from rear-end accidents in the same year.

In this type of collision, Driver A hits the tail end of the vehicle directly in front of them (Driver B). Though typically the liability falls with Driver A, who rear-ended Driver B, there can be exceptions depending on the circumstances of the accident. It is important to work with a lawyer who has experience handling these types of car crash cases to ensure your best chance at securing compensation.

What are common injuries from rear-end accidents?

Although many may be tempted to write off a rear-end crash as minor “fender-bender,” these types of collisions can actually cause serious physical trauma, including:

• Whiplash
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Seat belt injuries
• Traumatic amputation injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractured ribs

Determining fault in a Maryland rear-end collision

If you have been involved in a rear-end crash, your attorney will work to prove that you are in no way liable for the accident. To do this, we review the exact circumstances that led to the crash. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:

• Tailgating drivers. If the driver who hit you was tailgating, i.e., driving too close to the car in front, the state of Maryland considers this aggressive driving, which is illegal. The speed at which the front vehicle was traveling does not affect the liability of the rear driver in this type of incident. It is the rear driver’s responsibility to drive at the proper speed and distance, remain alert, and brake in time to avoid a collision.
• Distracted drivers. An additional consideration when determining fault for a rear end crash is whether or not the rear driver was operating the vehicle while distracted at the time of the collision. If the driver was talking on the phone, texting, or engaging in other distracting activity, they may face legal liability for any injuries sustained by others in the crash.
• Poor road conditions. Detrimental road conditions at the time of a rear-end collision may play a role in the cause of the accident. For instance, if icy road conditions inhibit a driver’s ability to stop in time, the court may take this into account – especially if there were no warning signs about the road conditions. The rear driver may still be found liable due to not adjusting to conditions, or simply driving too fast or too close to the vehicle in front.
• Involvement of other vehicles. Multi-vehicle crashes are complicated. A single driver striking another vehicle from behind can initiate a chain reaction of events that create multiple rear-end collisions. Many times, the driver of the car that begins the chain reaction may be held liable.

It is important, however, to keep in mind Maryland’s contributory negligence laws following any kind of car accident – but especially a rear-end crash, as they tend to be tricky.

Contributory negligence in Maryland rear-end crashes

Here in Maryland, contributory negligence is a defense that can be raised by a defendant in a personal injury case. This legal theory means that the person bringing the lawsuit (the plaintiff) was partially at fault for the accident or injuries in question. If the defendant can successfully prove that the plaintiff was partially at fault, the plaintiff may be barred from recovering any damages at all.

Using a rear-end accident as an example, Driver A (who rear-ended Driver B) may try to argue that Driver A was negligent because they braked too suddenly or were not paying attention. However, in most cases, Driver A is generally assumed to be at fault in a rear-end collision, unless the driver of the front vehicle did something to cause the accident (such as stopping suddenly without warning).

Contributory negligence is why it is so important to have an experienced Maryland car accident attorney on your side, to ensure you secure the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries and losses.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maryland?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those for car accidents, in Maryland is three years. However, you should never wait, as some exceptions do apply and depending on the circumstances of your particular accident, this statute of limitations may be shorter. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure you will not miss your chance at filing a lawsuit.

Talk to a Maryland rear-end car accident attorney today

If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries suffered due to a recent rear-end or other type of car crash, it is important to understand your potential options for compensation. At the premier injury law firm of Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA, we can conduct a complete investigation of your car accident incident and help you move forward to secure the financial recovery to which you are entitled for your injuries and other losses. To set up a free consultation about your case with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney from our team, call us today or send us a request through our contact form.