Every year, more than 1.7 million rear-end collisions are reported across the country, accounting for roughly 29 percent of the nation’s auto accidents. While Albuquerque rear-end accidents aren’t likely to be fatal, they can still leave victims struggling with debilitating injuries - including whiplash, back injuries, concussions, and damage to the spinal cord.
A driver who causes a rear-end car accident in Albuquerque can be legally responsible for resulting damages - such as a victim’s medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Is the Rear Driver Always to Blame For a Rear-End Collision in Albuquerque?
Not necessarily. While many rear-end collisions do happen because of the rear driver’s negligence, it’s not always the case.
In some crashes, both the front and rear drivers are at fault. Other times, the driver of the front vehicle is solely at fault. In New Mexico, anyone whose negligence contributes to a rear-end car accident can be liable for resulting damages.
The only way to know precisely how and why a rear-end collision happened is to investigate it.
During a thorough investigation, a car accident attorney in Albuquerque will:
- Review accident reports, tire tracks, property damage, video footage, cell phone records, and other key pieces of evidence
- Enlist experts in accident reconstruction, forensics, and other areas of specialty
- Interview eyewitnesses to gain insight into the collision
If you’re involved in a rear-end crash in Albuquerque, it’s important to refrain from admitting fault for the crash. New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence statute applies to civil car accident claims. As a result, your ability to recover compensation will be impacted by shared fault for the crash. The more responsibility you share for a rear-end collision, the less money you’ll be able to recover through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?
Distracted driving is the leading cause of rear-end auto accidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 87 percent of rear-end collisions happen because the rear driver is distracted in some way.
Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio, using a GPS, having a conversation with passengers, or daydreaming.
When a driver is distracted, they’re less likely to notice that the vehicle in front of them has stopped or slowed down. As a result, they’re more likely to crash into the vehicle they’re following - especially if they haven’t left enough space between vehicles when driving.
Other common contributors include tailgating, drunk driving, drowsy driving, and aggressive driving.
Call Singleton Schreiber For Help After a Rear-End Accident in Albuquerque, NM
You’ll have a limited time to seek compensation after a rear-end collision in Albuquerque. New Mexico has a three-year statute of limitations for car accident and wrongful death lawsuits. If you miss the filing deadline, you will lose the right to seek damages for your vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
Force the results you deserve by trusting Singleton Schreiber to help you take action. Our Albuquerque, NM car accident attorneys have helped clients win billions from insurance companies, negligent motorists, and government agencies. Today, we’re here to put our local lawyers and national resources behind your rear-end accident claim, too.
Your first consultation is free. Contact our Albuquerque injury attorneys to get started.
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