Fault can play a major role in the legal and financial aftermath of a car crash. The mistakes or misconduct of one driver may lead to financial and legal responsibility for a collision. Each collision is inherently unique and requires careful analysis to accurately establish fault. Still, people may rush to conclusions in some cases. For example, a driver involved in a rear-end crash might worry that they have no options for compensation.
Someone who is driving appropriately when another motorist suddenly turns or merges in front of them without warning could rear-end that other vehicle. Even in a scenario like this, is it true that the driver of the rear vehicle is always the one to blame for a rear-end collision?
There are exceptions to every traffic rule
It is natural for people to assume that the driver in the rear vehicle is the one to blame for a crash. After all, traffic laws require that people monitor their surroundings and maintain a reasonable distance between their vehicles and other vehicles in traffic. Rear-end crashes are often the result of tailgating or the failure to maintain inappropriate following distance.
If the driver in the rear vehicle got too close to the front vehicle due to speeding or tailgating, then that driver might be to blame for the crash. However, when one driver cuts someone else off in traffic, they could potentially be the party to blame for a collision. Merging or turning without leaving adequate space between Vehicles could cause a crash. Failing to rapidly accelerate could also cause a collision in those scenarios.
Finally, a failure to use turn signals or maintain brake lights in working conditions might lead to someone in a rear vehicle causing a preventable rear-end collision. So long as there is evidence of mistakes or negligence on the part of the driver in the front vehicle, the driver in the rear vehicle could establish that the front vehicle is to blame for the crash. They might then be eligible to file an insurance claim or possibly even with personal injury lawsuit.
Establishing fault after a car wreck may prove to be crucial to a crash victim’s economic recovery. Thankfully, motorists who learn about Minnesota traffic statutes can potentially hold other drivers accountable for violating them.