Rear-end crashes can cause more than just vehicle damage. They often lead to severe injuries that affect your daily life. Your Spokane rear-end accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen can guide you through the complexities of the claims process.
We have successfully recovered over $1 billion in damages for our clients and pride ourselves on going above and beyond for them. If you have been hurt in an accident, we can travel to the hospital or meet with you at home so you can get the most out of your consultation.
Contact a Spokane car accident lawyer to discuss the details of your claim today.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Crash
Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers who fail to react in time to slow or stop traffic. Washington law requires drivers to leave enough space between vehicles to prevent unnecessary collisions. When a driver follows too closely, speeds, or fails to pay attention to the road, they may be responsible for the crash.
Your Spokane personal injury lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen can gather traffic reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to determine liability.
Washington Revised Code § 46.61.145 states that drivers must adjust their speed and following distance to account for road conditions. Failing to follow this law can serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Comparative Fault and Shared Liability in Rear-End Crashes
Washington follows comparative negligence laws, meaning that multiple parties may share liability for an accident. If we determine that the leading driver made an unsafe lane change, failed to signal, or had broken brake lights, they may be assigned a percentage of fault.
A rear driver who was tailgating but also impacted by a front driver’s negligence could still recover compensation, but their damages may be reduced.
Under Washington Revised Code § 4.22.005, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if a driver is found to be 20% at fault for stopping suddenly without reason, they can still recover 80% of their total damages.
Your Spokane rear–end accident attorney will be responsible for establishing liability in your rear-end collision through the use of witness statements, traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction reports, and other relevant supporting evidence.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end accident lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
How Rear-End Accidents Happen in Heavy Traffic
Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic are common due to frequent stopping, distracted driving, and limited reaction times. Chain-reaction crashes can occur when vehicles are traveling close together. Stop-and-go traffic, merging congestion, and unexpected slowdowns also contribute to these wrecks.
Stop-and-Go Traffic and Rear-End Collisions
Traffic congestion forces drivers to repeatedly accelerate and brake, increasing the risk of rear-end accidents. A moment of inattention, such as checking a phone or adjusting the radio, can prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid a crash.
ven at low speeds, these collisions can cause whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and damage to multiple vehicles.
Many stop-and-go traffic accidents occur in construction zones or near highway exits where sudden slowdowns are common. Drivers who follow too closely do not have enough time to react when traffic comes to an abrupt stop. Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert can help reduce the risk of rear-end crashes in these conditions.
Lane Merging and Sudden Braking
Heavy traffic often forces drivers to merge into different lanes to maintain speed or reach their destination. If a driver merges too closely in front of another vehicle, the trailing driver may not have enough time to brake safely.
These sudden lane changes can lead to rear-end collisions, particularly on highways and at busy intersections.
Drivers who fail to signal before merging contribute to dangerous conditions in heavy traffic. When another driver does not anticipate the lane change, they may not react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Ensuring that there is enough space before merging can help prevent sudden braking and reduce rear-end crashes.
Distracted Driving in Congested Traffic
Rear-end collisions frequently occur when drivers take their attention off the road, even for a few seconds. Heavy traffic creates unpredictable stop-and-go patterns, and distracted drivers are less likely to react in time. Looking at a phone, eating, or adjusting in-car controls can lead to serious crashes, even at low speeds.
Spokane Rear-End Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Commercial Vehicle Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents involving commercial trucks can be especially dangerous due to the weight and size of these vehicles. A truck requires a longer stopping distance than a passenger car, increasing the likelihood of a high-impact collision.
When a commercial truck rear-ends another vehicle, severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage are more likely to occur.
Employer Liability in Rear-End Truck Accidents
Trucking companies may be held responsible if a truck driver causes a rear-end accident while performing work duties. Employers are required to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and follow federal trucking regulations.
If a company fails to enforce safe driving practices or pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, they may share liability for the crash.
Some truck accidents occur due to mechanical failures that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. If a trucking company fails to inspect brakes, tires, or other essential vehicle components, it may be liable for injuries caused by a preventable rear-end collision.
Your rear-end accident attorney in Spokane, WA, with our firm will work tirelessly to hold trucking companies accountable and help ensure that they prioritize safety to prevent future accidents.
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Common Insurance Tactics that Hurt Rear-End Accident Claims
Insurers often try to reduce the amount they pay in rear-end accident claims. Adjusters may attempt to downplay your injuries, shift blame onto you, or delay your claim to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. Some of the most common tactics insurers use include:
- Lowball settlement offers
- Claim delays
- Fault disputes
- Pre-existing condition claims
- Recorded statements
Dealing with insurance companies after a rear-end accident can be difficult, especially when they try to minimize your claim. Insurers may use misleading tactics to reduce their payout, even when liability is clear.
Providing strong medical documentation, securing witness statements, and consulting accident reconstruction experts can help prove the extent of your injuries and financial losses.
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Turn to a Rear-End Accident Attorney in Spokane, WA for Help Today
When a rear-end accident leaves you injured and unable to work, the financial strain can be overwhelming. Our firm will take on the insurance company and demand the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to our office or fill out our contact form today to schedule your no–cost, risk–free consultation with a rear-end accident lawyer in Spokane, WA with Siegfried & Jensen.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
