Did you know that rear end accidents account for more than a third of injury and property damage-only auto accidents in the state of Louisiana? The New Orleans personal injury attorneys of Harrell & Nowak have experience handling rear end accident cases for our clients. Our team of accident reconstruction experts will help us gather the evidence and documentation that is needed to build a strong case on your behalf. In this blog post, we discuss liability and the common causes of rear end auto accidents.
Who Is Liable?
When a rear end auto accident occurs between two vehicles, the driver of the vehicle that hit the other car is typically liable. This is generally the driver that hit the vehicle in front of them. According to driving laws, drivers should stay a safe distance behind the vehicle that is in front of them so they can avoid an accident in the event of a sudden stop; drivers should also be alert and ready to brake. In some cases, such as in the event of a sudden and unsignaled lane change, the driver in front may be held liable for damages.
If more than two vehicles are involved in the accident, the driver that originally caused the accident should be held liable. Our New Orleans auto accident attorneys will gather proper evidence and documentation to prove fault in rear end auto accident cases.
Common Causes
There are several causes and contributing factors to rear end auto accidents. These include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Following too closely behind another vehicle
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, or putting music on
- Unsafe lane changes
- Cutting off another vehicle
- Defective products
Louisiana Rear End Collision Statistics
According to the Louisiana Crash Data Reports website, which compiles data submitted by state, sheriff, and local police agencies in the state, rear end crashes account for more than one-third of injuries incurred in auto accidents in 2012.
- Injury crashes: 14,976 (35.53% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 60 (9.88% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 36,680 (36.11% of total crashes)
The Louisiana Crash Data Reports website also reports rear end collision statistics for Orleans and surrounding parishes.
Orleans Parish
- Injury crashes: 1,626 (32.98% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 4 (15.38% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 3,172 (27.15% of total crashes)
St. Tammany Parish
- Injury crashes: 638 (41.35% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 6 (28.57% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 2,030 (42.50% of total crashes)
St. Bernard Parish
- Injury crashes: 70 (31.39% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 0 (0.00% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 306 (39.53% of total crashes)
Plaquemines Parish
- Injury crashes: 60 (37.50% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 2 (66.67% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 126 (35.39% of total crashes)
Jefferson Parish
- Injury crashes: 1,976 (50.82% of total crashes)
- Fatal crashes: 1 (4.55% of total crashes)
- Property damage-only crashes: 4,795 (40.23% of total crashes)
Contact Harrell & Nowak today to schedule a case review with our personal injury attorneys.