Biloxi Rear-End Collision Lawyer
While there is no specific legal definition or statute for a rear-end collision in Biloxi, this form of crash occurs when one vehicle hits another vehicle from behind. As a Biloxi rear-end collision lawyer could explain, these types of crashes could leave a person with serious injuries and property damages. If you or a loved one were injured in a vehicle crash, a hard-working car accident attorney could help potential you learn your rights and legal options.
Common Fact Patterns Surrounding Rear-End Wrecks
The most common fact pattern in rear-end collisions in Biloxi is distracted driving. When an individual pays attention, follows the rules of the road, and keeps a safe and proper distance from the vehicles in front of them, he or she should not run into the rear of another vehicle.
When someone drives too fast and does not pay attention to the road in front of them, he or she may run into the vehicle ahead of them. This is especially true in Biloxi with the traffic congestion on Highway 90 and I-10 that leads to slowing traffic.
How is Fault Assigned in Rear-End Collisions?
When a driver hits a vehicle from behind, the presumption is that he or she is at fault. It should be noted that there might be some exceptions to this rule. A driver who hits another vehicle from behind is considered 100 percent at fault unless he or she can show improper stopping or some other unusual traffic maneuver.
What is the Role of Contributory Negligence in Rear-End Accident Cases?
Mississippi is a pure comparative negligence fault state. A jury might be asked to determine the percentage of fault attributable to everyone involved in the accident. In a rear-end collision, it can be challenging for the defendant to establish fault on the part of the plaintiff. If the defendant followed the rules of the road, kept a proper lookout, traveled at a safe speed, and maintained a sufficient distance between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead, it is unlikely for him or her to hit anyone from behind.
To the extent that a jury apportions some percentage of fault, whether it is one percent or 50 percent of liability to the plaintiff, it decreases the amount of money the plaintiff recovers from the defendant. For example, if the award is $100,000 and the jury determines that the plaintiff is 50 percent at fault, the plaintiff is only able to recover $50,000 from the defendant.
How a Lawyer Could Establish Liability in a Rear-End Wrecks
There are different methods to prove liability in a rear-end collision case. A seasoned Biloxi rear-end collision lawyer first looks at the accident report filled out by the Biloxi Police Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, or the Mississippi Highway Patrol depending on where the accident occurred. When the investigating officer goes to the scene, he or she performs an on-scene investigation. The accident report may indicate whether either party engaged in improper driving.
An attorney determines whether or not the officer identified any witnesses to the accident. When witness information is available, he or she obtains statements from the witnesses about what they saw. The investigation may expand beyond interviewing the witnesses identified on the police report. The attorney may talk people at local businesses near the accident to see if anyone saw the crash to identify additional witnesses whose testimony may support the plaintiff’s claim.
Contact Biloxi Rear-End Collision Attorney
An individual should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a rear-end collision to determine his or her rights and establish the claims available to them. If you were injured in a rear-end car wreck, reach out to an attorney today. Call a Biloxi rear-end collision lawyer today and we could fight for your right to compensation. Our initial consultations are free.
