All too often, the rear drivers in a rear-end collision automatically assume they are at fault. This is not always the case, however. If you rear-ended another car, under certain circumstances, the lead driver may be to blame for the crash. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage as a result. Before speaking with an insurance company or the other driver's attorney, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney of your own who can help assess the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident.

4 Situations Where the Lead Driver in an Accident Is At Fault

Under what circumstances might the lead driver be to blame for a rear-end collision? The following is an overview:

  1. You are driving at a reasonable rate of speed and you are cut off unexpectedly by another driver from a side street, leaving you without enough room to stop.
  2. You are driving in a lane when another vehicle merges in front of you, but fails to maintain a sufficient rate of speed.
  3. You are stopped at a red light when the driver in front of you accidentally puts the car into reverse and accelerates when the light turns green.
  4. You are the victim of something called a “swoop and squat” con. When this happens, two vehicles team up to cause a rear-end accident. One driver boxes you in while the other pulls in front of you and stops as hard and fast as he can. As part of the con, the lead driver then claims to have catastrophic injuries and extremely expensive medical bills.

Naturally, the best case scenario is to avoid a rear-end collision to begin with. These accidents cannot always be prevented, however. When an accident does occur, it is crucial to seek assistance. We encourage you to contact us today at 800-989-6385 to schedule a free consultation.

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982