Lake Charles Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Lake Charles Rear-End Accident Attorney

A rear-end car accident can be aggravating and painful to endure. Rear-ends can happen when you’re sitting at a red light or stop sign, or stopped in traffic. You can find yourself completely shaken up after the accident or angry at the person who hit you. When your car gets rear-ended, you may not know what you should do or where to turn. A Lake Charles rear-end accident lawyer at Cox Law Firm can help you take the next steps.

About Cox Law Firm

Our attorneys collectively bring over 135 years of experience to every rear-end accident case. Brothers James and William Cox founded Cox Law Firm to advocate for hardworking people. The Cox Law Firm built a reputation for taking risks and standing up for civil rights.

We regularly represent people in and around Calcasieu Parish. This means we frequently visit the Courthouse at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. We know what is expected of us, and we take our representation of you seriously.

What Is a Rear-End Collision?

When the front bumper of one vehicle collides with the back bumper of another car, you have what is called a rear-end collision. These accidents usually occur when the lead car brakes suddenly and the driver behind it fails to stop in time. Severity can range from light bumps to accidents with severe injuries and damage.

There are many different causes as to why rear-end collisions occur. Some of the most common reasons for rear-end accidents include:

• Distracted driving. Driving while distracted is one of the leading causes of all types of automobile accidents. If something takes your focus off the road in front of you, you are driving distracted. Some examples of distracted driving include texting, eating, or looking away from the road.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Driving while intoxicated is against the law across the nation. Being under the influence of these substances slows a person’s reaction time and negatively affects their inhibitions on the road, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Inclement weather. Slippery roads caused by snow, rain, or ice can make it difficult for cars to stop, leading to a rear-end accident. This is especially true if the driver does not leave adequate space between them and the car in front of them.
• Tailgating. If you drive too closely behind someone else, you are tailgating. Tailgating represents a major breach of driving etiquette and diminishes your reaction time, increasing the chances of a collision. If you do not leave yourself enough time to stop when the person in front of you slams on their brakes, you might rear-end them.

Across the nation, there were over 13 million traffic accidents in 2023. Of these, 3.78 million were rear-end collisions. In Louisiana, there were 755 total fatal crashes. In 2024, drivers accounted for about 69.1% of traffic injuries, followed by passengers (27.0%), pedestrians (2.2%), and cyclists (1.4%) in the state.

Fault in a Rear-End Collision

Determining who is at fault in a rear-end collision can be simple. In most cases, the trailing car is deemed responsible for hitting the car in front of it. This is because every driver should maintain enough distance between themselves and the car in front of them to allow for proper reaction time if traffic stops suddenly.

In some instances, however, the front driver may be at fault. If they swerved into the other car’s lane without cause, had non-functioning brake lights, or otherwise performed an unsafe action, they could be to blame.

If an outside factor, such as poor weather or road conditions, caused the accident, neither car may be completely at fault. Insurance companies and attorneys look at police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and car damage to determine how the accident happened.

Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Life can get complicated when you are trying to manage all of your affairs after a crash. If you feel stressed, you may need supportive guidance via a rear-end accident lawyer. Your Lake Charles rear-end accident attorney can walk you through every process, whether it be negotiating with insurance companies, obtaining professional testimony, or going to trial.

Rear-end collision claims frequently include challenges in determining liability as well as serious injuries. A lawyer understands rear-end accident laws and can help you file a claim.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Louisiana?

There is no average settlement amount when it comes to car accidents in Louisiana. Each case is completely different from the next. Some accidents result in minor injuries, while others can be life-altering. The resolution of your claim depends on your medical treatment needs, along with missed workdays and disruptions caused by the accident. Insurance coverage and contested fault can also play a large role in the amount your claim is settled for.

Who Pays for a Rear-End Collision?

The driver who is considered to be at fault pays for a rear-end collision. In many cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered to be at fault. This is because drivers are supposed to stop far enough back to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them. This doesn’t always happen, though. Brake problems or multi-car accidents can change who is at fault in a rear-end collision.

How Do I Receive Compensation in a Rear-End Collision Case?

Receiving compensation in a rear-end accident claim is often a matter of proving that the other driver was negligent in how they were operating their vehicle. Crash reports, photos, witness testimony, and damage to the vehicles can help with this. Proving that the crash led to your injuries and financial losses is also key.

Do Rear-End Accidents Always Result in Injury Claims?

Not all rear-end collisions result in injury claims. However, not all injuries are readily obvious after a crash. Soft tissue damage, neck strain, and back pain are injuries that can occur hours or days after an accident. Your symptoms can become worse as time goes on, so you should monitor your health after a rear-end collision and record any changes.

Contact Cox Law Firm

If you were injured or suffered property damage in a rear-end collision, Cox Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a consultation.