Tulsa Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Rear-End Accident Attorney in Tulsa, OK

Rear-end collisions can happen on any road at any speed. When they occur at high speeds on major roads like Interstate 44, they can result in serious injuries to drivers and passengers in both cars. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, you can work with a Tulsa rear-end accident lawyer to recover compensation that can help you pay your hospital bills and make up for missing work while you’re healing from your injuries.

Trust Fulmer Sill

The team here at Fulmer Sill has been representing personal injury accident victims for years. In that time, we’ve handled many rear-end accident claims for drivers in both front and rear vehicles. We know what it takes to determine liability and hold the driver who caused the crash accountable for their negligence. Let us help you with your car accident claim.

Reasons to Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Tulsa, OK

In Tulsa County, 75 people were killed in car accidents in 2023. In 2023, 1,250 passenger vehicle occupants died in rear-end collisions across the United States. Of those, 751 were in cars, 156 were in pickup trucks, and 326 were in SUVs. As you can see, passengers in larger vehicles are less likely to be killed in rear-end accidents, but they’re not immune to this problem.

No matter what type of car you were driving and whether there were fatalities or only major injuries, you can hire a rear-end accident lawyer to help you file your car accident claim in Tulsa against the driver responsible for your crash. Your lawyer can assist you with:

• Determining liability
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Filing your initial claim and other paperwork
• Negotiating a fair settlement with the liable party’s insurance company
• Providing you with courtroom representation should your case go to trial
• Protecting your rights and interests throughout the legal process

Determining Fault in Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are usually the rear driver’s fault. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure there is adequate space between their vehicle and the one in front of them. Whether they were driving while distracted and didn’t notice the person braking, or they weren’t leaving enough of a following distance to be able to stop in time to prevent a collision, the liability is usually relatively clear.

There are, however, some cases where the lead driver’s negligence contributes to rear-end collisions. Lead drivers can be held fully or partially liable if they:

• Brake suddenly and erratically: Often called brake checking, sudden, erratic braking for no reason can lead to rear-end collisions that are deemed the responsibility of the front driver.
• Have faulty equipment: If the lead driver’s brake lights and/or turn signals weren’t working, the rear driver may not have had sufficient notice that they were planning to stop.
• Reverse unexpectedly: If you’re in the flow of traffic, you should not reverse your vehicle. Doing so can lead to a rear-end collision, and you may be assigned fault for the crash.
• Make unsafe lane changes: If the lead driver cut in front of the rear driver without leaving enough room for them to slow down, that unsafe lane change could have caused the accident. In that case, it’s the lead driver who’s to blame for the crash.
• Drive while impaired: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always illegal and can act as a contributing factor in rear-end collisions, even if the impaired driver was the one in the front car.
• Ignore vehicle malfunctions: Drivers are required to pull over to investigate vehicle malfunctions, including broken brake lights. If the lead driver knew about a malfunction but failed to take action, they could be fully or partially liable for the crash.

Whether you were in the front or rear vehicle, a Tulsa rear-end accident attorney can help you determine who was at fault for the crash.

FAQs About Tulsa, OK Rear-End Accident Laws

Who Is at Fault for a Rear-End Collision in Tulsa?

In Tulsa, the rear driver is at fault for a rear-end collision in the vast majority of cases. It was the rear driver’s responsibility to maintain a safe following distance. Whether they were distracted, impaired, or simply failed to stop in time, that’s considered driver negligence. However, there are some cases where the front driver may be held partially liable, as would be the case if they had broken brake lights, were reversing on a road, or made a sudden lane change.

What Is an Acceptable Settlement Offer for a Back Injury From a Rear-End Collision in Tulsa?

In Tulsa, an acceptable settlement offer for a back injury from a rear-end collision covers 100% of your damages. That includes not just the hospital bills you accrued immediately after the crash but also any future medical care you may need, including physical therapy and other ongoing care. Make sure you consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement from the liable party’s insurance company, as your attorney can help you identify all of the potential damages.

How Do Insurers Determine Who Was at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

Insurers determine who was at fault in a rear-end collision by analyzing the available evidence. The insurance adjuster can look at everything from police reports to photographs of the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles. If necessary, they can work with an accident reconstruction specialist to determine exactly what happened prior to the crash.

What Should You Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster Following a Rear-End Collision?

You should never admit fault to an insurance adjuster following a rear-end collision. Ideally, you should not speak to insurance adjusters at all until after you have had your initial consultation with a Tulsa rear-end accident attorney. Even something seemingly innocuous like apologizing for your role in the accident could lead insurance adjusters to assign a greater proportion of the fault to you, reducing or even eliminating your final settlement.

Contact A Tulsa Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today

Whether you were in the front car or the rear-most vehicle, you should hire a Tulsa rear-end accident lawyer following any rear-end crash. The team here at Fulmer Sill is here to help. We have a reputation for providing compassionate legal services and aggressive advocacy for accident victims. Let us analyze your rear-end accident case to determine whether you have a valid claim. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.