Charlotte Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents on Charlotte roads, yet they’re often dismissed as minor fender-benders. In reality, these crashes can cause devastating injuries, especially when high speeds are involved. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you will cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses while trying to recover. When another driver’s negligence caused your rear-end collision, you need legal advocates who are committed to getting you the full compensation you are entitled to under North Carolina law.

At Stewart Law Offices, our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand the physical and financial strain rear-end collisions create. We have the experience and resources to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve. From the first time you call, we’ll work to relieve your burden and treat you like family throughout the entire legal process.

How Our Charlotte Rear-End Accident Attorneys Can Help After a Collision

If you’ve been in a rear-end crash in Charlotte, securing legal help that understands the full scope of your situation, both the medical and legal complexities, is crucial. At Stewart Law Offices, we aim to lift that burden the moment you call. Our Charlotte, NC car accident lawyers bring decades of collective experience to these cases and understand the challenges you are facing.

When you choose our firm, you gain our complete support from start to finish, treating you with the compassion and dedication we would show a family member. We handle all the necessary work, including:

Thoroughly investigating your accident to pinpoint what happened.
Identifying every liable party and available insurance coverage.
Gathering essential evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
Calculating the total value of your claim, including projected future medical needs.
Managing all communications and negotiations with insurance companies.
Taking your case to trial if needed to secure the fair compensation you deserve.

How Rear-End Crashes Happen

Rear-end crashes occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another. They often happen in traffic where vehicles are stopping, slowing, or waiting at intersections. While some collisions occur at low speeds, many involve significant force, especially on highways like I-77 or I-85, where speed differentials are high.

These accidents frequently happen because a driver fails to leave enough space, react in time, or maintain proper control of their vehicle. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to a serious collision.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end crashes are rarely unavoidable. In most cases, they result from careless or dangerous driving behavior.

Reckless Driving:

Tailgating is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions. When drivers follow too closely, they lack adequate time and distance to stop if the vehicle ahead slows or stops suddenly. Aggressive lane changes and failure to maintain safe following distances demonstrate reckless disregard for others’ safety.

Distracted Driving:

Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in a rear-end crash. Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from driving reduces reaction time. A distracted driver may not notice brake lights ahead until it’s too late to avoid a collision.

Speeding:

Excessive speed reduces the time available to react to changing traffic conditions. At higher speeds, vehicles require significantly more distance to come to a complete stop. A speeding driver who encounters stopped or slowing traffic ahead may be unable to brake in time.

Intoxicated Driving:

Alcohol and drugs severely impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Even small amounts of alcohol affect a driver’s ability to respond to hazards. An intoxicated driver may fail to notice slowing traffic, misjudge distances, or react too slowly to prevent a rear-end collision.

Fatigued Driving:

Driver fatigue affects performance similarly to alcohol impairment. Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times, reduced alertness, and may even fall asleep behind the wheel. A fatigued driver might not brake appropriately when traffic ahead slows or stops.

What to Do After a Rear-End Collision

After a rear-end collision, prioritizing your health and protecting your legal rights is crucial. Here are the necessary steps to take:

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical assistance and ensure the police are dispatched to document the incident officially.
Exchange Information. Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance details.
Do Not Discuss Fault. Refrain from talking about who was to blame with the other driver.
Gather Evidence. Take photographs of the vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained.
Identify Witnesses. Get the contact information for anyone who witnessed the crash.

Post-Accident Medical and Documentation Steps:

Seek Medical Evaluation. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured immediately, as symptoms can be delayed.
Follow Treatment. Adhere to all treatment and care recommendations provided by your physician.
Keep Records. Meticulously document every medical appointment, prescription, and expense related to the accident.

Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, contact Stewart Law Offices. We’ll handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery.

Common Injuries from Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end crashes often cause injuries related to the sudden forward-and-back motion of the body. These injuries can range from temporary discomfort to long-term disability.

Common injuries include:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Neck and back injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
Shoulder and knee injuries
Chronic pain and reduced mobility

Even low-speed rear-end crashes can lead to ongoing symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Accident

In most rear-end collisions, the driver who hits the vehicle in front is considered at fault. North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-152) requires drivers to maintain a safe distance and proper control of their vehicles. However, determining liability is not always simple, as multiple parties could share responsibility depending on the situation. For instance, the employer of a commercial driver who caused the crash may be liable.

A manufacturer could face claims if a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes, contributed to the accident. Furthermore, government entities responsible for road upkeep might be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role.

Stewart Law Offices conducts thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue every available source of compensation.

Potential Compensation After a Rear-End Accident

If another party caused your rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.

Recoverable damages may include:

Medical expenses and future treatment costs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

Because North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, insurance companies often seek to argue that the injured driver shares fault. This makes thorough case preparation especially important.

What to Do if the At-Fault Driver Lacks Insurance

Not every driver on Charlotte roads carries sufficient insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options.

Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help cover medical bills and other losses. Additional coverage may also be available depending on the vehicles involved and the specific facts of the crash.

An attorney can review all available insurance policies and help identify the best path forward.

Visit Our Rear-End Crashes Attorneys in Charlotte

Get Your Free Consultation With a Charlotte Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Don’t let another driver’s negligence leave you struggling with medical bills and lost income. Contact the experienced attorneys at Stewart Law Offices today. Call (704) 521-5000 or contact us online to request a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation.

We’re available 24/7, and if you cannot come to us, we’ll come to you, at home or in the hospital. Time is limited under North Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations. Reach out now to protect your rights.