John Price Law Blog

Rear-End Accidents with Lights Not Working: Who is to Blame? Can You Prove Fault?

Most of us have heard that the rear driver is always at fault in rear-end accidents, and while this is often the case, it isn’t always the case. Every car accident case – including every rear-end accident case – must be considered in accordance with the involved circumstances, which makes consulting with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney in your best interest.

The Rear Driver

Rear drivers are responsible for paying careful attention to forward drivers, and this includes not tailgating them and noting when they slow down – regardless of the reason behind the decrease in speed. The fact is that just about anything can happen on the road ahead – with little to no warning – and every motorist must be poised to react as safely as possible. Common concerns include:

Rear drivers who fail to leave a safe distance between themselves and forward traffic are often responsible for ensuing rear-end accidents.

Instances When the Forward Driver Is Responsible

Drivers are responsible for following all the rules of the road, and driving unreasonably slowly for no apparent reason is not a safe driving practice. Neither is brake checking rear drivers, and in both these instances, the forward driver can be found responsible or partially responsible for a related rear-end accident.

Another responsibility every motorist bears is keeping their vehicle in good working order, and they can be held liable for accidents that their poorly maintained vehicles cause or contribute to. A prime example of this responsibility is ensuring that the brake lights on one’s vehicle are both working. This is the warning system that informs rear drivers to slow down in response to danger ahead, and it plays an integral role in safe driving.

When a vehicle doesn’t have working brake lights, a motorist to the rear has no way of knowing when the forward driver is slowing down or preparing to stop, which makes the road a much more dangerous place.

Proving Fault

Proving fault in a rear-end accident generally comes down to the evidence involved. If the forward car’s taillights weren’t working – as determined by eyewitness testimony, dashcam footage, and inspection of the vehicle – the front driver may be proven negligent and, thus, responsible for the losses you – as the rear driver – experience. It’s important to note, however, that the fact of a tailgating rear driver, a speeding rear driver, or a distracted rear driver who rear-ends a forward driver with faulty taillights is a more complicated scenario, and both motorists may share fault.

Make the Call to an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today

The accomplished South Carolina car accident attorneys at John Price Law Firm consider every claim in relation to the unique circumstances involved and are committed to pinpointing where the fault lies and seeking just compensation for their clients in response. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 843-552-6011 today.