When is Rear End Collision is Not Your Fault

When Is a Rear-End Collision Not Your Fault?

In Colorado, rear-end collisions are evaluated to determine who was at fault. While this might seem clear-cut in many situations, it's not always the person that rear-ended the other who is going to be blamed. At Phil Long Collision Center, we look at how a rear-end collision might not be your fault, regardless if you are the driver that got hit.

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Why Would a Rear-End Collision Be My Fault?

If you were rear-ended, chances are the other driver will be found liable. You will need to prove that you weren’t at fault, especially if you were pushed into another vehicle, causing a multi-vehicle incident. Here are a few of the factors used to determine liability in Colorado.

• Not following laws: Every driver is required to maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of them. This gives the driver time to react and avoid a rear-end collision. Failure to do so will result in liability.
• Speeding: If the vehicle was speeding, liability would be attached to the offending driver.
• Vehicle damage: While the damage will provide that your car was rear-ended and the other car was responsible for hitting you, it doesn’t prove who was at fault.
• Accident report: Law enforcement will detail the facts of the accident and create a determination of their findings. This report will be very helpful in convincing the insurance company who’s to blame.
• Expert witness: When liability is contested, having other people that saw the accident is helpful. Make sure you have the contact information of the other parties that were present or have the police get witness statements while writing up the report.

In most cases, it will be the person that rear-ended the other car that is to blame. However, there are some reasons that the driver of the rear-ended vehicle could also be partially liable. These reasons include:

• Slamming on the brakes with no purpose
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Backing up after pulling into an intersection
• Cutting off another driver
• Not maintaining a sufficient speed when merging
• Stopping suddenly while turning
• Failure to use hazard lights or pull over when a problem occurs
• Brake lights don’t function properly

What to Do After a Rear-End Collision in Colorado

Immediately following a rear-end collision, you want to think about your safety. Move the vehicles to a safe place if possible. If not, turn it off and put your hazard lights on. If you have flares or cones, use them now. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if needed.
Even when the accident is minor, you want to call the police for a report. The police will collect all the necessary information so you won't have to, and the report will be valuable for insurance. Take photos and video of the scene if you can do so safely. When all is said and done, call Phil Long Collision Center to get your car looked at and notify your insurance company.

Collision Repair Cost

The collision repair cost in Colorado depends on what needs to be replaced. A rear bumper alone could cost $1,500 or more on some vehicles. That’s why you want to have it looked at by a professional.

How Long Do Rear-End Collision Repairs Take?

First, you will need to get an estimate which could take a day or two. Then, your insurance company will want to send an adjuster to look at the vehicle. Depending on how fast the insurance company agrees with the estimate, your car could be getting repaired in a couple of days.

Why Choose Phil Long Collision Center | Collision Repair Shop

Phil Long Collision Center is the leader in auto bodywork in Colorado. We work with all insurance companies and are ready to get you back on the road quickly. Let us restore your vehicle to the factory-like condition following a rear-end collision.

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