401.467.2300 
After being struck from behind, your Providence rear-end collision lawyer is ready to fight for the compensation you need to recover.
With 100+ years of combined experience, your Providence car accident lawyer with Gemma Law knows how to take on tough cases and stand up to insurance companies. Contact us today to learn how we can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.
How Fault Is Determined in a Rear-End Collision in Providence
If you were hit from behind, you may assume the trailing driver is responsible. While that is often the case, there are situations where fault may be shared.
A sudden stop, a multi-vehicle crash, or a mechanical failure could all play a role in determining liability. Investigating the cause of your accident is critical to proving who is responsible for your injuries.
Rear-End Collisions Caused by Sudden Stops
If the driver in front of you slammed on their brakes unexpectedly, they may share fault for the accident. Sudden stops in heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, or at intersections can make it difficult to avoid a crash. If their brake lights were not working or they stopped for no reason, they may be partially responsible.
All drivers must maintain a safe following distance. However, if the lead driver acted recklessly, liability may not fall entirely on the rear driver. Your Providence personal injury lawyer can review accident reports, traffic footage, and witness statements to determine who is at fault.
Chain-Reaction Rear-End Crashes
If your accident involved multiple vehicles, fault may not be as straightforward. A driver who was hit from behind may be pushed into the car ahead, creating a chain reaction.
In these cases, liability may be shared among several drivers, depending on who initiated the crash.
Mechanical Failures and Road Hazards Leading to Rear-End Accidents
Not all rear-end collisions are caused by driver negligence. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues may prevent a driver from stopping in time. If a defective part caused your accident, the vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance provider may be liable.
Poor road conditions can also contribute to rear-end crashes. If a pothole, an uneven pavement, or a missing traffic sign played a role in your accident, a government agency may share responsibility.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer serving ProvidenceCall 401.467.2300
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions and Their Long-Term Impact
Rear-end collisions can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. Below are some of the most common catastrophic and long-term injuries usually seen in serious rear-end accidents.
Spinal Cord and Whiplash Injuries
The sudden jolt of a rear-end collision often leads to whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability. Even low-speed crashes can result in soft tissue damage that affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Rhode Island law allows you to seek compensation for ongoing medical treatments, including physical therapy, pain management, and surgical procedures. If your injuries require long-term care, your Providence spinal cord injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and future rehabilitation.
Concussions and Head Trauma in Rear-End Accidents
Even if your head does not strike the steering wheel or dashboard, the impact of a rear-end collision can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and memory problems may not appear right away, but they can have lasting effects on your cognitive function and daily life.
Providence Rear-End Collision Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Who Pays for Damages in a Rideshare Rear-End Collision
Rhode Island requires Uber and Lyft drivers to carry additional insurance while working. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.2-14, rideshare drivers must have liability coverage that applies during different phases of a ride.
If a driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage. However, once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, the company’s full insurance policy applies.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, the insurance policy responsible for covering your damages would depend on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash. Your Providence rideshare accident lawyer can help determine which policy applies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim Against a Rideshare Company vs. a Private Driver
If an Uber or Lyft driver caused a rear-end accident, you may need to file a claim against their personal insurance or the company’s policy. Rideshare companies only accept liability when the driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick someone up. If the driver was off-duty, their personal insurance is responsible. The stage of the rideshare trip impacts liability in different ways:
- Offline – The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Waiting for a ride request – Limited Uber/Lyft coverage applies.
- Transporting a passenger – Full rideshare insurance coverage applies.
If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, you may be covered under Uber or Lyft’s corporate policy. However, if another driver caused the crash, their insurance would be responsible for your damages. Filing a claim in these cases can be complicated, especially if multiple policies are involved.
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Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Rear-End Collisions
Reckless or distracted driving is a leading cause of rideshare rear-end collisions. Rideshare drivers often multitask while using their app, increasing the risk of distraction. Texting, rushing to pick up a passenger, or failing to maintain a safe following distance can all lead to a preventable crash.
If you were hit by a negligent rideshare driver, the claims process may differ from a typical accident. Insurance companies that cover commercial policies often fight harder to limit payouts, making it more difficult to recover fair compensation.
Your Providence rear-end collision attorney from Gemma Law can help gather evidence, review insurance policies, and hold the responsible driver or company accountable.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve With Your Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Providence
Rear-end accidents often cause more harm than people realize, leading to long-term pain and financial setbacks.
Your rear-end collision attorney in Providence with Gemma Law will gather the evidence needed to prove fault and demand maximum compensation. Fill out our contact form or call today to take the first step toward justice.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
