It is a common assumption that the rear driver is always at fault in a rear-end collision. While this is often the case, liability is not automatic – nor is it guaranteed to fall to the rear driver. Instead, a thorough investigation of the crash is needed to determine fault and causation. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be found liable if it is your vehicle that is rear-ended in a crash in West Virginia.

Establishing Fault for a Rear-End Collision

Before you can file an insurance claim to recover from a rear-end collision in West Virginia, you must identify the at-fault party. Under the state’s tort-based insurance law, the claim will go through the at-fault party’s insurer. Since most drivers do not admit fault at the scene of the accident, it often takes an investigation of the car accident to determine and establish fault. 

Fault for an auto accident typically comes down to the legal theory of negligence. In car accident law, someone is negligent if his or her carelessness causes a motor vehicle accident. When negligence causes someone else injury or harm, the negligent party will be liable for related losses. If a driver carelessly speeds or runs a red light, for example, that driver will be legally responsible for a related car accident.

In a rear-end collision, the rear driver is typically negligent and causes the collision. All drivers have a duty to pay attention to the road, maintain a safe speed and stay alert for changing roadway situations. If the vehicle in front of a driver slows down, it is the rear driver’s responsibility to pay attention, notice and brake in time to avoid a collision.

Errors and lapses in judgment made by the rear driver most commonly cause rear-end collisions. Examples of mistakes that could cause a following driver to crash into a leading driver are distracted driving, texting while driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, speeding and tailgating (following too closely). Road rage and reckless driving can also contribute to rear-end collisions. 

When Might the Front Driver Be Liable for a Rear-End Collision?

If it was the rear driver’s responsibility to prevent the rear-end collision and he or she negligently failed to do so, the rear driver will be liable for the crash. Otherwise, the other driver could take financial responsibility. If you were the driver in the front position and someone else rear-ended you, there are certain scenarios where you could still be found liable. This might be the case if you:

  • Drove with broken taillights or brake lights
  • Cut the rear driver off 
  • Wove through multiple lanes of traffic
  • Merged on top of the other driver
  • Brake-checked the other driver
  • Stopped for no reason
  • Drove in reverse
  • Engaged in reckless driving behaviors

These acts do not automatically place fault for a rear-end collision with you over the rear driver. It will take an investigation to allocate fault to you, the rear driver or even a third-party driver if the collision was a chain-reaction car accident. 

Shared Fault for a Rear-End Collision

It may be possible for you and the other driver to share fault, in certain situations. If an investigation finds you both partially to blame for the crash, such as the rear driver for tailgating you and you for brake-checking the rear driver, this could reduce the recovery available to you under West Virginia’s comparative negligence law

With this law, the courts will reduce your financial award by an amount that matches your percentage of fault for the rear-end collision. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, however, you will lose all right to recover. 

If you need assistance determining liability or refuting fault for a rear-end collision in West Virginia, consult with a West Virginia car accident lawyer today for help. 

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

Contact Us Today

We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.

If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.

Fill out the form below to get in touch!

100% privacy guarantee