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Rear-End Car Accidents in Phoenix: Why the “At-Fault” Driver Isn’t Always Obvious

Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common types of crashes on Phoenix roads—but they are also among the most misunderstood. Many people assume the driver in the back is always at fault. While that is often true, it is not automatic under Arizona law. Liability can depend on speed, traffic conditions, vehicle defects, and the actions of multiple drivers. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, working with an experienced Phoenix rear-end car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure fault is properly determined.

Speak With a Phoenix Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today

Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common types of crashes on Phoenix roads—but they are also among the most misunderstood. Many people assume the driver in the back is always at fault. While that is often true, it is not automatic under Arizona law. Liability can depend on speed, traffic conditions, vehicle defects, and the actions of multiple drivers. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, working with an experienced Phoenix rear-end car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure fault is properly determined.

At Farar & Lewis, we offer free consultations to rear-end accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is ready to investigate your crash and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today to speak with someone immediately about your case at (602) 883-2633.

Why Rear-End Accidents Are So Common in Phoenix

Phoenix’s heavy traffic, highway congestion, and frequent construction zones make rear-end collisions extremely common. These crashes often occur during:

  • Rush hour traffic
  • Sudden slowdowns on freeways
  • Construction zone lane shifts
  • Stop-and-go urban driving
  • Weather-related visibility issues

Even low-speed rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries due to the sudden force involved.

At Farar & Lewis, we offer free consultations to victims of accidents throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is prepared to hold drivers—and all other responsible parties—fully accountable.

Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents

Rear-end collisions are often caused by negligence, including:

Following Too Closely

Drivers who tailgate do not leave enough room to stop safely.

Distracted Driving

Texting, phone use, and in-vehicle distractions delay reaction time.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces stopping distance and increases crash severity.

Sudden or Unsafe Stops

Drivers who brake abruptly or without warning may share fault.

Mechanical Failures

Brake failures or malfunctioning lights can contribute to rear-end crashes.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end crashes often result in injuries that worsen over time.

Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Shoulder and knee injuries
  • Chronic pain conditions

Symptoms may not appear immediately, making prompt medical evaluation critical.

Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault?

While the rear driver is frequently found at fault, Arizona law allows for exceptions. Fault may be shared or shifted when:

  • The lead vehicle made a sudden, unnecessary stop
  • Brake lights were not functioning
  • The lead driver cut off another vehicle
  • Road debris or hazards were present
  • Multiple vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be divided among multiple parties.

Chain-Reaction Rear-End Accidents

Multi-vehicle rear-end crashes are common on Phoenix highways. Determining fault in these cases can be complex.

Liability may depend on:

  • Which driver initiated the collision
  • Following distances between vehicles
  • Speed and traffic flow
  • Driver reaction times

A Phoenix rear-end car accident lawyer analyzes crash dynamics to ensure fault is assigned fairly.

Compensation Available After a Rear-End Accident

If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospital visits and imaging
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Vehicle repair or replacement

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Long-term or permanent impairment

Serious cases may involve future medical expenses and chronic care needs.

Why Insurance Companies Downplay Rear-End Injuries

Insurance companies often argue that rear-end crashes are “minor,” especially when vehicle damage appears limited. This is misleading.

Insurers may:

  • Minimize whiplash injuries
  • Dispute delayed symptoms
  • Push quick, low settlements
  • Question medical treatment necessity

A Phoenix rear-end car accident lawyer ensures your injuries are taken seriously and fully documented.

How Evidence Proves Fault in Rear-End Accidents

Establishing liability requires strong evidence, including:

  • Police accident reports
  • Vehicle damage analysis
  • Traffic camera or dashcam footage
  • Witness statements
  • Accident reconstruction expert opinions

Farar Law Group preserves and analyzes this evidence to build strong claims.

At Farar Law Group, we understand how deceptively complex rear-end accident cases can be. Our legal team investigates every factor contributing to the crash. We focus on: Identifying all negligent parties Countering unfair fault allegations Accurately calculating damages Handling all insurance communications Taking cases to trial when necessary We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

How Farar Law Group Handles Rear-End Accident Cases

At Farar Law Group, we understand how deceptively complex rear-end accident cases can be. Our legal team investigates every factor contributing to the crash.

We focus on:

  • Identifying all negligent parties
  • Countering unfair fault allegations
  • Accurately calculating damages
  • Handling all insurance communications
  • Taking cases to trial when necessary

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Accidents

Most rear-end accident injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the crash date. Delaying legal action can weaken evidence and reduce recovery.

Early legal involvement helps protect your claim.

Call Farar Law Group After a Rear-End Accident in Phoenix

If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, do not assume fault—or accept an insurance company’s version of events—without legal guidance.

Contact Farar Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix rear-end car accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover full compensation.

Sources

  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Rear-End Crash Data
    https://www.nhtsa.gov
  2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Rear Impact Research
    https://www.iihs.org
  3. Arizona Department of Transportation – Traffic Safety
    https://azdot.gov

 

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