Rear-end collisions in Fort Wayne typically occur due to negligent driving behaviors that put others at risk. Common causes include distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting in-car controls, speeding, following too closely, and failing to pay attention to sudden traffic slowdowns. 

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our Fort Wayne car accident lawyers fight for justice and compensation for individuals who may suffer injuries in rear-end collisions. Our founding partners, attorneys Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese, have been recognized among Indiana’s top legal professionals.

Attorney Wagner has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer for 20 consecutive years and was honored as Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Reese has earned the Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister Award for his outstanding legal advocacy. Reach out to us today for rear-end collision legal advice in Fort Wayne. 

Photo of Rear-End Accident

Fault Determination in Rear-End Collisions in Fort Wayne

In most rear-end collisions, the driver in the rear is presumed to be at fault due to Indiana’s traffic laws requiring motorists to maintain a safe following distance. However, liability is not always straightforward. If the lead driver engaged in negligent actions—such as suddenly braking without cause, reversing unexpectedly, or having malfunctioning brake lights—the rear driver may not be fully at fault. 

In some cases, liability can be shared under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, which reduces compensation if the victim is partially responsible. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts, making it essential to have strong legal representation. 

At Wagner Reese, our experienced rear-end accident lawyers in Fort Wayne diligently investigate every aspect of a crash to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.

Three Leading Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Fort Wayne

  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid a rear-end crash. Speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with high traffic volume, stop-and-go conditions, or inclement weather.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or engaging with passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can prevent a driver from reacting to sudden stops, increasing the risk of a collision.
  • Tailgating: Following too closely is one of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. Indiana law requires drivers to leave sufficient space between vehicles, but many ignore this rule, especially during rush hour. Tailgating increases the likelihood of a crash if the lead driver needs to stop abruptly.

How Our Fort Wayne Car Accident Attorneys Prove Liability 

Conduct a Thorough Investigation

Our injury lawyer in Fort Wayne will collect all available evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements, to establish fault. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the crash scene and determine the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Analyze Vehicle Damage and Black Box Data

Damage patterns on both vehicles can provide critical insight into how the crash occurred. Many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs), commonly referred to as black boxes, which capture information about speed, braking, and acceleration. This data can be vital in proving the negligent driver’s actions.

Request Cell Phone and GPS Records

If distracted driving is suspected, we will subpoena cell phone records to determine whether the at-fault driver was texting or making calls at the time of the crash. GPS data can also indicate whether the driver was speeding or engaged in reckless behavior.

Negotiate Aggressively for a Fair Settlement 

Insurance companies are known to undervalue personal injury claims or attempt to shift blame onto the victim. We aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement, and if the insurer refuses to offer adequate compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Our Top-Rated Fort Wayne Rear-End Accident Attorneys Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our rear-end accident lawyers have successfully taken numerous cases to jury trial, achieving 7-figure and even 8-figure recoveries for clients in auto and truck accident cases. With over $300 million recovered, our attorneys have the skills, experience and resources to recover the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses. 

We offer evening and weekend appointments for your convenience, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Hablamos español—contact us today to get the legal representation you need. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.