Rear-End Collisions on I-35 in San Marcos TX - Proving Fault and Recovering Damages

I-35 is not only the busiest road in San Marcos, Texas, but it’s also the most hazardous. Nearly half the state’s population lives near this busy thoroughfare, which also plays a key role in Texas’s robust shipping industry. The interstate is so dangerous that the Texas Department of Transportation established the I-35 Safety Campaign in hopes of getting drivers to slow down and stay alert. Despite their efforts, I-35 remains a hotspot for accidents, including rear-end collisions that often leave victims severely injured. The San Marcos car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw help these victims hold at-fault parties liable and recover damages for their injuries. As you can see from our client reviews, we are experts in maximizing compensation for accident victims.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a rear-end collision, call Carabin Shaw. Our top Texas attorneys offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money upfront for our experience. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to schedule free case reviews in English or Spanish at 800-862-1260.

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another. These accidents account for 17% of all accidents involving two or more motor vehicles. Common reasons for these crashes include:

• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Weather conditions
• Sudden stops
• Driving under the influence

If you are involved in one of these collisions, your local attorney will investigate the incident to determine the cause and identify the at-fault parties. The sooner you seek legal help after your accident, the quicker the investigation can begin.

Texas law requires all drivers to “maintain an assured clear distance” that allows them to safely stop without hitting the vehicle in front of them. This law assumes that the driver who rear-ends another car is presumed to be at fault for the accident. There are exceptions, such as when the driver of the front vehicle:

• Stops or brakes suddenly for no reason
• Reverses direction without signaling
• Has broken brake lights
• Is engaging in aggressive or reckless driving

In these situations, the driver of the front vehicle may be liable, or responsibility may be split between the two parties under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule. Contact a San Marcos lawyer as soon as possible for more information.

Proportionate responsibility holds all at-fault parties liable for an accident, according to their portion of the fault. The principle is pervasive in rear-end collisions, where both drivers may have contributed to the crash. For example, the front driver may stop suddenly and unexpectedly, while the rear driver, going too fast to stop safely, runs into the front car.

Under the proportionate responsibility rule, an accident victim can seek damages if their portion of fault was less than 51%. However, their damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them for the accident. If you think you contributed to your accident, it’s critical to work with an experienced Texas lawyer who can minimize your portion of fault and maximize your damages.

Personal injury claims following a rear-end collision can be complex, as multiple vehicles may be involved and various parties may be at fault. Gathering key evidence helps your car accident attorney in San Marcos Texas build a strong case to seek maximum damages for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Evidence might include:

• Photos or videos of the accident scene
• Police accident reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras
• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Vehicle damage analysis and estimate

Your legal team may also hire experts like accident reconstructionists to create a realistic picture of how the accident occurred. They will communicate all this information to the at-fault party’s insurance company, protecting you from saying anything to an adjuster that could harm your case.

A rear-end collision can leave you seriously injured and unsure where to turn for help. The compassionate team at Carabin Shaw has over two decades of experience representing car accident victims like you, protecting their rights and maximizing damages. Call our trusted team today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Injuryfacts
• Texas Statutes 545
• Texas Statutes 33