Determining Liability for Rear-End Accidents with Vehicles That Have No Brake Lights

Brake lights are a critical component of any vehicle. Trucks, cars, buses, motorcycles, and more must have working brake lights that will signal when they slow down or stop for other drivers. When a vehicle does not have brake lights that are operational, any other vehicle behind them is at risk of hitting them and causing a crash. Rear-end collisions can cause an incredible amount of harm for all parties involved.

Due to how frequent rear-end collisions are, as they make up around 29% of all crashes reported each year in the United States, taking action to minimize them is essential. A top priority for accomplishing this is brake lights that are in good working order and are reliable. 

If you crashed into a car without break lights, then it is important to consult with an attorney to determine your legal rights. You may be able to file a claim for compensation for the losses you suffered. The Tampa car accident attorneys at Fulgencio Law can assess your accident and discuss with you if filing a claim against the other party makes sense and can help you recover financial compensation.

Who is Responsible for A Rear-End Accident When There are No Brake Lights?

Typically, a car that causes an accident to happen would assume liability. But if a car from behind hits another vehicle in front of it, liability may rest on the driver of the car in front that was hit. This would be the case in situations where the car in front did not have brake lights that work.

A driver with a car that does not have working brake lights may not even know about the lights. Still, this is not a defense that can protect them from blame. And when the police come to the scene of a crash, making sure to indicate that a car’s brake lights were not working is critical. In this situation, an officer may include this fact in the police report. They may also cite the driver for the faulty brake lights. A citation is a piece of evidence you can use when you file a claim showing that the driver was negligent.

Each year in the United States, approximately 1.7 million car accidents are rear-ended collisions. These accidents produce hundreds of thousands of serious injuries and many deaths. If you hit another vehicle because their brake lights were not operational, then speaking to an attorney can be advantageous.

Speak with an Attorney at Fulgencio Law Today

Always staying attentive to road conditions and other vehicles and keeping a good distance from vehicles can help you reduce the chances of being involved in an accident. Brake lights are important indicators of a driver’s actions and intentions. When they do not work, drivers in their rear will not be alerted to any slowing of the vehicle they are following. This can lead to a catastrophic rear-end crash that produces significant damage.

After a crash, call Fulgencio Law to speak with an attorney about your Florida car accident experience during a free consultation at (813) 463-0123.