If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision in Norman, you may have already heard the phrase: “The car in back is always at fault.” It’s one of the most common assumptions people make after a crash — and it’s not always true.
Oklahoma law uses comparative fault, which means liability depends on the specific facts of the wreck. In Norman, where traffic along Lindsey Street, Main Street, 24th Ave, and I-35 can change quickly, rear-end collisions often involve more than one contributing factor.
At Aldridge Teasdale, we help Norman drivers understand their rights — especially when an insurance company tries to place blame where it doesn’t belong.
When the Rear Driver Is at Fault
Most rear-end collisions do place responsibility on the trailing vehicle. Common causes include:
- Following too closely
- Texting or distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failing to pay attention during stop-and-go traffic
- Driver fatigue or impairment
These scenarios make up a large percentage of rear-end crashes in Norman, especially in school zones, near the OU campus, and on congested roads like Robinson and Highway 9.
When the Front Driver May Be Partially or Fully at Fault
Rear-end collisions are not automatically the back driver’s fault. Oklahoma’s comparative fault laws recognize that multiple factors can contribute to a crash. The front driver may hold some — or even most — of the responsibility if they:
- Stopped suddenly with no traffic reason
- Slowed to turn but didn’t use a turn signal
- Drove with broken or malfunctioning brake lights
- Pulled out unexpectedly from a side street
- Reversed into traffic or backed up without warning
- Cut across lanes on Lindsey, 24th Ave, or I-35 access roads
These types of cases require careful investigation — and strong advocacy — because insurance companies almost always try to blame the driver in back, even when the facts tell a different story.
How Oklahoma’s Comparative Fault Rule Applies
Oklahoma follows modified comparative negligence, which means:
- You can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
So even if you are partially responsible for a rear-end collision in Norman, you may still have a valid claim for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
- Future treatment
Insurance companies rely on people not understanding this rule — and they often mislead or pressure injured drivers into settling quickly.
Why Insurance Companies Often Misjudge Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end wrecks near Norman hotspots like 36th Ave, Classen Blvd, and the I-35 off-ramps are rarely simple. But insurers prefer simple claims — because simple claims cost less.
They may:
- Blame you immediately without investigating
- Deny coverage for delayed pain or soft-tissue injuries
- Ignore key evidence like brake-light failure or road conditions
- Refuse to acknowledge the other driver’s unsafe behavior
This is why having a lawyer early can make a major difference.
How Aldridge Teasdale Helps Norman Drivers
Our team investigates rear-end collisions throughout Norman, including OU campus traffic zones, neighborhoods along Robinson and Rock Creek, and high-speed I-35 corridors. We work to uncover every contributing factor — and ensure the insurance company sees the full picture.
We help by:
- Reconstructing the crash to determine fault accurately
- Documenting injuries and securing medical records
- Challenging incorrect fault determinations
- Negotiating aggressively for full compensation
- Taking the case to court if necessary
Rear-end collisions aren’t always as simple as they seem — and you deserve someone who knows how to fight back.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you were involved in a rear-end collision in Norman — whether you were the front or rear vehicle — don’t assume fault without speaking to an attorney. The facts matter, and you may have a stronger claim than you think.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT. You pay nothing unless we win.
Internal Link: Norman Car Wreck Lawyer
The attorneys at Aldridge Teasdale will:
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Immediately conduct a coverage investigation so that you get all the compensation available to you;
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Set up you claim with all applicable coverages;
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Assist you with getting front of the line appointments with top notch medical providers;
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Monitor your treatment by coordinating with your medical providers, collecting bills and records for you, and promptly evaluating your case;
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Take witness statements and gather evidence needed to win your case, such as, police records, dash cam, officer statements, video surveillance in the area, etc;
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Get you the compensation YOU deserve!
