Our Charlotte car accident attorneys can help you prove liability in a rear-end crash and maximize your compensation
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frustrating types of crashes because you rarely see them coming and usually can’t do anything to stop them. In seconds, you can go from sitting at a stoplight to dealing with severe head, neck, and back injuries—or worse.
Victims and their families are often left with unanswered questions, piles of medical bills, and insurance companies that downplay the impact of the crash or even try to blame them for the accident.
At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we understand how serious these accidents are and how much the resulting injuries can disrupt your life. Our Charlotte car accident lawyers fight to hold careless drivers accountable and make sure victims and families are compensated fairly.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a rear-end crash in Charlotte, reach out to Wilder Pantazis Law Group today for a free consultation.
We’ve been helping car accident victims throughout North and South Carolina maximize their compensation after serious crashes for more than 85 years.
How fatal are rear-end collisions?
According to the National Safety Council, rear-end crashes are the third most deadly type of crash in the U.S., behind angle crashes and head-on collisions. In 2023 alone, 3,300 people died in rear-end accidents, accounting for 17% of crash fatalities that year.
Rear-end crash with a CATS bus in Charlotte leaves one person dead
On New Year’s Day 2025, a deadly rear-end collision involving a CATS bus occurred on Central Avenue in east Charlotte. Police said 19-year-old Ofren Parra Guzman was speeding when his Honda Civic slammed into the back of a stopped bus, according to WCNC Charlotte.
Edgar Sanchez, a 50-year-old passenger who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. Two others suffered life-threatening injuries, and three more had minor injuries. None of the bus passengers were hurt. CMPD confirmed Guzman will face charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Who’s at fault in a rear-end collision in North Carolina?
In most rear-end accidents, the driver who hits the car in front is considered at fault. That’s because drivers are expected to leave enough room to stop safely. If you rear-end someone sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic, chances are you’ll be held responsible.
But not every case is that simple. There are plenty of situations where the front driver—or even someone else on the road—could be partly or fully to blame.
Here are some examples:
- A driver “brake checks” you by slamming on their brakes on purpose, often out of road rage.
- The vehicle in front has no working brake lights, giving you no warning that they were slowing down.
- A car pulls out of a side street or parking lot directly in front of you and leaves you no time to react.
- Someone cuts you off on the highway and immediately brakes.
- The front driver is backing up at an intersection or in stop-and-go traffic.
- A multi-car chain reaction pushes your vehicle into the car ahead of you when you have no control.
- Hazardous road conditions—like debris in the road or a poorly marked construction zone—cause the lead car to stop suddenly.
North Carolina uses contributory negligence, which means that if the front driver’s negligence played any role in causing the accident, it can drastically affect fault and compensation. That’s why gathering evidence is essential to proving what really happened.
Is North Carolina a no-fault state for accidents?
No, North Carolina is not a no-fault state—it’s one of only a handful of states that uses a rule called contributory negligence for car accidents.
Under this strict rule, if you’re found even 1% at fault for a crash, you can be barred from recovering any compensation at all, no matter how badly you’re hurt.
Take this example. Suppose you’re stopped at a red light in Charlotte and another driver slams into the back of your car. Normally, the rear driver would be considered at fault. But if it turns out one of your brake lights wasn’t working properly, the insurance company could argue you share part of the blame.
Even if you suffer a catastrophic injury like paralysis that impacts you for the rest of your life, that small detail might be enough to prevent you from recovering anything under North Carolina law.
Because of this strict system, accident cases here can get complicated fast. Insurance companies will look for any reason to pin even a sliver of blame on you, so it’s essential to reach out to a local Charlotte car accident attorney as early as possible if liability in the accident is being disputed, especially if you have serious injuries.
How is fault determined in a car accident in NC?
After a crash in Charlotte, insurance companies waste no time trying to piece together who’s to blame. They’ll look at things like police reports, traffic citations, photos, video footage, and witness statements.
They may even use your own words against you. Something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” at the scene can later be spun as if you admitted fault.
Always remember that an insurance adjuster’s job is to save money, not to give you the full value of your claim. That’s where having an experienced car accident attorney can make a real difference.
A lawyer can:
- Review the evidence and point out gaps or inconsistencies the insurer ignores.
- Bring in crash reconstruction experts or medical professionals to back up your side.
- Push back when the insurance company tries to twist your words or downplay your injuries.
- Make sure critical evidence—like surveillance footage or vehicle data—doesn’t get “lost.”
- Deal directly with the insurance company for you to make sure they can’t pressure you into saying the wrong thing or accepting less than your claim is worth.
If negotiations fail and your case ends up in court, your attorney will lay out the full picture for the jury, challenging the insurer’s version of events and making sure your side of the story is heard. The goal isn’t just to respond to the insurance company—it’s to level the playing field so you have a real chance at fair compensation.
Need legal help after a rear-end crash in Charlotte?
Insurance companies love to argue that rear-end crashes are “minor” and try to downplay the impact. But anyone who’s living with whiplash, a herniated disc, lingering concussion symptoms, or worse knows how serious these accidents can be—and how long recovery takes.
At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we don’t let insurers brush off your claim. Our experienced Charlotte car accident attorneys will dig into the details—securing evidence, consulting medical experts, and making sure the true cost of your injuries is fully recognized. From lost wages to long-term medical care and the day-to-day struggles you face, we fight to make sure nothing is left out.
With over 85 years of combined experience, we’ve built a reputation for holding insurance companies accountable and securing fair results for families across North and South Carolina. Our attorneys are experienced in workers’ comp and personal injury claims, so we’re also well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of a work-related crash.
Reach out to Wilder Pantazis Law Group today for a free consultation, and let our team show you why having a proven legal advocate on your side after a rear-end crash can make all the difference.
References
National Safety Council. (n.d.). Type of Crash. Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/type-of-crash/