{"id":20191,"date":"2026-08-25T09:54:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/?p=20191"},"modified":"2026-08-25T09:57:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:57:17","slug":"auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld\/","title":{"rendered":"Rear-end collision \u2013 Who is to blame?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"20191\" class=\"elementor elementor-20191\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aef06f2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"aef06f2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7ebb29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f7ebb29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A quick glance at your mobile, failing to notice the green traffic light in time, or the car in front suddenly slamming on the brakes: A <b>Rear-end collision<\/b> usually happens in a fraction of a second.<\/p><p>Almost everyone is familiar with the rule of thumb: <i>\u201eWhoever crashes into someone else is always to blame.\u201c<\/i> Legally speaking, this statement is not correct. Read on to find out what the law actually says, what you need to look out for at the scene of an accident, and what claims you are entitled to if someone has rear-ended you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b328295 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"b328295\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"page\" data-elementor-id=\"12173\" class=\"elementor elementor-12173\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-19e6929 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"19e6929\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-nosnippet=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-00e0e42\" data-id=\"00e0e42\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abfeab6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"abfeab6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do you want to have the accident damage settled quickly and safely?\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-651e079 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"651e079\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Sie wollen die optimale Erstattung nach Unfall erzielen?\\n Unfallgesch\u00e4digte in Ihrer Situation bekommen bei fairforce.one einfach beste Unterst\u00fctzung.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:14979,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:14279154},&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;16&quot;:10}\" data-sheets-textstyleruns=\"{&quot;1&quot;:0}\uee10{&quot;1&quot;:15,&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;5&quot;:1}}\uee10{&quot;1&quot;:34}\">Accident victims in your situation simply get the best support from fairforce.one.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7498e37 elementor-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"7498e37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\/en\/lp\/anspruchsrechner\/?utm_source=fairforce.one&#038;utm_medium=ratgeber&#038;utm_content=%%postTitle%%&#038;utm_term=cta24report\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fad fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Report an accident now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62e76b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"62e76b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"was-zaehlt-als-auffahrunfall-und-was-ist-sofort-zu-tun\" title=\"What counts as a rear-end collision, and what should you do straight away?\">What counts as a rear-end collision, and what should you do straight away?<\/h2><h3 id=\"was-zaehlt-als-auffahrunfall\" title=\"What counts as a rear-end collision?\">What counts as a rear-end collision?<\/h3><p>A classic rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle travelling behind collides with the rear of a vehicle travelling ahead or at a standstill \u2013 whilst both are in the same lane. This is to be distinguished from collisions occurring when a vehicle cuts in from the side or changes lanes: different standards apply in such cases, as Section 7(5) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) requires drivers changing lanes to exercise particular care.<\/p><h3 id=\"auffahrunfall-was-tun-am-unfallort\" title=\"Rear-end collision \u2013 what should you do at the scene of the accident?\">Rear-end collision \u2013 what should you do at the scene of the accident?<\/h3><p>Whether it\u2019s a serious crash or what appears to be minor damage: keeping calm and taking a systematic approach is half the battle.\u00a0<\/p><ol><li><b>Secure the scene of the accident:<\/b> Switch on your hazard warning lights, put on your high-visibility vest and set up your warning triangle \u2013 in built-up areas around 50 metres, on country roads around 100 metres, and on motorways around 150 to 200 metres before the scene of the accident. Do so earlier when approaching bends and crest of a hill.<\/li><li><b>Providing first aid:<\/b> Provide first aid to the injured and, if in doubt, dial the emergency number 112. It is a legal duty to provide assistance (Section 323c of the German Criminal Code).<\/li><li><b>Documenting evidence:<\/b> Photographs of the damage to all the vehicles, their final positions, skid marks, debris fields and road signs.<\/li><li><b>Exchanging data:<\/b> Make a note of the registration number, names, addresses, motor vehicle liability insurance and insurance policy number \u2013 as well as any witnesses and their contact details.<\/li><\/ol><p>Important: Even in the case of minor damage, you must not simply drive off. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident without enabling the identification of the person involved, the vehicle and the extent of their involvement risks facing proceedings for leaving the scene of an accident without authorisation (Section 142 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)). Leaving a note behind the windscreen wiper is not sufficient in this regard.<\/p><h3 id=\"muss-man-bei-einem-auffahrunfall-die-polizei-rufen\" title=\"Do you have to call the police in the event of a rear-end collision?\">Do you have to call the police in the event of a rear-end collision?<\/h3><p>There is no legal obligation to call the police in the event of purely property damage. However, in such cases, it is strongly recommended that you call 110:<\/p><ul><li>In the event of personal injury \u2013 even if you only have mild neck pain or a headache at first.<\/li><li>If it is unclear who is at fault or if the other party involved in the accident refuses to cooperate.<\/li><li>If alcohol or drugs are suspected, or if the opponent walks away.<\/li><li>If any documents or insurance details are missing, or if the vehicle has foreign number plates.<\/li><\/ul><p>In the case of hire cars and company cars, the contracts often require a police report \u2013 it\u2019s worth having a look at the terms and conditions. Otherwise, in the case of a clear-cut, minor rear-end collision, the European Accident Statement is sufficient.<\/p><h3 id=\"unfallbericht-richtig-ausfuellen\" title=\"How to complete an accident report correctly\">How to complete an accident report correctly<\/h3><p>Ensure that your account is factual and chronological, without making any hasty admissions of guilt.<\/p><blockquote><p><i>Example:<\/i> \u201eVehicle A stopped at a red traffic light due to traffic conditions. Vehicle B collided with the rear of Vehicle A.\u201c<\/p><\/blockquote><p>A meaningful\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/unfallskizze-erstellen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Accident sketch<\/a> may be useful later on.<\/p><p>Never sign an admission of liability at the scene of an accident. It isn\u2019t binding on the other party\u2019s insurance company anyway \u2013 but it could be used against you as evidence later on. Leave the legal assessment to the professionals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-582ca7e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"582ca7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"mythos-vs-recht-ist-man-bei-einem-auffahrunfall-immer-schuld\" title=\"Myth vs. Law: Are you always at fault in a rear-end collision?\">Myth vs. Law: Are you always at fault in a rear-end collision?<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"was-besagt-der-anscheinsbeweis-beim-auffahrunfall\" title=\"What does the presumption of liability mean in the case of a rear-end collision?\">What does the presumption of liability mean in the case of a rear-end collision?<\/h3>\n<p>Under Section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), the distance from the vehicle in front must be sufficient to ensure that the vehicle can stop safely even in the event of sudden braking. If a collision occurs, the so-called <b>Prima facie evidence<\/b>: Based on life experience, the typical sequence of events suggests that the driver who crashed into the car in front was following too closely, wasn\u2019t paying attention or was driving too fast.<\/p>\n<p>Prima facie evidence is not a legal presumption, but a rule governing the assessment of evidence. And it applies only in a typical scenario: if, for example, the possibility that the vehicle in front changed lanes cannot be ruled out, it does not apply from the outset.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"wer-muss-was-beweisen\" title=\"Who has to prove what?\">Who has to prove what?<\/h3>\n<p>The burden of proof is not reversed by prima facie evidence. The driver who rear-ended the other vehicle merely has to <i>shock<\/i>: He must set out and prove specific circumstances which make an atypical sequence of events a serious possibility \u2013 such as an unjustified sudden braking manoeuvre or a close cut-in. If he succeeds in doing so, the normal distribution of the burden of proof applies once again.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence may include witness statements, the police accident report, an accident analysis report and photographs. Dashcam footage may also be admissible in civil proceedings \u2013 this was ruled by the Federal Court of Justice in 2018, although continuous recording remains problematic from a data protection perspective.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"wann-trifft-den-vordermann-eine-mitschuld\" title=\"When is the driver in front also to blame?\">When is the driver in front also to blame?<\/h3>\n<p>The blame is by no means automatically 100 % at the driver\u2019s behind. In the following cases, a <b>Partial debt<\/b> or even the possibility that the driver in front is solely to blame:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sudden braking for no reason:<\/b> Anyone who brakes sharply without good reason is in breach of Section 4(1), second sentence, of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). According to case law, this generally applies to small animals as well.<\/li>\n<li><b>Braking before speed cameras:<\/b> Slamming on the brakes simply out of fear of a speed camera.<\/li>\n<li><b>Dangerous lane change:<\/b> Cutting in too close to the vehicle behind without maintaining a sufficient safety distance.<\/li>\n<li><b>Faulty lighting:<\/b> The car in front\u2019s brake lights weren\u2019t working.<\/li>\n<li><b>Rolling or driving backwards:<\/b> for example, at traffic lights or on a hill \u2013 in which case, legally speaking, it is not a rear-end collision at all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Added to this is the <b>Operational risk<\/b>: As the vehicle owner, you are generally liable under Section 7 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) for any risk posed by the operation of your vehicle. Where the other party is clearly at fault, this liability is usually waived; where liability is shared, it affects the apportionment of liability.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"quick-check-wer-haftet-bei-welchem-auffahrunfall\" title=\"Quick-Check: Wer haftet bei welchem Auffahrunfall?\">Quick-Check: Wer haftet bei welchem Auffahrunfall?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Scenario 1: You\u2019re stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jam and someone crashes into the back of your car<\/b><br>\u2794 <b>Liability:<\/b> As a rule, 100 % on the opposite side.<\/li>\n<li><b>Case 2: The vehicle in front brakes suddenly for no traffic-related reason<\/b><br>\u2794 <b>Liability:<\/b> Partial fault on the part of the vehicle in front, often between 20 and 50 %, depending on the individual case.<\/li>\n<li><b>Scenario 3: A vehicle cuts in just in front of you and brakes immediately<\/b><br>\u2794 <b>Liability:<\/b> mainly or entirely on the driver changing lanes \u2013 provided that the lane change can be proven.<\/li>\n<li><b>Scenario 4: You drive into a car that is unlit and parked illegally<\/b><br>\u2794 <b>Liability:<\/b> The vehicle owner may be held partly liable; the extent of this liability depends heavily on visibility and the circumstances at the scene.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The percentages are indicative figures derived from case law. The proportion is always determined on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"myth-busting-3-irrtuemer-beim-auffahrunfall\" title=\"Myth-Busting: 3 Irrt\u00fcmer beim Auffahrunfall\">Myth-Busting: 3 Irrt\u00fcmer beim Auffahrunfall<\/h3>\n<p><b>1. \u201eAnyone who crashes into the car in front is always 100 % to blame in legal terms.\u201c<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u274c <b>Fact-check:<\/b> Wrong. Prima facie evidence can be rebutted by evidence of unnecessary braking, cutting in too close or faulty brake lights.<\/p>\n<p><b>2. \u201eI have to use the loss adjuster sent by the other party\u2019s insurance company.\u201c<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u274c&nbsp;<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Facts<\/span><b>-Check:<\/b> No. In the event of an accident through no fault of your own, you choose your own loss assessor and are not bound by any suggestions from the other party. The same applies to the garage and the solicitor. A loss assessor is always appointed by someone \u2013 and works on their behalf accordingly.<\/p>\n<p><b>3. \u201eNeck pain following a whiplash injury goes away on its own \u2013 there\u2019s no need to see a doctor.\u201c<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u274c&nbsp;<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Facts<\/span><b>-Check:<\/b> Risky. If you do not have your symptoms documented by a doctor in a timely manner, you will find it almost impossible to prove the link to the accident later on \u2013 and you will therefore jeopardise any claims for compensation for pain and suffering.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-731e5a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"731e5a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"sonderfall-kettenunfall-wer-haftet-im-massen-chaos\" title=\"A special case: a pile-up. Who is liable in the midst of mass chaos?\">A special case: a pile-up. Who is liable in the midst of mass chaos?<\/h2><p>With a <b>Chain collision<\/b> Where more than two vehicles are involved, it depends on who was driving where and when \u2013 and whether the vehicle was pushed or collided under its own power.<\/p><h3 id=\"kettenunfall-wer-haftet-und-wer-zahlt\" title=\"Chain-reaction accident \u2013 who is liable and who pays?\">Chain-reaction accident \u2013 who is liable and who pays?<\/h3><ul><li><b>Scenario A (Postponement):<\/b> Car A is waiting at the traffic lights, car B is stopped behind it as required, and car C crashes into B without braking, pushing it into A.<br>\u2794 <b>Who pays?<\/b> C is at fault; as a result, C\u2019s third-party liability insurance covers the damages suffered by A and B. B is also initially liable to A for the inherent risks associated with the operation of his vehicle \u2013 internally, B recovers this amount from C.<\/li><li><b>Scenario B (carried out one after the other):<\/b> Car A brakes, Car B crashes into A, and then Car C crashes into B.<br>\u2794 <b>Who pays?<\/b> B is liable to A for the damage to the rear of A\u2019s vehicle, and C is liable to B for the damage to the rear of B\u2019s vehicle.<\/li><\/ul><p>The problem in practice is that whether the vehicles were pushed or collided one after the other can often only be determined through an accident analysis. If the sequence of events remains unclear, the prima facie evidence against the driver who caused the rear-end collision is generally not sufficient.<\/p><h3 id=\"sonderfall-massenkarambolage\" title=\"Special case: multiple-vehicle collision\">Special case: multiple-vehicle collision<\/h3><p>In the event of multiple-vehicle accidents on motorways, the following often come into play: <i>voluntary regulatory measures taken by motor insurers<\/i>. A committee of the German Insurance Association (GDV) determines whether such a case exists on the basis of police reports. The prerequisite is that no person responsible can be identified, that at least 40 vehicles were involved \u2013 or 20 in exceptional cases where the sequence of events is difficult to reconstruct \u2013 and that the incidents are closely linked in terms of time and location.<\/p><p>When such a campaign gets underway, those involved contact their <b>your own motor insurance provider<\/b> and will have their damage reimbursed at a rate of 100 %, even without comprehensive cover. This does not affect the no-claims discount. However, there is no legal entitlement to this \u2013 it is a voluntary agreement between insurers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ac416f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ac416f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"deine-finanziellen-und-gesundheitlichen-rechte-was-zahlt-die-versicherung\" title=\"Your financial and health rights: What does your insurance cover?\">Your financial and health rights: What does your insurance cover?<\/h2><h3 id=\"was-zahlt-die-versicherung-bei-einem-auffahrunfall\" title=\"What does the insurance company pay out in the event of a rear-end collision?\">What does the insurance company pay out in the event of a rear-end collision?<\/h3><p>If you have suffered harm through no fault of your own, the <b>The at-fault party\u2019s motor vehicle liability insurance<\/b> to put you in the same position as you would have been in had the accident not occurred, in accordance with Section 249 of the German Civil Code (BGB). This includes:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/reparaturkosten-unfall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Repair costs<\/b><\/a> \u2013 based on a garage invoice or, alternatively, on a pro forma basis following a valuation report, in which case VAT is not applicable.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/wertminderung-berechnen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Impairment<\/b><\/a> of your vehicle.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/mietwagen-nach-unfall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Car hire costs<\/b><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/nutzungsausfallentschaedigung\/\"><b>Compensation for loss of use<\/b><\/a> for the duration of the repair or replacement.<\/li><li><b>Kosten eines unabh\u00e4ngigen <a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/kfz-gutachten-nach-unfall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kfz-Sachverst\u00e4ndigen<\/a><\/b>, provided the damage is not minor. There is no fixed limit; case law generally ranges between around \u20ac750 and \u20ac1,000 in repair costs.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/abschleppkosten-unfall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Towing and demurrage charges<\/b><\/a>, re-registration fees and a <b>Flat-rate costs<\/b> for telephone charges and postage (\u20ac20 to \u20ac30, depending on the court).<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/ratgeber\/unfall-anwalt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Legal costs<\/b><\/a>, in particular a solicitor\u2019s fees.<\/li><\/ul><p>In the event of partial liability, all claims are reduced in proportion to your share of liability. Incidentally, you decide for yourself who assesses and repairs your vehicle \u2013 the other party\u2019s insurance company cannot dictate which assessor or garage you use.<\/p><h3 id=\"soll-man-nach-einem-auffahrunfall-zum-arzt\" title=\"Should you see a doctor after a rear-end collision?\">Should you see a doctor after a rear-end collision?<\/h3><p><b>Absolutely.<\/b> Even at low speeds, an injury to the cervical spine (cervical sprain, colloquially known as whiplash) can occur; symptoms often only appear hours later. See a doctor on the day of the accident or the following day and have all your symptoms documented. The longer the time that has elapsed, the more difficult it is to prove a link to the accident.<\/p><h3 id=\"wie-hoch-ist-das-schmerzensgeld-bei-einem-auffahrunfall\" title=\"How much compensation is awarded for pain and suffering following a rear-end collision?\">How much compensation is awarded for pain and suffering following a rear-end collision?<\/h3><p>There is no fixed scale. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury, the duration of treatment, the period of incapacity for work and any long-term consequences. Courts base their decisions on comparable cases. As a rough guide:<\/p><ul><li><b>Mild cervical spine sprain without complications:<\/b> usually a few hundred euros.<\/li><li><b>Moderate injuries resulting in an inability to work for several weeks:<\/b> around \u20ac500 to \u20ac2,000.<\/li><li><b>Serious injuries with long-term consequences:<\/b> significantly higher sums, some of which run into five figures.<\/li><\/ul><p>As well as compensation for pain and suffering, you can also claim for loss of earnings, medical expenses, co-payments and loss of household management.<\/p><h3 id=\"selbst-regulieren-oder-regulieren-lassen\" title=\"Self-regulate or be regulated?\">Self-regulate or be regulated?<\/h3><p>Following an accident that was not your fault, you can either contact the other party\u2019s insurance company directly or leave the settlement in the hands of experts. The main difference lies in who determines the amount of the claim and on whose behalf this is done:<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Criterion<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Direct settlement through the other party\u2019s insurance company<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Handled by our own specialists, such as fairforce.one<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Costs for you<\/strong><\/td><td>None<\/td><td>None \u2013 where the other party is fully liable, the costs of expert reports and legal proceedings form part of the damages (Section 249 of the German Civil Code (BGB))<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Expert opinion<\/strong><\/td><td>Often an inspection service arranged by the insurance company<\/td><td>An expert of your choice<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Contractual relationship<\/strong><\/td><td>The insurance company settles claims on behalf of its policyholder<\/td><td>The expert and the solicitor are acting on your behalf<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Incidental items such as impairment and loss of use<\/strong><\/td><td>You need to be aware of this and stand up for it yourself<\/td><td>Are these systematically checked as well?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Effort on your part<\/strong><\/td><td>Forms, enquiries, personal correspondence<\/td><td>Largely digital; communication takes place via the representatives<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1249f26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"1249f26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"12859\" class=\"elementor elementor-12859\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7eafa88 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7eafa88\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-nosnippet=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5119223\" data-id=\"5119223\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06a2a25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"06a2a25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Get your accident damage appraisal quickly and easily<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d21199 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d21199\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Sie wollen die optimale Erstattung nach Unfall erzielen?\\n Unfallgesch\u00e4digte in Ihrer Situation bekommen bei fairforce.one einfach beste Unterst\u00fctzung.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:14979,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:14279154},&quot;10&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;16&quot;:10}\" data-sheets-textstyleruns=\"{&quot;1&quot;:0}\uee10{&quot;1&quot;:15,&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;5&quot;:1}}\uee10{&quot;1&quot;:34}\">Accident victims in your situation simply get the best support from fairforce.one.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3a2507 elementor-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"a3a2507\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\/en\/lp\/anspruchsrechner-gutachten\/?utm_source=fairforce.one&#038;utm_medium=ratgeber&#038;utm_content=%%postTitle%%&#038;utm_term=cta24report\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fad fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Check claims now free of charge<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44853b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44853b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"strafen-und-konsequenzen-fuer-den-unfallverursacher\" title=\"Penalties and consequences for the person responsible for the accident\">Penalties and consequences for the person responsible for the accident<\/h2><h3 id=\"welche-konsequenzen-hat-ein-auffahrunfall-und-wie-hoch-ist-die-strafe\" title=\"What are the consequences of a rear-end collision, and how severe is the penalty?\">What are the consequences of a rear-end collision, and how severe is the penalty?<\/h3><p>In addition to civil damages, the person responsible may face fines and, where applicable, criminal proceedings:<\/p><ul><li><b>A simple rear-end collision caused by a momentary lapse in concentration:<\/b> usually a warning or a fine in the lower double figures, often starting at around \u20ac35.<\/li><li><b>Recorded breach of social distancing:<\/b> Depending on the speed and the extent to which the driver falls short of half the speedometer reading, the scale of fines provides for amounts ranging from around \u20ac25 to \u20ac400. Speeds of 80 km\/h or above result in one or two penalty points; if the speed is significantly below half the speed limit at speeds above 100 km\/h, a driving ban of up to three months may also be imposed.<\/li><li><b>Rear-end collision resulting in personal injury:<\/b> A criminal investigation may be launched in respect of <b>causing bodily harm through negligence (Section 229 of the German Criminal Code)<\/b> proceedings may be initiated. In less serious cases, however, prosecution requires a complaint to be lodged or the existence of a specific public interest (Section 230 of the German Criminal Code).<\/li><\/ul><p>On top of that, the person responsible will be downgraded to a lower no-claims bonus category \u2013 which often makes their own insurance premium more expensive for years to come.<\/p><h3 id=\"was-passiert-nach-einem-auffahrunfall-chronologischer-ablauf\" title=\"What happens after a rear-end collision? (Chronological sequence of events)\">What happens after a rear-end collision? (Chronological sequence of events)<\/h3><ol><li><b>Damage assessment and preservation of evidence<\/b> at the scene of the accident.<\/li><li><b>Doctor's appointment<\/b> in the event of health problems \u2013 on the day of the accident or the following day.<\/li><li><b>Reporting a claim and instructing a surveyor:<\/b> Refer the case to a legal service provider or solicitor, such as claims networks like fairforce.one.<\/li><li><b>Preparation of the expert report<\/b> by an independent expert of your choice.<\/li><li><b>Claims and payments:<\/b> The other party\u2019s liability insurance will pay for the repairs or compensate you or your garage.<\/li><\/ol><h3 id=\"wie-lange-hast-du-zeit-deine-ansprueche-geltend-zu-machen\" title=\"How long do you have to make a claim?\">How long do you have to make a claim?<\/h3><p>Claims arising from a road traffic accident are generally subject to a limitation period of <b>three years<\/b>. The time limit begins at the end of the year in which the accident occurred and you became aware of the damage and the party responsible for it (Sections 195 and 199 of the German Civil Code (BGB)). Nevertheless, do not delay: fresh evidence is more reliable than reconstructions made later, and negotiations with the insurance company take time.<\/p><h3 id=\"wie-lassen-sich-auffahrunfaelle-vermeiden\" title=\"How can rear-end collisions be avoided?\">How can rear-end collisions be avoided?<\/h3><p>Der gr\u00f6\u00dfte Teil der Auffahrunf\u00e4lle geht auf zwei Ursachen zur\u00fcck: zu wenig Abstand und Ablenkung.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Abstand halten:<\/strong> Als Faustregel f\u00fcr den Sicherheitsabstand gilt der halbe Tachowert in Metern, au\u00dferorts also rund 50 m bei Tempo 100. Wer lieber mit Zeit rechnet: ungef\u00e4hr zwei Sekunden zwischen dem Vordermann und dir an einem festen Punkt am Fahrbahnrand.<\/li><li><strong>Das Handy liegen lassen:<\/strong>\u00a0Schon ein kurzer Blick aufs Display kostet bei Tempo 50 rund 14 Meter Fahrstrecke im Blindflug. Die Nutzung am Steuer ist ohnehin untersagt (\u00a7 23 Abs. 1a StVO).<\/li><li><strong>Vorausschauend fahren:<\/strong>\u00a0Nicht nur auf das Fahrzeug direkt vor dir achten, sondern auf die Bremslichter zwei, drei Wagen weiter vorn.<\/li><li><strong>Beim Einscheren Platz lassen:<\/strong> Nach dem \u00dcberholen erst zur\u00fcckwechseln, wenn der \u00dcberholte im Innenspiegel vollst\u00e4ndig sichtbar ist.<\/li><\/ul><p>Ein Abstandsregeltempomat oder ein Notbremsassistent nimmt dir diese Aufmerksamkeit nicht ab \u2013 beide reagieren auf stehende Hindernisse und schlechte Sicht deutlich schlechter als auf flie\u00dfenden Verkehr.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a792d56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a792d56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"die-richtigen-schritte-zur-fairen-schadensregulierung\" title=\"The right steps for fair claims settlement\">The right steps for fair claims settlement<\/h2><p>Would you like to know what compensation you are entitled to following your rear-end collision? Our network of specialists will handle the entire assessment and settlement of your claim for you.<\/p><p>The secure procedure at a glance:<\/p><ul><li>You can report the accident to us safely and free of charge by phone on 0800 30 111 60 or even faster directly online.<\/li><li>Our certified team will review your case immediately and discuss the appropriate next steps with you.<\/li><li>Claims settlement is initiated and you are kept informed of any progress via our innovative customer information system KIS.<\/li><\/ul><p>The licensed specialists from the fairforce.one network will handle all the necessary correspondence and provide you with personalised support right through to the payment of your compensation claims \u2013 drawing on their expertise, adopting a solution-focused approach and at no financial risk to you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b46783 elementor-widget elementor-widget-tc-faq\" data-id=\"8b46783\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"tc-faq.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                <div class=\"tc__faq-container\">\n                    <h2 class=\"tc__faq-title\" id=\"faq-die-wichtigsten-fragen-zum-auffahrunfall\" title=\"FAQ: The most important questions about rear-end collisions\">FAQ: The most important questions about rear-end collisions<\/h2>\n                    <div class=\"tc__faq-item-container\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n\n                        <div class=\"tc__faq-item\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><h3 class=\"tc__faq-item-title\" itemprop=\"name\" id=\"ist-man-bei-einem-auffahrunfall-immer-schuld\" title=\"Are you always at fault in a rear-end collision?\">Are you always at fault in a rear-end collision?<\/h3><div class=\"tc__faq-item-desc\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\"><p>No. At first glance, the prima facie evidence points against the driver who caused the rear-end collision. However, this evidence can be rebutted \u2013 for example, in the case of an unjustified emergency stop, a close manoeuvre to cut in, or faulty brake lights on the vehicle in front. If a lane change is a possibility and cannot be ruled out, the prima facie evidence does not apply from the outset.<\/p><a style=\"display: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld\/\">learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tc__faq-item\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><h3 class=\"tc__faq-item-title\" itemprop=\"name\" id=\"wer-zahlt-anwalt-und-gutachter-bei-einem-unverschuldeten-auffahrunfall\" title=\"Who pays for the solicitor and the expert witness in the event of a rear-end collision that was not your fault?\">Who pays for the solicitor and the expert witness in the event of a rear-end collision that was not your fault?<\/h3><div class=\"tc__faq-item-desc\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\"><p>If the other party is fully liable, the costs of an independent expert and legal proceedings under Section 249 of the German Civil Code (BGB) form part of the recoverable damages and are covered by the other party\u2019s motor vehicle liability insurance. In the event of partial liability, these costs are reimbursed only on a pro rata basis, and in the case of clearly minor damage, the insurance company will not usually cover the cost of an expert report \u2013 in such cases, a cost estimate is sufficient.<\/p><a style=\"display: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld\/\">learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tc__faq-item\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><h3 class=\"tc__faq-item-title\" itemprop=\"name\" id=\"was-zahlt-die-versicherung-bei-teilschuld\" title=\"What does the insurance company pay out in the event of partial fault?\">What does the insurance company pay out in the event of partial fault?<\/h3><div class=\"tc__faq-item-desc\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\"><p>The other party\u2019s third-party liability insurance will cover your losses in proportion to their liability share; in the case of 50 %, this would be half. If you also have comprehensive insurance, the so-called \u2018priority of claims\u2019 may help: the payment from the other party will then be applied first to the items not covered by your comprehensive insurance \u2013 such as the excess, loss of use or depreciation.<\/p><a style=\"display: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld\/\">learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tc__faq-item\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><h3 class=\"tc__faq-item-title\" itemprop=\"name\" id=\"wie-lange-kann-ich-ansprueche-nach-einem-auffahrunfall-geltend-machen\" title=\"How long do I have to make a claim following a rear-end collision?\">How long do I have to make a claim following a rear-end collision?<\/h3><div class=\"tc__faq-item-desc\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\"><p>The standard limitation period is three years and begins at the end of the year in which the accident occurred and you became aware of the damage and the party responsible for it (Sections 195 and 199 of the German Civil Code (BGB)). Longer limitation periods may apply to long-term consequences of personal injury.<\/p><a style=\"display: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/auffahrunfall-wer-hat-schuld\/\">learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ein kurzer Blick aufs Handy, die gr\u00fcne Ampel zu sp\u00e4t erkannt oder eine \u00fcberraschende Vollbremsung des Vordermanns: Ein Auffahrunfall passiert meist in Sekundenbruchteilen. Fast jeder kennt die Faustformel: \u201eWer auff\u00e4hrt, hat immer Schuld.\u201c Juristisch stimmt dieser Satz so nicht. Was wirklich gilt, worauf du am Unfallort achten musst und welche Anspr\u00fcche dir zustehen, wenn dir [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7027,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"12526,5723,13884,15342,17664,13612","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ratgeber"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"thecase_cmueller","yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20191"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20207,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20191\/revisions\/20207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}