A rear-end car accident occurs when the driver of a vehicle fails to brake or slow down and collides with another vehicle from behind. In this type of car accident, the rear driver is often at fault due to his or her inattention or following too closely.
Rear-end collisions can cause severe injuries and even death. According to the Washington Post, every year U.S. motorists are involved in over 1.7 million rear-end car accidents nationwide.
Common Causes of Rear-end Car Accidents
Some common causes of rear-end collisions can include:
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind a vehicle, also known as tailgating, is a common cause of rear-end car accidents. It is important to give the vehicle in front of you the proper amount of space.
- Speeding: Speeding and aggressive driving can increase the risk of a rear-end collision. This is because, while speeding, you have less time to react and brake safely when approaching another vehicle. Hitting another vehicle at a high speed can also increase the severity of the impact.
- Distracted driving: Driving while distracted is a major factor in rear-end car accident cases. Distractions, such as texting, increase a motorist’s risk of causing devastating car accidents, especially when combined with speeding and/or tailgating.
- Defective brakes: Vehicle brakes that work, and are properly maintained, can help avoid rear-end collisions. When brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect within the brake system, or because of a design defect, the rear driver may sometimes have an excuse for the car crash.
Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Car Crashes
Drivers can suffer a range of injuries from rear-end car crashes. Depending on the speed and size of the rear driver’s vehicle, these types of car accidents can lead to devastating injuries. Large commercial trucks, for instance, can pose a great risk in a rear-end incident.
Some common injuries sustained in rear-end car crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Whiplash;
- Head, neck, and back injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Injuries caused by inflating airbags;
- Lacerations and bruising;
- Psychological damage, such as a fear of driving;
- Sprains;
- Broken bones
Who is at fault in a Rear-End Collision?
In general, the rear driver is often considered liable in a rear-end collision. Tailgating, speeding, driving aggressively, and distracted driving are all reasons that a rear driver may be held responsible. As with any type of car accident, if there are more than two vehicles involved, the question of liability can become more complicated.
The front driver, or the rear-ended driver, may be considered liable in certain circumstances. If the front driver makes an unsafe turn, brakes for no reason, or has failed to fix broken brake lights, they may bear some fault for the happening of the car accident. Determining who is at fault in a rear-end car accident will always depend on the behavior of both motorists and the circumstances as a whole.
If you were seriously injured in a rear-end collision, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, loss of income, or chronic physical pain. In this case, you may choose to get help from a car accident attorney to seek maximum compensation.
Hurt in a Rear-End Car Accident? Call William Mattar.
Have you been injured in a rear-end collision? At William Mattar Law Offices, our car accident lawyers can help you after your car crash. Call for a free case evaluation today at (844) 444 - 4444.