Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident and often result in serious injuries. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident, knowing your legal rights is essential. Most rear-end accidents are caused by driver error, such as following too closely, distracted driving, or poor road conditions. If the driver who hit you was at fault, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your award. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
What is the cause of rear-end collisions?
When it comes to rear end collision cases, causation is everything. The victim will need to prove that the actions (or inaction) of the at-fault driver led to the accident and the injuries suffered.
There are many different causes of rear-end accidents, but some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving
With distracted driving becoming an increasingly common problem on the roads, it’s no surprise that this is one of the leading causes of rear-end accidents. Distracted driving takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, fiddling with the radio, or even just daydreaming.
- Following too closely
Tailgating is another leading cause of rear-end accidents. When a driver follows too closely, they leave little to no room for error if the car in front of them suddenly stops or slows down.
- Poor road conditions
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, ice, and debris, can also lead to rear-end accidents. If the road is in poor condition and a driver hits a pothole, they may lose control of their car and veer into oncoming traffic or hit the vehicle in front of them.
- Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of rear-end accidents. When a driver is going too fast, they may not have enough time to stop if the car suddenly slows down.
- Weather conditions
Bad weather, such as rain, snow, and ice, can also lead to rear-end accidents. When the roads are slick, it takes longer for a car to stop, leading to a rear-end collision if the driver is following too closely.
- Mechanical problems
In some cases, rear-end accidents are caused by mechanical issues, such as brake failure. If a car’s brakes fail, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them.
- Drunk driving
Drunk driving is another major cause of rear-end accidents. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, they may not be able to react in time if the car in front of them suddenly stops.
What are the most common injuries in rear-end accidents?
The most common injuries in rear-end accidents are whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back. It can cause pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the neck.
Other common injuries include back injuries, such as herniated discs, and head injuries, such as concussions.
It’s essential to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to help you determine your legal rights and options. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, contact an expert for legal consultation.
