Summary
- Rear-end accidents are a result of a car running into the car that’s in front of it and causing some sort of harm or damage to the car and/or driver.
- Rear-end accidents risk severe injuries such as whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones.
- Reckless behaviors like distracted, drunk driving, and tailgating contribute to these collisions.
One type of car accident that drivers can experience is a rear-end accident, which is when a driver strikes another driver from behind. This is a potentially severe type of car accident that can expose someone to the risk of suffering whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones.
This is one of the most common types of car accidents and normally occurs due to the reckless driving of another party. Drivers must pay attention and drive safely at red lights and stop signs, or they can crash into a car stopped in front of them and cause a rear-end accident.
Some reckless behaviors that can cause a rear-end accident include distracted driving, drunk driving, tailgating, drowsy driving, and failing to stop at a red light or stop sign. Rear-end accident victims can file car accident claims to pursue compensation for damages.
The Dangers of Rear-End Accidents
Victims of car accidents can experience significant health problems due to damage to their body that results in severe injuries. One common type of car accident that can cause severe bodily injuries is one that results from a rear-end hit.
According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts, rear-end car accidents caused about 18% of all car accident fatalities in 2021. These wrongful deaths occurred because of the severe injuries car accident victims are exposed to during a rear-end accident.
Rear-end accident victims are exposed to severe blunt-force trauma that can damage the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and vital organs. Some severe bodily injuries caused by this accident include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), whiplash, back and neck injuries, and broken bones.
Reckless Behavior at Stop Signs and Red Lights Can Cause Rear End Accidents
Rear-end accidents commonly occur when drivers must stop their vehicles, such as at places like red lights and stop signs. It’s vital for drivers to stop when they reach a red light or stop sign to allow for traffic from other lanes to advance, and they can continue with their commute after traffic is clear.
However, some reckless drivers fail to pay attention to these signs and traffic control signals. When drivers engage in reckless driving, such as speeding, they may fail to stop at a stop sign or red light. This can lead to them driving directly into the back of another vehicle that is stopped, causing a rear-end accident in the process.
This type of accident can also occur when there is congested traffic. An impatient driver may try to maneuver through bumper-to-bumper traffic and crash into the back of another driver. A driver can and will be held liable for the accident in these instances.
Drivers Can Cause Rear-End Accidents Through Distracted Driving
Another way drivers can cause rear-end accidents is through distracted driving. This is when a driver loses focus when driving and can miss obstacles that can cause car accidents. They may begin driving above the posted speed limit and can crash directly into the back of another car.
There are three types of distractions behind the wheel: manual, visual, and cognitive. This can include distractions like texting, talking on the phone, using social media, eating, having an intense conversation with someone in the car, looking away from the road, or thinking about something other than driving.
When someone is distracted behind the wheel, they may miss a vehicle stopped in front of them at a stop sign or red light. They may not have the reaction time to stop their car and can crash into the back of the stopped vehicle, leading to a severe rear-end accident.
How Can Drunk Driving Cause a Rear-End Accident?
Drunk drivers can also cause rear-end accidents because of the effect alcohol can have on their driving ability. Alcohol affects the brain and leads to negative effects that can cause them to make mistakes behind the wheel.
Some ways alcohol can affect a driver is by reducing their reaction time, causing blurry vision, leading to a lack of muscle control, and affecting their decision-making. A drunk driver may make a risky lane change or run a red light, causing a rear-end accident.
Tailgating Can Cause a Rear-End Accident
Another reckless driving behavior that can cause a rear-end accident is tailgating. This is when a driver does not leave enough room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Drivers should leave about a car-length of distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them.
A driver who is frustrated with the flow of traffic or exhibiting road rage may drive far too close to the driver in front of them. An unexpected stop can leave the tailgating driver not enough stopping distance, leading to them crashing into the back of the car in front of them.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer After a Rear-End Accident
After a car accident, victims can require economic assistance for their sustained losses. They can file a car accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to pursue compensation for car accident damages.
However, proving the at-fault party’s negligence caused the accident can be difficult for those without legal experience. They can make mistakes that affect their settlement, especially with an insurance company trying to deny, delay, or devalue their claim.
It’s essential that a rear-end accident victim hire a car accident lawyer. They can use their experience and expertise to advise on the best steps to take through the claim process to increase a car accident victim’s chances of recovering fair compensatory damages.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Rear-End Accident Claim
At The Russo Firm, our car accident lawyers can help you recover fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. We understand how a negligent party can cause a rear-end accident and wish to help you hold them accountable.
Our car accident attorneys can help by calculating the value of your settlement, collecting evidence, and negotiating an insurance settlement. Contact us for a free rear-end car accident consultation at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
