What To Know About Rear-End Crashes
Florida sees a lot of traffic. With so many vehicles on the road at one time, car accidents are likely to occur. One common type of crash is a rear-end accident.
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of crash on the roadway. They occur when a vehicle hits the car in front. This typically happens when the vehicle in front slows down quickly and the driver in the vehicle behind it does not have enough time to react. Read on to learn more about rear-end crashes and who is liable for one.
Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes can happen in the following ways:
- Drivers need to leave sufficient space between vehicles. When a vehicle is following another too closely, there is not enough room to slow down if necessary. This leads to rear-end accidents.
- Distracted driving. Drivers need to focus on the roadway. They need to pay attention to what is on the road, as hazards can appear at any time. Texting is the biggest distraction, but eating, reading, dealing with passengers, and changing the radio station can also be causes of distracted driving.
- Speeding is also an issue that can lead to rear-end accidents. That’s because the faster a person is going, the longer it takes to slow down.
- Weather conditions. Rain, ice, and snow can make it harder to slow down. When extreme weather conditions are involved, drivers need to adjust their driving accordingly or they can cause an accident.
Common Injuries
Rear-end accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including the following:
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Concussion
- Broken bones
Who is Liable?
When a rear-end crash occurs, who is at fault? The law typically says that the second vehicle, or the driver in the rear, is typically liable. This is because it is believed that the driver of the second vehicle would be able to avoid the accident if they were following driving laws. It is not the first driver’s fault that the vehicle behind them is tailgating them or speeding. If the second driver cannot stay focused on the road or follow traffic laws, then they should be held liable in the event of a crash.
However, liability is not automatic. There are situations in which the driver in front can be considered at fault. They include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving in reverse
- Driving with non-functioning tail lights
Seek Help for Your Car Accident Case
Rear-end accidents are quite common, but that doesn’t make them OK. Drivers need to stay focused while on the road to avoid serious crashes.
Car accidents can result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, seek legal help from the Dade City & Zephyrhills auto accident attorneys at Madonna Law Group. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, call (800) 557-0411 or fill out the online form.
Source:
driversalert.com/common-causes-of-rear-end-collisions/
