Rear end collisions in which the rear of one vehicle crashes into the rear-end of another vehicle. Most rear end collisions are caused by either driver distraction, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, or speeding.
A rear end collision can be a traumatizing experience and leave the victim dazed and confused. Victims of rear end collisions must recover from their physical injuries and also deal with the car insurance company to get compensation for medical bills and property damage.
After a rear end collision, it is important that you remain calm and attempt to determine the extent of anyone's injuries. The safety of all parties involved should be your first concern. If anyone has been injured, call 911 immediately so they can receive proper care as soon as possible. Once the initial shock dies down , try to remember what happened before or after impact, such as time of day or specific events leading up to the rear-end collision.
Types of Rear End Collisions
The primary types of rear end collisions include but are not limited to: rear enders, rear crosses, rear merges, double rear ends and side swipes. The injuries associated with rear end collisions can range from very minor whiplash to death.
People involved in "Rear-End" collision may suffer injuries or damage due to impact with the car or other object behind them. The design of modern cars is intended to absorb energy during impacts, so often there are no broken bones when someone goes through a windshield for example.
However, rear end collisions happen at a high rate and can cause significant damage to both vehicles involved. The rear end collision occurs when one rear-ends another vehicle in front of them. When rear ended, the force of the crash often pushes the rear car forward until it crashes into whatever is in front of it such as road signs or other cars etc.
Rear ends account for about 13 percent of all automobile accidents in the United States. Rear ending is one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents in which people are injured and killed each year. These kinds of accidents tend to result from driver negligence: driving too fast, driving while intoxicated or distracted by electronic devices or other passengers inside the car and so on.
Determining Fault In A Rear End Collision
Car insurance companies may say that rear-enders are always the rear driver's fault, but this is not necessarily true. If the rear driver was negligent in any way—for example, by speeding or drinking before getting behind the wheel--the rear driver could be responsible, but it would have to be determined in court if they were.
The person who is found responsible would probably see an increase in their car insurance rates. The rear driver may also have his or her license suspended or revoked, depending on how bad the accident was and whether there were any factors that made it particularly irresponsible.
Rear ends can also happen when two cars bump into each other while trying to avoid a collision with something else. In this case, it's possible both drivers might be found at fault. The severity of the rear-end accident determines who was negligent and who can recover for damage to their car or for personal injuries suffered.
In rear end collisions, rear drivers are also known as "following too closely." If rear driver is following too close and rear ends another vehicle, rear driver generally will be liable for damages unless there were circumstances beyond rear driver's control that prevented rear driver from stopping in time to avoid rear-ending the lead vehicle. For example: heavy traffic, poor weather conditions (rainy/icy roads) or an unexpected obstacle directly ahead of them may all prevent a rear driver from stopping in time.
What Is Considered A "Safe" Following Distance?
Most rear end collisions happen because the rear driver is following too closely. When the rear driver is following too closely, rear driver must be able to stop within the distance of their headlights.
A good rule of thumb is one car length for every ten miles per hour of speed.
If the rear driver's vehicle has a bumper that comes up to ten inches from lead vehicle's bumper, rear driver must be at least fifteen feet behind lead vehicle. But rear drivers who are tailgating can put themselves in danger if rear car brakes suddenly or rear car gets hit from another direction. In addition to being potentially liable for damage and injuries caused, tailgating could also result in a traffic citation for following too closely and rear driver's insurance company may punish rear driver with higher rates or an increase in the cost of their coverage.
Contacting A Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been the victim of a rear end car accident, contact Accident Attorneys Boca Raton today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. We will go over all the details of the rear end accident and determine if you have a case to recover for your damages.
Our personal injury lawyers have 10+ years of experience handling rear end claims and can help you determine fault and recover the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call for a free consultation today.