Of the different types of car accidents that can occur, rear-end collisions are often considered to be among the least serious. These accidents often take place when vehicles are traveling at relatively low speeds, and they may not cause a great deal of damage to a car. However, the impact of a collision can still cause harm to drivers and passengers, and they may experience multiple types of injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, sprained joints, or strained muscles. A driver who strikes another vehicle from the rear will usually be at fault for the collision, and these accidents can occur because of multiple forms of negligence or violations of the law.

Driver Behaviors That Can Cause Rear-End Collisions

When a driver acts negligently and puts others at risk of harm, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages suffered by others. Some forms of driver negligence that often lead to rear-end accidents include:

  • Driving too fast for conditions – Exceeding the speed limit can be unsafe, and drivers who are traveling too fast may not have enough time to avoid a vehicle in front of them that slows down to make a turn or stops unexpectedly. However, even if a driver is abiding by the speed limit, they may still be traveling faster than is safe based on the conditions on the road. When roads are wet because of rain, or when snow and ice is present, drivers may need to moderate their speed to ensure that they have enough time to slow down and stop when necessary. Failure to do so may be considered negligence.
  • Following too closely – Drivers may behave aggressively toward others, especially if they believe that other drivers are traveling too slowly or if they are concerned about their ability to get to their destination on time. Tailgating is a tactic often used by aggressive drivers in an attempt to intimidate others into speeding up or getting out of their way. This can be very dangerous, and drivers who tailgate will often be unable to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front of them slows down or stops suddenly.
  • Distractions – As the use of cell phones has increased over the past few decades, a great deal of attention has been paid to how they affect roadway safety. Texting while driving may lead to rear-end collisions, since a driver who looks away from the road to read or send a text may not notice that a vehicle has slowed down in front of them. However, there are multiple other forms of distracted driving that may take a person’s attention away from the road or affect their ability to control their vehicle. Eating and drinking, grooming, reaching for objects, talking to passengers, or adjusting a vehicle’s radio are just a few of the dangerous distractions that may lead to rear-end accidents.
  • Brake failure – Brakes that function correctly are essential for ensuring that a driver can slow down and stop when necessary. If a driver has failed to perform the proper maintenance on their vehicle, they may be liable for a rear-end collision that took place because they were unable to slow down in time.

Contact Our Green Bay Rear-End Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help you determine your options for recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. We will perform an investigation of your accident and gather evidence of driver negligence, including eyewitness statements, video footage of the collision, and police reports. This will ensure that the driver who was responsible for the collision will be held liable for your financial expenses and any other ways you have been affected. Contact our Appleton rear-end collision lawyers at 920-739-7366 to set up your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.drive-safely.net/rear-end-collisions/