A rear-end collision occurs when the front bumper of one car collides with the back bumper of another. They’re some of the most common types of auto accidents in America, accounting for around 29% of all car crashes. They are often very sudden, leading to minor or severe injuries, sometimes even death. This could be because many victims don’t have the opportunity to react in time or brace themselves for impact.
While rear-end accidents can result in a significant amount of medical bills and lost wages for the victim, many insurance companies try to pass them off as fender benders to downplay the severity of the accident and the compensation you’re owed. If you find yourself in a rear-end accident, please ensure to reach out to an experienced lawyer.
4 Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Distracted Driving
When a driver is not paying enough attention to the road and is either texting while driving, eating, or interacting with the other passengers, it can easily lead to a rear-end accident. In fact, around 90% of rear-end collisions occur due to distracted driving.
Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions like fog, heavy rain, or ice can lead to slippery roads or decreased visibility. This causes drivers to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a rear-end collision.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving does not always have to be extreme behavior like speeding or road rage. A motorist, who ignores the safety of the people around them while driving, can be classified as an aggressive driver. Whether it’s stopping suddenly, cutting lanes, or tailgating, aggressive driving can lead to minor or severe rear-end collisions.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the biggest reasons for most auto accidents in America. Driving while under the influence can lead to impaired judgment and senses and a slower reaction, putting others and the driver at risk.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Rear-End Accident
Get Medical Attention
Victims of rear-end collisions can suffer from seemingly minor injuries like whiplash, soft tissue injuries, a stiff neck, or even back injuries. While these types of injuries may not seem serious at first, they can still lead to more severe problems, lost wages, or a significant amount of medical bills. In worst-case scenarios, they can even lead to significant injuries like TBI.
Talk to a Lawyer
There are many reasons why you should get yourself a lawyer if you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision. Here are a few:
- Most often, insurance companies will try to take advantage of any delayed symptoms you might be experiencing or even downplay minor injuries like soft tissue injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a record of your injuries, doctor’s notes, and medical bills.
- When it comes to rear-end collisions, the state of Missouri has implemented a rear-end doctrine, wherein the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is automatically held at fault. Sometimes, however, the driver in front can be held responsible, or there could even be a third driver involved, making it a multi-car accident.
As a victim of a rear-end collision, you ought to be rightfully compensated for your emotional and physical suffering. Talk with us at Craig J. Concannon, P.C. by reaching out to (314) 421-3329 to learn more about how we can help, or for a case evaluation.