Rear-end collisions are common and can lead to serious injuries. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly half of all car accidents are rear-ended collisions. The following are some of the most common reasons why a driver may end up hitting the vehicle in front of them.
Tailgating
Following another vehicle too close is called tailgating. The most likely cause for this is road rage. The driver in the second vehicle may be running late and upset the vehicle in front isn’t moving faster, may just be trying to intimidate the front vehicle into moving, or might be too close because they don’t realize how far back they should be from another vehicle. If a rear-end collision happens because of tailgating, it’s recommended the front driver start looking for a lawyer as soon as possible to gain compensation for the accident.
Speeding
The faster a vehicle goes, the longer it will take to stop, even with new brakes. If a vehicle is speeding and the car in front is not going as fast, it’s possible there could be an accident. The accident can lead to injuries and property loss; read here to know more. This can also happen if a speeding vehicle tries to switch lanes to go around slower traffic without knowing there is already a vehicle in the next lane. Once they see the vehicle, it could be too late to slow down.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes far more than just talking on a phone or texting while driving. It can also include changing the station on the radio, eating while driving, or any other activity that causes the driver to not be paying full attention to the vehicle in front of them. When a driver is distracted, they may not notice traffic slowing down or a vehicle stopping suddenly in front of them, which can lead to a rear-end collision.
Weather
The weather can play a big part in how accidents occur. When it’s raining, it is important to drive carefully, as it is more difficult to stop quickly when the roads are wet. Other weather or dark skies can make it more difficult to see or to stop, which can increase the potential for an accident. In poor weather or at night, it’s better to leave more room behind the front driver to make sure there is plenty of space for fast stopping when needed.
Driving While Impaired
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol slows down a person’s reaction times. It simply takes longer to notice something and react appropriately. In some cases, the person may not be able to react at all. When driving, this means the driver has an increased potential to cause an accident.
If the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may not notice the person in front slowing down or stopping. Once they do notice, it takes a few seconds to react, which is enough time for the vehicle to end up hitting the car in front.
Rear-end collisions are all too common today and can lead to severe injuries just like other types of accidents. Those who are injured in a rear-end collision that was not their fault may be able to obtain compensation to cover the expenses from the accident. Talking to a lawyer can enable the person to find out more about whether they can receive compensation for the accident.