The 3 Careless Mistakes That Cause Rear-End Collisions

 Posted on January 21, 2022 in Car Accident

Rear-end collisions are almost never unavoidable. In almost all cases, they happen because someone acted negligently while behind the wheel. Rear-end collisions can be more serious than they initially appear. While they may not have the dramatic appearance of a head-on collision or a rollover, rear-end collisions frequently cause major head, neck, and spinal cord injuries. They can be particularly damaging to adults or children riding in the back seat, as they are closer to the impact and may be in a less supportive seat. If you were hurt in a rear-end collision, it is important to seek prompt medical attention, and then call a lawyer as soon as you are able to do so.

What Types of Driver Negligence Cause Rear-End Collisions?

A variety of careless mistakes can cause someone to rear-end another driver, but generally, they fall into three categories:

• Distraction - Distraction, in one form or another, is arguably the single most common culprit in rear-end collisions. Whether a driver is looking at their cell phone, trying to discipline a child in the back seat, digging around for a lighter, or even just lost in thought, drivers whose attention is off the road are much more likely to rear-end you. It is rather hard to crash into an unmoving object while adequately aware of it.
• Speeding - Speeding in good conditions can stop a driver from braking in time to miss the vehicle in front of them. Speeding in icy or rainy weather can make stopping quickly impossible and send drivers skidding into stopped cars. Even driving the posted speed limit can equate to speeding if visibility is poor such that a reasonable driver would have slowed down.
• Intoxication - Drunk or drugged drivers may not even notice that the cars ahead of them are stopping until it is far too late. Even if they do, alcohol and other narcotics impair hand-eye coordination and can cause drivers to misjudge their stopping distance. Drunk drivers are also more likely to engage in reckless behaviors like speeding excessively, swerving in and out of multiple lanes, or getting distracted.

Another common contributing factor is heavy traffic, especially on multi-lane highways where drivers would naturally be changing lanes or stopping and starting frequently. Slick road surfaces can also make these accidents more likely, although it is the responsibility of drivers to adjust their habits to account for inclement weather.

Call a Larimer County Rear-End Collision Attorney

If you suffered an injury as a result of being rear-ended by a careless driver, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. wants to help you recover compensation. Our Ft. Collins rear-end collision lawyers have the experience needed to fight for you to receive everything you are entitled to. Call us at 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-too-fast-conditions#:~:text=You%20should%20reduce%20your%20speed,your%20speed%20to%2030%20mph).