When another car collides with the rear of your vehicle, it can cause significant damage to your car and to your health. What is often behind these collisions?
5 common causes of rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions can occur in a variety of different settings, from parking lots to freeways. Causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Distracted driving — When distracted, drivers may not keep track of their speed or notice that the car ahead of them has slowed to avoid a hazard. This can easily lead to their car crashing into the car in front of them.
- Impaired driving — Impairment due to alcohol, drugs or even prescription medication can leave them unable to respond to hazards.
- Speeding — Drivers that speed may come upon another vehicle too quickly and not slow down fast enough to match their velocity.
- Tailgating — If a driver either does not pay attention to safe follow distance or tailgates due to road rage, that may not leave them with enough space to safely stop.
- Inclement weather — If a driver moves too quickly for the weather conditions or hits a slippery patch of road, they may not have the control they need to stop if you should slow in front of them.
While the severity of rear-end collisions can vary, these accidents are surprisingly common. Studies indicate that around three out of every ten accidents that lead to serious injury involve a rear-end collision and that they account for around seven percent of fatal accidents. Rear-end collisions can lead to fractures, head injuries and a variety of other conditions, and they are cited by the Mayo Clinic as a common cause of whiplash.
People harmed by a rear-end collision may want to explore their legal options to ensure that they have the financial and medical support they need to move forward. Determining the cause of their accident may also allow them to hold negligent drivers responsible.