Involved in a Rear End Car Accident? Let Us Help You
Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common types of auto collisions in the USA. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30% of all crashes involve one car striking the rear of another.
Such accidents seem insignificant, which is why they are called “fender benders,” but unfortunately, victims often get bodily injuries, expensive medical bills, and other unexpected problems. In some cases, rear end car accidents can even lead to serious injuries or death.
These crashes can happen anywhere — during rush hour on busy city streets or on quiet suburban roads. But understanding their causes and consequences is crucial to helping victims seek justice and fair compensation. That’s exactly what rear end collision lawyers at the Rybak Firm, PLLC, do.
How Do Rear End Car Accidents Happen?
Most rear-end crashes occur when the driver behind fails to keep a safe distance or doesn’t react quickly to changes in traffic flow. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: using a smartphone, tuning the radio, or other activities that take the driver’s focus off the road.
- Tailgating: driving too close to the vehicle in front leaves little room to react if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops.
- Sudden stops: unexpected braking by the car in front catches the rear driver off guard.
- Speeding: higher speeds reduce reaction times and increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Poor weather conditions: rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Rear end car accidents are typical for heavy traffic, where vehicles are closely packed together. Congested highways, busy intersections, and stop-and-go traffic create situations where even a tiny loss of focus can lead to a crash.
Who is at Fault When You Get Rear-Ended?
Determining who is at fault in a rear-end collision is not always as simple as it seems. Many people assume that the driver who was driving behind them is automatically at fault, but this is not always the case. The circumstances of the accident and the actions of both drivers play a crucial role in determining liability.
Rear-end collision lawyers see cases where the rear driver is responsible for following too closely or failing to react in time. However, there are situations where the lead driver’s actions can contribute to or even cause the accident:
- The driver in front suddenly reverses into the vehicle behind.
- Stopping for no reason or to make a turn but not to complete it.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Stopping in motion because of a breakdown without the hazard warning lights on.
- Defective brake lights.
- Intentional braking to collide with the driver behind you.
- Driving into traffic or changing lanes without sufficient distance or at a red traffic light.
- Backing up without checking for approaching vehicles.
Consult experienced rear end car accident lawyers to establish the truth and ensure that liability is apportioned. Even if you were the rear driver, you may still have grounds to claim compensation for your injuries and damages.
How to Prove Fault in a Rear-End Collision
Figuring out who’s at fault in a rear-end collision isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common ways to determine who is to blame:
- After the accident, the police usually create a police report that includes details about the crash, statements from both drivers, and any traffic violations.
- People who saw the accident happen can help clarify what went wrong.
- Video evidence from dashcams or nearby security cameras can show exactly how the crash happened.
- The way the vehicles are damaged can tell a lot about how the crash happened.
In some cases, proving fault can get complicated, especially if both drivers share some responsibility. A rear end car accident lawyer can help gather the right evidence and make sure your side of the story is heard.