Most rear-end accidents are caused by distracted driving, like using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Other common causes include tailgating, speeding, bad weather, faulty brakes, and drunk driving. These factors make it difficult for drivers to stop in time, especially if the car in front makes a sudden stop.
If you or a loved one have been in a rear-end accident, an Edwardsville, IL, rear-end accident attorney can help you seek compensation and protect your rights.
What’s the Primary Cause of Rear-End Collisions?
The number one cause of rear-end collisions is simple – not paying attention. This is also called distracted driving. When drivers aren’t watching the road, they might not notice that the car in front of them has slowed down or stopped. By the time they do notice, it’s often too late to avoid a crash.
Some common distractions include:
- Using a cell phone (texting or calling)
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Looking at something outside the car
- Talking to passengers
- Reading something like a map
Other Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Edwardsville, IL.
What Causes Most Rear-End Accidents? While distracted driving is the main cause, there are other reasons rear-end accidents happen:
- Tailgating, which is following too closely behind another car. If the car in front stops suddenly, there’s not enough time to brake.
- Speeding. The faster a car is going, the longer it takes to stop. Speeding makes it harder to avoid hitting a car that slows down or stops.
- Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slippery. This makes it harder for cars to stop quickly.
- Faulty brakes. If a car’s brakes aren’t working properly, the driver might not be able to stop in time.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol slows down a driver’s reactions, making it harder to stop in time.
- Sudden stops. Sometimes, the car in front might stop very suddenly, giving the car behind less time to react.
Common Locations of Edwardsville Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents can happen anywhere, but they’re more common in certain places:
- Intersections. Many rear-end crashes happen at stop lights or stop signs.
- Highway exits. Cars often have to slow down or stop suddenly when exiting highways.
- Construction zones. These areas often have sudden slowdowns or stops.
- School zones. Cars might need to stop quickly for crossing children or school buses.
- Parking lots. With lots of cars moving in and out, sudden stops are common.
Common Injuries Associated With Rear-End Accidents
Even though rear-end accidents often happen at lower speeds, they can still cause serious injuries. Some common ones include:
- Whiplash. This happens when your head is violently jerked forward and backward during the crash, causing pain and stiffness in your neck and upper back.
- Back injuries. The impact from a rear-end collision can put stress on your spine or strain the muscles in your back, leading to long-term discomfort or more serious spinal issues.
- Head injuries. If your head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, it can result in a personal injury or other traumatic brain injuries, even if the impact seems minor.
- Cuts and bruises. These can occur from hitting hard surfaces inside the car or from flying debris, such as broken glass, which can cause scrapes, bruises, or more severe cuts.
- Airbag injuries. While airbags are important for safety, their deployment can sometimes lead to burns, bruises, or even broken bones due to the force with which they inflate during an accident.
Get checked by a doctor after a car accident, as delays can make a car accident claim more difficult.
Understanding Who Is At Fault In A Rear-End Accident
In most cases, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault in a rear-end accident. This is because drivers are expected to leave enough space between their car and the car in front to stop safely.
However, there are some situations where the front driver might be partly at fault:
- If they suddenly reverse without warning, causing the car behind to crash into them.
- If their brake lights are not working, making it difficult for the driver behind to know when they are slowing or stopping.
- If they come to a sudden stop without a valid reason, giving the following driver little time to react.
Even in these cases, the rear driver might share some fault for not leaving enough space.
When To Get Help From an Edwardsville, Illinois Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Our knowledgeable rear-end accident lawyers at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. When you’re injured, missing work, and dealing with a difficult insurance company, we are here to assist you. Call us at 618-272-2287 or contact us online for a free case evaluation today. Let us help you get the support you need after a rear-end accident.
