Rear-End Car Accidents: The Dangers of Tailgating

Severe injuries and fatalities are common when one driver gets rear-ended by another. Tailgating is usually why this type of accident occurs. When someone follows another person’s vehicle too closely, there’s much less distance available to come to a complete stop when necessary. Instead of avoiding a collision, they crash into the back of the vehicle they’re following, resulting in property damage and injuries to the occupants.

According to highway traffic and safety engineers, there are specific distances motorists should maintain between cars depending on how fast they’re traveling. These engineers performed various studies and determined the stopping distances required to avoid colliding with the back of someone else’s vehicle.

For example, if you’re driving 45 miles per hour, you should keep at least 196 feet between yourself and the person ahead of you. If you’re traveling at 70 miles per hour, you’ll need at least 388 feet of stopping distance.

If you’re ever on the road and notice another driver tailgating you, it’s crucial that you take the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself. To avoid a rear-end collision, you should:

• Merge into another lane to let them pass.
• Speed up to put more distance between your vehicles as long as you can do so without exceeding the speed limit.
• Consider changing routes or pulling off a one-lane road so they’re no longer behind you.
• Avoid slamming on your brakes to get them to back off or engaging in other acts of “road rage.” That could instigate dangerous behavior from the other driver, resulting in an accident.

Whether you’re on a major highway or in a suburban area, you should always operate your car in a way that doesn’t put you in a dangerous situation. You can’t always prevent accidents from occurring, but you can take certain steps to mitigate the risk of harm.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

It isn’t just tailgating that can cause a rear-end crash. Other driving behaviors could also lead to this type of accident, injuring you and your passengers. Becoming distracted behind the wheel or disobeying traffic laws prevents a motorist from noticing what’s happening in front of them and reacting in time to stopped vehicles or obstacles in the road.

The most common causes include:

• Speeding
• Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Slow-moving traffic

You have the right to contact an experienced lawyer and pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. You probably sustained injuries requiring medical treatment to recover. You shouldn’t be responsible for those expenses. The other motorist’s auto insurance company might provide a settlement offer to cover all costs associated with the accident. You could compensate for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses suffered from the collision.

Common Injuries Suffered In Rear-End Collisions

The injuries caused by a rear-end car crash can range from minor to life-threatening. Sometimes, the result can be fatal. According to statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, rear-end accidents account for over 20% of deaths involving two vehicles. Additionally, they lead to more than 7% of all traffic-related fatalities.

The most common injuries accident victims typically suffer in this type of accident are:

• Crush injuries
• Ejection injuries
• Broken bones
• Concussion or traumatic brain injury
• Bruises and lacerations
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Disability
• Psychological damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding

The violent impact of one car crashing into the rear of another can cause debilitating injuries. If the driver was speeding, the injuries could lead to permanent damage, requiring ongoing medical care to heal. Some people end up with a disability and can no longer work or perform routine tasks. When that happens, hiring a home health nurse or purchasing an assistive device might be necessary.

Any amount of medical treatment could result in expensive medical bills you can’t afford to pay. You have options for holding the at-fault driver liable and recovering the compensation you need to cover your physical therapy, prescription medications, and other costs associated with your injury.

Determine Your Options for Holding the At-Fault Driver Liable

A rear-end car accident doesn’t have to upend your whole life and lead to crushing debt as you’re attempting to recover. Auto accident lawyers are available to review the details of your case and determine if you’re entitled to compensation for the suffering you endured. You don’t have to face this overwhelming process alone. An experienced attorney can take on the responsibility of your case and seek the justice you rightfully deserve.