Causes and Effects of Rear-End Collisions

Monday, May 23, 2022

Causes and Effects of Rear-End Collisions

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Some people call them “fender-benders,” but in reality, a rear-end collision can result in serious property damage and injuries. Many people injured in this type of crash have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, though the process is not simple. If you have been in a rear-end crash and believe someone else was to blame, contact a Chicago car accident attorney about your legal options right away.

Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents can occur for a wide variety of reasons – most of which place fault for the accident squarely on the shoulders of the driver of the vehicle in the back. For this reason, in the vast majority of cases, the person or people in the vehicle in front can typically recover compensation for any losses they incur as a result of the accident. Some specific causes of rear-end accident include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Impaired driving
• Driver fatigue
• Texting and driving
• Failing to account for adverse weather conditions
• Brake checking

It’s important to note that not all rear-end accidents are caused by the rear driver, and there are certain cases in which the front driver may be at fault for a rear-end collision. For example, if the driver in the front was operating a vehicle with malfunctioning brake or tail lights, a rear-end accident could potentially be his or her fault. Likewise, if a driver suddenly changes lanes while the vehicle next to him is accelerating, the same may be true.

Common Injuries and Losses

Rear-end accidents are capable of causing severe damage and serious injuries. This is partially true because the people in the front often have no idea that a crash is about to happen, so they do not have any chance to brace themselves for the collision. Some of the more common injuries that people sustain in rear-end accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns
• Concussions
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

These injuries can often translate into significant tangible and intangible losses for people that are involved in rear-end crashes. In many cases, they require medical treatment and are unable to work for weeks or even months after their accident. Fortunately, these and other losses are typically compensable under Illinois law. Some of the specific damages that rear-end crash victims commonly seek include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and lost quality of life. You can also receive compensation for permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurement.

I Rear-Ended Someone Who Stopped Suddenly

If the driver in front hits their brakes to avoid a collision, you can easily be involved in a rear-end crash if you cannot stop in time. While most rear-end accidents result in property damage to the vehicles involved, others injure drivers and passengers. The injured driver or passenger has the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault’s party insurer for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

In most cases, the rear driver is primarily at fault for a rear-end collision. However, the front driver can sometimes be liable if they acted negligently, leading to the accident. For instance, if the front driver was distracted and had to stop too short, or their brake lights were not working, they can be to blame for the collision, even if you were the rear-driver.

Never assume you were fully to blame for a collision just because you rear-ended someone. Always consult an Illinois car accident attorney.

Sudden Stop Accident Reasons

There are different reasons why a driver might have to suddenly stop their vehicles without warning in front of you. These include:

• Another vehicle suddenly stops
• An object in the road
• An animal crossing the road
• Sudden loss of visibility due to weather

How Can an Attorney Determine Liability for a Rear-End Collision?

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve sustained an injury in an accident caused by someone else. However, you must prove who was at fault and who should cover your injury-related losses.

You will need evidence to support your claim, and a car accident attorney can compile various sources of evidence to help you, including:

• Witness testimony
• Police accident report
• Images of the scene
• Medical records
• Video surveillance footage
• Medical bills
• Expert opinions

What to Do When I Rear Ended Someone Who Stopped Suddenly?

The steps you take after a car accident are vital in protecting your rights and obtaining compensation for accident-related losses.

Here are a few steps you should consider taking:

Protect Your Safety

Ensure your well-being and the safety of others involved in the accident. If it’s safe, move yourself and anyone involved to the side of the road. More importantly, contact 911 if anyone has sustained an injury.

The most crucial thing after an accident is to protect yourself from further injuries and to minimize accident-related damage.

Gather Information

If you’re involved in a rear-end collision that’s not your fault, you want to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claims. Most auto accidents cause extensive physical damage and bodily injury.

Having proof of how the accident occurred may be important to ensure the at-fault driver is held accountable for accident-related losses.

Gather the following information which may be valuable to you at a later date:

• Name and contact details of the responding police
• Name and contact details of passengers and eyewitnesses involved in the accident
• A copy of the accident report from the responding police, if available and applicable
• Images at the accident scene
• Photographs of the vehicle damage
• The license plate number of passengers involved in the accident
• Driver’s license number, name, contact number, and address

It is sometimes impossible to collect information after an accident; therefore, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene.

Lawyer Near Me For Car Accident

Seek Medical Attention

While most auto accidents result in bodily injuries, some injuries are not apparent immediately after the incident. A comprehensive examination from a healthcare provider can reveal any issue.

It is also an opportunity to obtain medical records, which you can rely on to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

Consult with a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today

The dedicated legal team at Malman Law helps clients after many types of motor vehicle accidents, including rear-end collisions. We know that even if an accident seems relatively minor, it can still result in serious injuries and losses, and we are on your side. If you have been in an accident, timing is important, and you should not put your legal rights on hold. Call (312) 629-0099 or contact us online for a free case evaluation today.