When you're involved in a rear-end crash or “rear-ender,” injuries sustained can range from minor to very serious. It's important to understand how to handle such an incident and how working with a legal professional can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of a Rear-end Crash
Rear-end crashes are some of the most common accidents on the road. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that between 2012 and 2014, rear-end collisions accounted for almost half of all two-vehicle crashes in the United States. Although automatic braking technology may help avoid these accidents, they remain a major problem. Common causes of rear-end collisions include:
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Tailgating - when one car drives too close to the car in front of it, the potential for a rear-ender increases. If the first car brakes or stops quickly, the second car cannot brake in time to avoid crashing into the first car.
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Distracted driving - This is one of the most significant safety hazards on the roads today. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 400,000 drivers are using their cell phones every time they drive. This dramatically increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
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Inclement weather - Regardless of how well your brakes work, if you hit an ice patch your car can lose control in an instant. Rear-end collisions are common when the roads are icy and snowy, as drivers are more likely to lose the ability to stop.
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Speeding - Speeding increases the amount of time needed to react and braking distance required when another vehicle stops in front of the speeding car. Speed is a significant contributing factor in rear-end collisions as a result.
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Driver fatigue - commercial vehicles have specific regulations around hours of service, or how many consecutive hours a driver can legally operate a vehicle. Other drivers are not subject to these limits. Often, especially on long road trips, a driver will attempt to push past fatigue causing reflexes to slow and reaction times to increase, making rear-end collisions more likely.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Connecticut
Rear-end collisions are extremely common but nonetheless have the potential to cause serious injury. If you suffered injuries when another vehicle rear-ended you, you have the right to recover compensation from the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company. Make sure to choose an experienced personal injury attorney with experience in rear-end collision cases. The lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau are proud to serve the people of the State of Connecticut and are ready to advocate for your rights if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Call us today at 860-875-7000 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to discuss your options and next steps.
