What Should You Know About Rear-end Collisions?

Important information about rear end accidents

Understanding how read-end collisions occur can help prevent accidents. It can also provide valuable information as to who is liable and why. The following are some frequently asked questions clients ask about rear-end crashes.

Are rear-end collisions a common type of car accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash. In fact, every year they constitute 29 percent of all vehicle crashes, causing significant numbers of injuries and fatalities.

What factors are involved with rear-end accidents?

Based on various studies, NHTSA says in the majority of crashes, a lead vehicle has done the following:

59% of crashes involved a stopped lead vehicle
22% involved a decelerating lead vehicle

What responsibility do drivers following a car often have in rear-end accidents?

Most drivers who are paying attention can detect and avoid accidents with a stopped or decelerating lead vehicle. They brake in time to avoid a crash. In fact, 87% of rear-end accidents occur when driver distraction prevented the driver who was following the lead car from stopping in time.

Distractions included:

Use of cell phones
Talking on cell phones
Eating
Daydreaming

Was following too closely a factor in the crashes?

The study found that the greater majority of drivers were not following too closely. Even those with shorter following distances maintained adequate distance from the lead vehicle to brake in time.

Did lane changes often result in rear-end accidents?

Lane changes rarely lead to conflict with a lead vehicle. When crashes resulted it was generally because the lead vehicle stopped, decelerated or changed lanes.

Do you need legal help determining who is liable in a rear-end crash?

The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has helped countless victims recover compensation in all types of vehicle accidents. We assist clients throughout the State of Texas, including areas in the south, such as Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and South Padre Island. We also provide nationwide representation in states such as California and Oklahoma. Arrange a free consultation today to evaluate your potential case.