Even the most skilled and attentive drivers may find themselves affected by car crashes. And one of the most common, yet deadly, kinds of crashes you can be involved in is a rear-end collision. In fact, 40 percent of the car accidents on U.S. roads are rear-end collisions.
A rear-end collision can happen anywhere – at a red light, in congested traffic or even on a freeway. And depending on the severity of the impact, these accidents can leave you with life-altering injuries. How do these accidents happen? These are some of the leading causes of rear-end crashes.
Speeding
There is a reason why roads have speed limits – to create and maintain order and ensure safety. Despite this, however, it’s not uncommon for some motorists to drive beyond designated speed limits. The faster a motorist drives, the more time they need to slow down and bring their vehicle to a safe stop in the event of an emergency. And this increases the risk of a rear-end crash.
Distractions
Grooming, operating a mobile phone, eating, changing a CD and getting into a deep conversation with a vehicle’s occupants – these are all distractions that can take a driver’s focus off the road. Should an emergency arise that requires an immediate stop, there would be a narrow window for a safe response. Consequently, they might ram into the car in front of them.
Vehicle defects
Vehicle defects come in many forms and are caused by a variety of factors such as lack of maintenance, improper repairs and worn-out tires and brake pads. They can also be caused by manufacturing defects. Certain kinds of defects can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
A rear-end collision can result in serious injuries and damage to property. If you are a victim of a rear-end crash that is not your fault, you deserve justice. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.
