What Causes Most Rear End Accidents?
Rear end accidents are the most common type of car accident, accounting for 28% of all car accidents. They mainly occur when the driver in front suddenly stops or slows down, and the driver behind does not have enough time to react.
Although anyone could get involved in a rear end accident, it is most likely to occur in urban areas during heavy traffic. This is because there are more cars on the road and the traffic speed is often stop-and-go.
If you happen to get into an accident in Canton, Mississippi — get in touch with Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC today. The experienced personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Most Rear End Accidents
The most common cause of rear end accidents is driver error. This can include distracted driving, following too closely, tailgating, and speeding.
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road. This can be anything from eating and drinking to using a cell phone, applying makeup, or fiddling with the radio. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents.
Following too closely, also known as “tailgating”, is when you drive too close to the car in front of you. This leaves no room for error and increases your chance of rear ending the other car suddenly if they have to stop.
Speeding is another major cause of rear end accidents. Speeding takes longer to stop your car, which means you are more likely to rear end the car in front of you if they have to stop suddenly.
Some other less common causes of rear end accidents include:
- Road rage
- Driver fatigue
- Dangerous road conditions
- Defective car parts
- Weather conditions
Injuries Associated With Rear End Accidents
Rear end accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Fatalities are also possible in rear end accidents, although they are less common. The most common rear end collision injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Who is At Fault?
In most rear end accidents, the driver who hit the car in front is at fault. This is because they should have been paying attention to the road and left enough space between them and the car in front.
However, there are some exceptions. If the driver in front brake checked the driver behind or stopped suddenly for no reason, they may be at fault. If the road conditions were poor and the driver behind could not see the driver in front, the former may not be at fault.
Both drivers may share collision fault if both were driving distracted or speeding. In these cases, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. An experienced Flowood car accident lawyer will be able to investigate the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries.
Filing a Claim for a Rear End Accident
You may have compensation for rear end collision damage if you got involved in an accident of this nature starting from filing a claim with the insurance company.
The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. They will offer you a settlement if they find that the other driver is at fault. The settlement will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you file a lawsuit.
How Can an Attorney Help
A Mississippi car accident lawyer can help you in several ways if you have been in a rear end accident. They can help you file a claim with the insurance company, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
They can also help you gather evidence to support your claim. This may include witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and medical records.
If your case goes to trial, an attorney will also be able to represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact the reputable car accident lawyers at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC to get started on your claim. We will be able to help you every step of the way and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.