Here at the Saunders Law Group, we believe in helping the injured and their loved ones throughout the greater Bartow area. Following serious injuries and major car accidents, our attorneys will be there for you and the people you love.
A number of injuries are the result of rear end accidents. Let’s take a moment to cover the basics of this kind of collision and what can cause them to occur.
About Rear End Auto Accidents
In simple terms, a rear end auto accident is a collision in which the back of a vehicle is struck by another vehicle. These are quite common, and they can happen anywhere, from highways and city streets to parking lots.
Rear End Auto Accident Statistics
According to numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 6 million auto collisions in the United States each year. Of that number, roughly 2.5 million collisions are rear end auto accidents. That’s roughly 40 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
Common Causes of Rear End Auto Accidents
Some common causes of rear end auto accidents include the following.
- Texting While Driving – Texting while driving is a major cause of auto accidents. At highway speeds, you can travel the length of a football field while reading a text. This is why it’s important that you keep your eyes off the phone and on the road.
- Driver Distraction – Apart from phone use, other sources of driver distraction can lead to collisions. This includes eating while driving and reaching for objects in the backseat.
- Excessive Speed – When you exceed the speed limit, it will take more time and more distance for you to slow down and come to a stop.
- Tailgating – Driving too close to a vehicle can lead to an increased risk of rear end collisions. This is why having sufficient space between vehicles is so important.
- Brake Defects – If your brakes do not function properly, it can take longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop. In serious brake defects, it may be difficult to even slow down a moving vehicle.
- Brake Light Problems – Brake lights let people behind you know that you’re slowing down. When brake lights are out or they do not work properly, they can increase the chances of a rear end collision.
- Poor Weather Conditions – Rain can lead to slick and slippery roads that make rear end accidents more likely. Fog can also be dangerous, cutting down visibility in serious ways.
- Bad Road Conditions – Poor road conditions and debris left on the road can make it much harder for vehicles to stop quickly and safely.
Combinations of the above can also occur, making rear end accident much more likely.
The Dangers of Rear End Auto Accidents
Even at low speeds, a rear end auto accident can cause injuries. Whiplash injuries are possible even at just 15 miles per hour. At higher speeds, injuries to he neck, head, and other parts of the body are possible. These can be quite severe, requiring major medical attention and even long-term physical rehabilitation. When a negligent person or party causes the collision, our legal team can help.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
For more information about your legal options after a serious motor vehicle collision, we encourage you to contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys today. The team here at Saunders Law Group looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
