Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of vehicle collisions on the road. While often seen as minor accidents compared to other types, rear-end accidents still have the potential to cause considerable damage to vehicles and injuries to individuals. In exploring the prominence of rear-end accidents, it is first important to understand what commonly causes these types of accidents to occur.
Tailgating
Tailgating is one of the main causes of rear-end accidents, and it occurs when a driver is following too closely behind the vehicle in front of them. Tailgating is very dangerous and greatly increases the risk of an accident occurring. Interestingly, tailgating even contributes to a slowdown in traffic. When an individual is tailgating, they are reducing the amount of reaction time they have. If the individual in front of them suddenly slams on their brakes, the tailgater will likely end up colliding with the vehicle in front of them, therefore causing a rear-end accident.
Speeding
Speeding is another area of concern when it comes to rear-end accidents. When drivers are excessively speeding, this can make it much more difficult to come to an abrupt stop or slow down. Therefore, if the individual in front of you slams on their brakes and you are traveling at high speeds, not only will you likely crash into them, but you will also likely cause even more severe damage due to the rate of speed at which you are traveling.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving took the lives of 3,522 people in 2021. Distracted driving can be used to describe any activity that diverts your attention from driving, including texting, calling, eating, or even your passengers. If someone is distracted while driving, they will not be able to quickly react to the flow of traffic, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting into a rear-end collision.
Fatigue
Fatigued driving is another common cause of rear-end accidents. Driving while you are fatigued is never a good idea, as it can cause impaired judgment and inaccuracies. You may misjudge the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you or even fall asleep behind the wheel. If you find yourself fatigued behind the wheel, it is advised to pull over and refrain from driving.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, are another main contributor to rear-end accidents. During intense weather conditions, the conditions of the roads can become severely impacted, making the roads slick and slippery. Additionally, thick fog can greatly reduce one’s level of visibility. Taken together, these factors can result in rear-end collisions. If you are driving in adverse weather conditions, it is important to expect the unexpected and keep an ample distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
What To Do if You Are in a Rear-End Accident
In the unfortunate event that you wind up in a rear-end accident, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you will want to move the vehicles to a safe location, if possible, and assess whether there have been any injuries. If so, you will want to seek medical attention immediately. Then, if able, you will want to document the scene of the accident, gather any witness statements, and exchange contact information with any individuals involved. This will be crucial in filing a personal injury claim with a San Antonio personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
