The severity of a rear-end collision can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of the impact, and other factors. This type of accident can occur on any type of road and can cause damage to vehicles and injuries to drivers and passengers even at low speeds. If you have been involved in a rear-end collision due to the negligence of another driver, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney with Steelman Gaunt Crowley by calling (573) 341-8336 to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Defines Rear-End Collisions?
Rear-end collisions typically occur when one vehicle fails to stop when the vehicle in front of it stops suddenly. The front of one vehicle generally impacts the rear of another vehicle. Sometimes, a rear-end collision may involve multiple vehicles, especially if one vehicle stops suddenly, the car directly behind it stops without making contact, but a third vehicle cannot stop and instead pushes the middle vehicle into the first.
The severity of the injuries that both drivers and passengers suffer and the damage to the vehicles depends on several factors, including the speed at which the vehicles were moving prior to impact and the angle of the impact. Being aware of what defines rear-end collisions and the factors that are involved can help drivers better comprehend the potential dangers of these accidents.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can be caused by driver error, weather and road conditions, and mechanical failure. In some cases, car accidents can occur as a result of a combination of these factors.
The Weather and Following Distance
According to section 304.017 of the Missouri Revisor of Statutes, drivers who fail to follow in a reasonably safe and prudent manner, with attention to the speed of the vehicle and the condition of the road and surrounding traffic, can be charged with a class C misdemeanor. Poor weather conditions contribute to an increased risk of rear-end collisions. Specifically, rain or snow tends to reduce visibility, and water on the roadway makes it more difficult for drivers to stop their vehicles as expected.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends these tips to avoid following too closely in the varying conditions of the road and traffic:
- Maintain a safe following distance: Generally, a proper following distance is one second per 10 feet of vehicle length when driving below 40 mph. When driving faster speeds and longer vehicles, drivers need to increase their following distance. This distance gives the driver the time needed to react by stopping if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes.
- Double the following distance in adverse conditions: When there is poor visibility, poor road conditions, or heavy traffic, drivers need to increase their normal following distance to help avoid colliding with the vehicle ahead of them.
Poor Driving Habits and Driver Distractions
Understanding what commonly causes rear-end collisions can help drivers take preventative measures to avoid being involved in these motor vehicle accidents. Driving poorly and driving with distractions both contribute to the conditions that can lead to a motor vehicle accident. Poor driving habits that can cause rear-end collisions include tailgating, speeding, and driving aggressively.
Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, including rear-end collisions. According to the Driving Guide published by the Missouri Department of Revenue, driving safely is a skill that requires a driver’s full attention so the driver can react to situations as they unexpectedly arise. When a driver performs certain activities while behind the wheel, the driver’s attention can be diverted from the road for several seconds, long enough to significantly increase the risk of colliding with another vehicle, especially one directly in front. The activities that often distract drivers include the following:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Using apps on a smartphone
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Drinking or eating
- Grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Dealing with rowdy children or loose pets
- Reading maps or other materials
- Adjusting the car radio, CD player, MP3 player, or air conditioning
Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can cause a range of injuries from minor to severe. The potential severity of injuries depends on the speed of the vehicles upon impact, the position of the occupants inside the vehicles, whether the vehicle occupants used their seatbelts, and whether airbags were present and deployed properly. Be sure to seek medical attention after a rear-end collision, even if there are no immediate signs of injury. Some serious injuries may have delayed symptoms that can begin hours or days after the incident.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that occurs with rear-end collisions. This injury occurs when a person’s head suddenly jerks forward and then backward again upon impact. The quick movement strains or sprains the neck muscles and ligaments. Other injuries that can occur include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Face and eye injuries
- Damage to soft tissue
- Back strains or sprains
- Slipped or herniated disc
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Fractures
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Death (in extreme cases)
Legal and Financial Consequences
Being involved in a rear-end collision can have legal and financial consequences and insurance implications. The at-fault driver can face legal penalties, such as fines or license suspension, and increased insurance premiums for an extended period of time. Consulting with an insurance professional can help with understanding the specific insurance implications of a rear-end collision. A skilled personal injury lawyer from Steelman Gaunt Crowley may be able to explain which legal consequences, if any, could apply to your case.
The Rear-End Collision Doctrine
In the majority of cases, the rear driver who hits the vehicle in front is at fault for the accident. The rear driver will be held liable for damages and injuries resulting from the incident. This is considered Missouri’s rear-end collision doctrine.
However, the rear-end collision doctrine can be contested if the driver can provide evidence. If the driver in the front vehicle is found to be at fault, he or she may be responsible for compensating the rear driver for damages and injuries. In the following situations, the rear driver may not be at fault for the accident:
- Multi-vehicle accident: When the only reason a rear driver hit a car in front was that the driver had just been rear-ended, which caused a multi-vehicle accident, the rear driver might be cleared of fault.
- Malfunctioning brake lights or taillights: Brake lights and taillights are important for communicating with other drivers on the road. When these safety features fail, driving at night increases the risk of being involved in an accident with another vehicle.
- Improper lane change or usage: Rear-end accidents can happen when one driver cuts off another in traffic or enters the roadway from a side street and then brakes or fails to accelerate.
- Backing up: Driving in reverse without checking for other vehicles can cause what looks like a rear-end collision.
Costs of Rear-End Collisions
Being at fault for a rear-end collision can be very expensive. The costs associated with this type of accident will vary depending on the severity of the damages and injuries. First, if the at-fault driver’s car was damaged with full coverage insurance, only the deductible will be payable for having the car repaired or replaced. However, if the driver’s coverage is only liability or the driver is uninsured, the costs of repairs will be the full responsibility of the driver.
In addition to paying for repairs for the vehicles, the at-fault driver may be required to pay medical bills for injuries that occurred during the accident if the occupants of either vehicle were injured. The at-fault driver will also be responsible for tickets issued as a result of the accident, fines imposed on the driver, court costs, and legal fees. The driver’s insurance premiums will likely go up for an extended period. Under certain circumstances, the driver’s auto insurance policy may even be canceled.
Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Today
Rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries and legal and financial consequences. Drivers who wish to avoid these dangers need to practice safe driving and a proper following distance. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision due to the negligence of another driver, consider calling a skilled personal injury attorney with Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336 to learn more about your legal rights.bout your legal rights.
