According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a third of all car accidents in the United States are rear-end collisions. While we may readily associate them with the term “fender bender,” rear-end collisions can – and do – lead to serious, and even permanently disabling injuries.
If you or a loved one recently suffered harm in a rear-end accident, you may be able to collect damages for the full extent of your injuries, pain, and suffering. The Phoenix car accident lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A., have been helping Phoenix-area families gain compensation for negligence since 1957 and have won millions in settlements and jury verdicts for their clients. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with our firm and discuss your legal options with us today.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Unlike other car accidents, determining fault in a rear-end collision is usually quite simple. The person who rear-ends the other driver is almost always at fault. To illustrate this, consider the following hypothetical scenarios:
Scenario 1
Driver 1 is driving in front of driver 2. Driver 1 slams on his or her brakes unexpectedly when a child crosses the street chasing a ball. The child’s movement is unexpected, as is driver 1’s movement. Despite this, driver 2 would still be at fault for damages that result, because he or she failed to assure a safe following distance. Drivers have a duty to provide a safe braking distance to the car in front of them at all times.
Scenario 2
Drivers 1 and 2 drive down a dirt road. Driver 1 kicks up a lot of dust, and driver 2 follows closely behind, obscuring his or her vision. Driver 1 stops at a stop sign, and driver 2 collides into driver 1, since he or she cannot see clearly. Again, driver 2 would be liable for the accident, because he or she did not allow enough room to see safely and take measures to prevent a crash.
Scenario 3
Driver 1 drives in front of driver 2 and puts on a blinker to change lanes. Anticipating the lane change, driver 2 speeds up, but driver 1 changes his or her mind and swerves back into the original lane. Even in this case, driver 2 would share most of the fault for the accident, even though driver 1 might have partial responsibility.
Rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of driver 2, when driver 2 is the rear driver. If you suffered harm in a rear-end accident, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Why Rear-End Collisions Can Be Dangerous
Rear-end collisions aren’t always fender benders. In fact, they can be quite dangerous, especially when they occur at high speeds. Both drivers and passengers may suffer injuries such as whiplash, ejection from the vehicle, and traumatic brain injury. In some cases, a phenomenon called seatback failure can occur when a collision leads to the collapse of the front seat, injuring the backseat passengers. Seatback failure can be especially problematic for young children, who absorb the impact of the seat and the passenger in the crash.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Attorney
Victims of rear-end collisions may sustain serious or life-threatening injuries. Some of these injuries require intensive care and therapy. If you or a loved one recently suffered harm in a rear-end collision, the Phoenix injury lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A., can help you understand your legal rights and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with our office today.