How To Avoid Them or Be Compensated If You’ve Been the Victim of One
This article may contain affiliate links.
Rear-end collisions are a common occurrence, often happening when a driver gets distracted, follows other cars too closely or is operating a vehicle under the influence. Sometimes these collisions result in small issues such as a dented bumper, but other times they can lead to dangerous casualties. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), these accidents led to about 3,300 deaths in 2021. Below, we explain the causes of these crashes and how you can get compensation for the damages you faced.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
To avoid rear-end collisions, it’s important to learn what causes them and how you can file a rear-end accident claim if needed. Two leading causes include:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a major cause of rear-end collisions. Distracted drivers often don’t notice when the car in front of them slows down or stops. By the time they do, it’s too late to avoid the crash. There are a few different types of distracted driving, each dangerous in its own way:
- Visual: This occurs when you take your eyes off the road, even if it’s for a second. It could be because you became distracted looking at a text or checking your GPS.
- Manual: This is when a drivertakes one or both hands off the wheel to eat, adjust the music or reach for something in the passenger seat.
- Cognitive: These occur when your mind isn’t focused on driving. It could be daydreaming, thinking about something stressful or listening to something on the phone.
2. Drunk Driving
Many people convince themselves that they can drive safely after a few drinks. However, alcohol affects your body in several ways that can prove detrimental when operating a vehicle. According to the NHTSA, once your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level hits 0.08%, you’re considered legally intoxicated. When someone hits this alcohol level, they might experience the following issues:
- Lack of muscle coordination, which interferes with your vision, speech and hearing
- Memory issues
- Slower thinking and reaction time
Legal Compensation for Rear-End Accidents
If you got into a rear-end accident, you might be able to file a claim to get money back for the damage and stress it caused. You can start by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company to cover factors like medical bills or car repairs.
Sometimes, the insurance company doesn’t offer much or they deny your claim. If that happens, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for pain, missed work or any lasting effects you faced from the accident. If you opt for the aid of a lawyer, they can deal with the paperwork, talk to the insurance company and fight to get fair compensation for you.
Endnote
Negligence and recklessness on the road can cost lives. To avoid this, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and practice responsible driving habits. If you get involved in an accident and face any kind of damages, you can enlist legal assistance to recover the economic losses that you faced.
