Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can lead to significant injuries or property damage for every party involved, and they occur in a wide variety of ways. Here, we want to examine the most common causes of rear-end collisions and discuss whether or not individuals may need an attorney to help them recover compensation after these incidents occur.

Distracted Driving

We examine information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can see that distracted driving occurs in a wide variety of ways. This includes any action that takes a person’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off of driving. During a recent reporting year, the CDC says that more than 424,000 individuals were injured as a result of distracted driving. When drivers operate while distracted, this significantly increases the chances that they are going to collide with the vehicle in front of them.

Impaired Driving

The latest information available from the California Office of Traffic Safety (2021) shows that there were more than 23,000 total injuries statewide as a result of impaired driving. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs will have slowed reaction times when it comes to stopping before a collision occurs with the vehicle in front of them. In some cases, drivers may not even stop at all before a collision occurs, particularly if they run stop signs or stop lights.

Fatigued Driving

We have all operated a vehicle while drowsy. In some cases, this fatigue can be incredibly dangerous, particularly if a driver nods off and fails to stop before colliding with vehicles in front of them. All drivers need to avoid operating when they are tired. Rolling the windows down, listening to loud music, and drinking caffeine do not result in a driver becoming less drowsy, contrary to popular belief. 

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of injuries and fatalities each year across California. Drivers who operate too fast for conditions significantly increase the chance that they will be unable to slow down and stop before colliding with vehicles in front of them. Sometimes, speeding means going over the speed limit, but other times it means operating too fast for current weather and traffic conditions.

Following Too Closely

We are all taught to leave a few car lengths of distance between our vehicle and the vehicles in front of us. That is done for a reason. Every driver must be able to have time to slow down in case the vehicles in front of them have to stop suddenly. Following too closely is a recipe for disaster.

Road Rage

Getting mad behind the wheel happens sometimes. We all get frustrated with other drivers around us. However, when this frustration leads to uncontrolled rage, this can lead to very bad situations when it comes to safety. There are times when drivers purposely slam their vehicles into other vehicles because they get mad.

Speaking With a Lawyer Immediately

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a rear-end collision caused by the negligence of another driver, reach out to a skilled accident attorney in San Bernardino or elsewhere in California immediately. Let a lawyer investigate what happened, handle communication with other parties, and work to recover full compensation on your behalf.