Who Is Liable for Rear-End Collisions?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Did you know that approximately 40 percent of all vehicle accidents are considered rear-end collisions? These statistics come out of data produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A rear-impact accident occurs when one vehicle runs into the back of another vehicle. While the majority of these accidents occur at speeds less than 10 miles per hour (MPH), long and lasting injuries are still possible. Potential injured areas include the head, neck, and spine, which are among the most vital and used parts of the body. Recovery is important to retain the same standard of living. However, the cost of doing so may reach astronomical numbers. Who should be responsible for the accumulating medical expenses?

Common Causes of Rear-Impact Collisions

Rear-end collisions remain among the most common accidents throughout the United States. Many occur due to a driver’s failure to identify stopped traffic ahead. However, there are many common causes of these mishaps, including:

• Distracted driving, such as reaching in the backseat or using a cell phone,
• Excessive speed or not driving appropriately for the conditions,
• Pressing the gas at an interchange when the light turns green and not enabling the vehicle in front to accelerate,
• Driver fatigue,
• Hazardous driving conditions, such as rain or ice, and
• Following too closely.

Liability for Damages

The question remains of who assumes responsibility during a rear-end collision. Did the driver in front do something to make the driver behind them crash or was it the other way around? The truth lay in who owed a duty of care and failed to provide said care. In most cases--but not all-- the driver who hit the front driver is commonly found at-fault, only because the state believes that the second driver should have left enough room between vehicles in case of an emergency. However, exceptions exist, such as:

• If you were a victim of rear-end collision yourself and were pushed into the back of the car in front of you,
• Driver negligence of the car in front of you, such as parking on a roadway or stopped without warning signals, or
• The front driver is alcohol impaired.

Get Legal Assistance

If you have been involved in a car accident that involved a rear-end impact, you may not be financially responsible for your repairs or medical fees. If you are interested in having the right person pay for your suffering, contact a skilled attorney today. If you would like to speak to a Lake County, IL accident attorney, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. today by calling 847-662-3303 to schedule your risk-free confidential consultation. We proudly and conveniently serve our clients in four different locations.

Source:

https://www.dmv.com/il/illinois/auto-accidents