Understanding Rear-End Car Accidents
With so many cars on the Miami roadways, accidents are bound to happen. They tend to be a daily occurrence, especially in the larger cities. Car accidents can happen in a number of ways, but one of the most common types is rear-end crashes.
Rear-end accidents account for one-third of all motor vehicle crashes. Depending on the speed of traffic, a rear-end crash can result in minor injuries or it can be deadly in nature. In 2016, 2,350 people were killed in rear-end crashes in the United States.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end crashes occur when the vehicle in the back is following another vehicle too closely. This can happen for various reasons, such as the following:
- Distracted driving. When a person is not paying attention to the road, they may not notice the car slowing down in front of them. They may not be able to stop in time, causing a crash.
- The faster you go, the longer it takes to slow down. Slow down and leave adequate space between you and the vehicle in front.
- Road rage. Road rage and other forms of reckless driving can cause rear-end crashes. Calm down when behind the wheel and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Mechanical failure. An issue with your car, such as brake failure, can cause you to rear-end a vehicle in front. Regular maintenance is key to preventing such incidents.
- Being overly tired can cause you to lose focus and even fall asleep while driving. Pull over and rest if you start to feel drowsy.
- Drunk driving. Intoxication can impair your judgment and reaction times, making it difficult for you to stop your vehicle in time if necessary. If you choose to drink, refrain from driving.
Liability in Rear-End Accidents
In rear-end crashes, it is often assumed that the driver in the back is always at fault. This is because under the law, drivers have a responsibility to keep sufficient distance between themselves and other vehicles. Therefore, a person who rear-ends another vehicle must be tailgating. While this is true in the majority of cases, there are some exceptions.
For example, if the driver in front suddenly reversed the car and hit the vehicle behind them, they would be held liable. The same applies for a drunk driver who is driving erratically. A person driving a vehicle with broken tail lights could also be held liable for a rear-end crash, since they did not take the appropriate steps to replace the lights and prevent the accident. In some cases, drivers intentionally try to get hit for insurance purposes. This is illegal, so not only could a person be held liable, but they could face criminal charges as well.
Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car crashes can be serious in nature. Even a rear-end accident can cause serious injuries and result in medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Get help from the Miami car accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP. We can assess your case and determine liability. Let us handle the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. To schedule a consultation, call our Miami office at 305-985-5281 or fill out our online form.
Resource:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-highway-safety
https://www.turnpikelaw.com/traffic-accidents-and-common-injuries/
