Rear End Collisions – 40% of All Car Crashes
A good day can turn into a bad one in the blink of an eye due to the mistakes of another driver. A rear-end collision is a traffic accident wherein a vehicle (truck, car, semi, etc.) crashes into the vehicle in front of it, and it happens to be one of the most common types of crashes in the world. As a personal injury law firm, here at Sam C. Mitchell & Associates, we have numerous clients each year come to us for help after being a victim in a rear-end collision. Most commonly, a rear-end collision occurs when one driver is turning on a two-lane road or highway, waits to yield to oncoming traffic, and gets hit from behind by a negligent driver who was not paying attention.
What Percentage Of Crashes Are Rear-End Crashes?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), out of the 7.27 million car accidents that happen on American roads every year, approximately 40% of them (2.9 million) are rear-end collisions. They also found that upwards of 87% of rear-end collisions happened because the driver in the back wasn’t paying attention to the road in front of them.
What are the most common causes of rear-end collisions?
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Texting or on the phone while driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
- Tailgating
The most common type of injuries associated with rear-end collisions is those to the head and neck, including whiplash. When the neck is yanked back and forth suddenly – as what happens in a sudden collision – the muscles and tendons can stretch and tear, causing severe and lasting whiplash.
How Can You Prevent a Rear-End Collision?
In many claims we have handled, our clients tell us that they noticed by glancing in their rear-view mirror that the vehicle behind them not slowing down, but they didn’t know what to do next. With a little preparation and knowledge ahead of time, you might be able to avoid a rear-end collision or minimize your injuries in one.
How to help prevent a rear-end collision:
- Check your mirrors often, especially when you are slowing down or coming to a stop.
- Look farther up the road to spot any traffic slowing down.
- Always stay focused on driving.
- As you slow to a stop, identify an escape route or alternative path, whether it be on the shoulder, sidewalk, or curb to get away from a charging vehicle.
- Never hurry to a stoplight or stop sign.
- When stopping, leave two to three car lengths between you and the car in front of you.
Injured? Get Help With Your Case Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced attorney to help pursue full and fair compensation. Sam C. Mitchell & Associates in Illinois has helped more than 3,700 clients across the years, collecting more than $100 million in successful case results!
Contact us 618-932-2772 for a free consultation today.