Rear-End Collisions
Overview
When one vehicle unexpectedly hits the one in front of it, the occupants in the lead vehicle can sustain significant injuries from the force of the accident.
Driver error is the most common reason for these crashes, and it can often be the deadliest type. Nearly one-third of all traffic accidents are rear-ending collisions.
Many people believe the person in the back vehicle is always at fault. While the back vehicle is usually at fault, that’s not always true. Everything depends on the circumstances of the accident.
PRIMARY CAUSES OF REAR-END COLLISIONS
West Virginia law requires drivers to keep a safe distance from nearby vehicles. Like any car accident, these are the most common causes of a rear-end crash:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Speeding or going too fast for the driving conditions, such as rain
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
- Unexpected and sudden stops in traffic
- Chain reaction in a multiple-car pileup
The investigating police officer will note in the accident report if the rear vehicle was following too closely.
The lead vehicle may be at fault if the driver stopped very suddenly, has broken taillights, backed into the following vehicle, failed to signal when changing lanes, or attempted to prevent the following vehicle from passing. A West Virginia car accident attorney can investigate the case to better determine who was responsible.
COMMON INJURIES FROM REAR-END COLLISIONS
Frequently, drivers and any passengers in a rear-end collision suffer whiplash, where the head is violently shaken around. This leads to neck and head damage that includes soft tissue injuries, skull fractures, concussion, and in severe cases, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and requires immediate treatment. Rear-end accidents can also leave victims with:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fatalities
An injured party can recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages, current and future
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
- Other accident-related damages
A West Virginia accident attorney can determine the true value of your accident and a fair settlement for your losses.
AVOIDING REAR-END CRASHES
Rear-end collisions occur when a lead vehicle comes to a stop or moves slowly. The most effective measures to prevent such accidents are a) maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead and b) using your rear-view mirrors to monitor vehicle tailgating.
Use defensive driving and avoid talking on a cell phone, eating, or other distractions.
THE THREE SECOND RULE
Employ the “Three Second Rule” to ensure there’s enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
Observe when that lead vehicle passes a fixed object, such as a sign, billboard, or other landmark, and count the seconds until you reach the object at your current speed. If you count at least three seconds (as “one thousand one,” “one thousand two,” “one thousand three”, etc.), you have enough space on a clear day. If you pass the point before you get to “three,” you will need to reduce your speed to increase the distance between the two vehicles.
You will need even more seconds and distance if you’re driving at night, behind a vehicle that makes frequent stops, during inclement weather (especially with slick roads), in heavy traffic, or if someone is tailgating your vehicle.
CHARLESTON, WV CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CHAD LOVE
We’ve been helping West Virginians for over 25 years with car accidents. Speak with Chad Love before you speak with anyone else.
If you’ve been involved in a Charleston, WV, rear-end collision or other type of car accident, contact us at The Love Law Firm or call us at (304) 344 5683. Your consultation is free, and we only collect if we win your case.
Phone:
(304) 344-5683
