Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are to blame for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. They are the most-common type of auto accident, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and in almost all cases they are the result of risky driving, faulty vehicle components, dangerous road conditions, or some combination thereof.
If you are suffering from injuries sustained in a rear-end collision, it is important that you speak with a San Antonio car accident attorney about your rights. The long-term consequences of injuries sustained in rear-end collisions can be devastating, and you will need help to secure the compensation you deserve. If you settle too soon or let the insurance companies convince you that you are not entitled to compensation, you could end up paying for someone else’s mistake for the rest of your life.
Common Factors in Rear-End Collisions
As with all types of auto accidents, there are numerous factors that can cause and contribute to rear-end car crashes. However, based on our experience, some of the most-common factors in these dangerous collisions include:
- Following Too Closely – Following too closely (commonly referred to as “tailgating”) significantly increases a driver’s risk of causing a rear-end collision. The less room a driver has to stop, the more likely he or she is to hit the vehicle he or she is following.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is another risky behavior that is to blame for a significant portion of all rear-end accidents. Studies have shown that texting and other distractions can cause impairments comparable to alcohol intoxication, and distracted drivers are hazards to themselves and everyone else on the road.
- Speeding – As a vehicle’s speed increases, so does its stopping distance. This makes speeding drivers much more likely to cause rear-end collisions.
- Brake Failures – Regardless of what the driver is doing behind the wheel, if a vehicle’s brakes fail, there may be nothing that anyone can do to avoid a rear-end collision. In these situations, the vehicle’s manufacturer or a repair shop that performed a faulty brake job may be to blame.
- Dangerous Weather Conditions – From strong winds to heavy rains, dangerous weather conditions can play a role in rear-end collisions as well. Weather-related accidents often involve complicated legal issues, and anyone injured in such an accident should promptly seek experienced legal representation.
Whiplash and Other Injuries from Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents often result in serious injuries, including injuries to the neck and spine. Pain and limited mobility following a rear-end collision could be a sign of whiplash; or, they could be symptomatic of a more-serious injury requiring surgery. Anyone involved in a rear-end collision should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as prompt treatment can be critical to minimizing the duration of recovery.
Injured in a Rear-End Collision? Call Now for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision in San Antonio, we encourage you get in touch. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and personal injury attorney Ronald A. Ramos will meet with you personally to discuss your legal rights. Are you entitled to financial compensation? Find out – call (210) 308-8811 or contact us online today.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of car accident in San Antonio and across Texas. The leading cause is following too closely, which leaves drivers without enough stopping distance when traffic slows or stops. Distracted driving, particularly texting while driving, is another major contributor because drivers who are looking at their phones cannot see brake lights ahead.
Other common causes include speeding, drunk driving, fatigued driving, and sudden lane changes that force other drivers to brake abruptly. Poor weather conditions such as rain and fog reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, making rear-end crashes more likely on San Antonio highways like I-35, I-10, and Loop 410.
Rear-End Collision Injuries
Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries. Whiplash is the hallmark rear-end collision injury, occurring when the force of impact causes the neck to hyperextend and hyperflex rapidly. Many whiplash victims do not feel symptoms for hours or even days after the crash, which is why you should always seek medical attention promptly.
Back injuries including herniated discs, compression fractures, and lumbar sprains are also common in rear-end crashes. At higher speeds, victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries from striking the steering wheel or headrest, broken bones, and cervical spine injuries that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision
In Texas, the rear driver is generally presumed to be at fault in a rear-end collision because every driver has a legal duty to maintain a safe following distance and keep a proper lookout. However, there are situations where the lead driver may share fault, such as reversing unexpectedly, having non-functioning brake lights, or brake-checking the rear driver intentionally.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often try to assign some fault to the lead driver to reduce their payout, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side matters.
Get Help from a San Antonio Rear-End Collision Lawyer
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, the car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. We handle rear-end collision cases throughout San Antonio and South Texas. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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