Rear End Collisions
Each year, about 2.5 million rear end collisions occur in the United States. These types of collisions are one of the most common because of the prevalence of inattentive drivers and tailgaters. The risk of a rear end collision increases in inclement weather where low visibility and slippery roads make it even more difficult to safely negotiate traffic. A head-on collision from the rear can cause lasting injuries, even at low speeds. While cars are designed to sustain some level of impact, the human body is sensitive to the jolt caused in a rear impact crash.
Many people may not realize how quickly an accident can occur. One moment you may be moving along with traffic with no problems, and the next you may find yourself dazed, trying to recover from a sudden impact that you didn’t even see coming. The human body is no match for the one to two-ton vehicles that we drive every day. Even at the seemingly slow speed of 30 miles per hour, a car moves forward 44 feet in just one second. Looking away for just a moment to change the radio station, answer your phone, or send a text could mean the difference between getting home safely and experiencing a severe car crash.
When you are driving, there are many actions that you can take to both avoid rear ending another vehicle and prevent being rear ended. When coming to a stop, always give yourself ample time to brake so that you can safely stop and make the driver behind you aware that traffic is slowing. If you are stopped and a car seems to be rushing up behind you, pump your brakes to flash your lights at the driver.
Always leave a safe following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, and if you are being tailgated, gradually take your foot off the accelerator to encourage the tailgater to change lanes and go around you. Most importantly, never drive distracted or while under the influence of alcohol.
A few simple preventative driving habits practiced every day could be all that is necessary to keep you safe from a rear end collision. If you find yourself involved in a rear impact crash because of another driver’s negligence, consider contacting a car accident lawyer immediately. The other driver may try to blame the accident on you or argue that it is a no-fault crash. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can initiate a claim for compensation against the irresponsible driver.
Contact Us
Don’t let a negligent driver get away with injuring you and your family and causing damages to your vehicle. For sound legal advice and assistance on rear end collisions and accident liability, please contact the experienced Wausau car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today at 800-242-2874.
