Champaign County Rear-End Crashes Lawyer
A car can crash in many ways. One of the most common ways is a rear-end accident. Rear-end accidents account for nearly 30% of all crashes. Many of these crashes are downplayed, often called “fender-benders.” While many happen at low speeds and result in very little damage, some are more severe, causing catastrophic and even fatal injuries. A severe impact can cause a vehicle to overturn or go off the road.
These accidents can cause back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, broken bones, and more. Make sure you get the compensation you need to pay for all these damages. With more than 30 years of experience, a Champaign County rear-end crash lawyer from Patel Law, PC has the knowledge to help you win your case.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents tend to happen in the following ways:
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Distracted driving. It is estimated that an overwhelming majority (87%) of rear-end accidents are caused by distractions. Using your phone, eating, reading, talking to passengers, or engaging in other activities while driving can make it hard to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
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Aggressive driving. Speeding, tailgating, sudden braking, and cutting in front of other vehicles can lead to rear-end accidents.
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Intoxication. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, reaction times, and the ability to detect moving objects. This can make it hard to drive safely and avoid crashes.
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Driver fatigue. When a person is overly tired, their judgment becomes impaired. They may be moving more slowly than usual and not prepared to stop quickly to avoid a rear-end crash.
Liability in a Rear-End Accident
Generally speaking, the driver of the vehicle that does the rear-ending is typically at fault. That’s because the vehicle was following too closely. Drivers are supposed to avoid tailgating and instead leave sufficient space between themselves and other vehicles.
While this rule applies to almost all rear-end crashes, there are some exceptions. It is possible for the driver who was hit to be at fault in the following circumstances:
- They suddenly reversed into the vehicle behind them.
- They stop suddenly due to a distraction.
- They are drunk and driving unpredictably.
- They have a broken brake light, so it’s hard to tell that they are braking.
- They fail to turn on their hazard lights after experiencing mechanical failure.
- They are brake-checking the vehicle behind them out of road rage
Contact Patel Law, PC Today
Rear-end crashes are common, but that doesn’t make them minor occurrences. At high speeds, a rear-end accident can easily cause catastrophic injuries and even death.
Have you been involved in such a crash? If so, count on a Champaign County rear-end crash lawyer from Patel Law, PC to help. Negligent, reckless, and illegal activity can result in significant damages. Contact us 24/7 to schedule a consultation. Fill out the online form or call (217) 384-1111 to get started.
