Rear-end collision car accidents, where one vehicle crashes into the back of another, can be disorienting to most victims. Personal injuries, vehicle damages, loss of income, and wrongful death are a part of the destructive aftermath of rear-end collisions. In addition to dealing with the physical pain and financial aspects of rear-end collision accidents, negotiations with insurance companies can present another obstacle for victims.
Insurance companies may try to reduce liability by offering a low initial settlement offer or shifting blame to victims to deny compensation. We’ll discuss the causes of rear-end collision accidents and the common pitfalls rear-end collision victims should avoid when seeking compensation.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Most rear-end collisions occur because drivers follow the car in front of them too closely. To avoid a rear-end collision, practice safe driving distance. Drivers should maintain a car-length distance between themselves and the car in front of them for each 10 miles per hour they are traveling.
For example, if a car travels at 50 miles per hour, the safe distance is five car lengths behind the vehicle driving in front. Drivers should maintain an even greater distance from the car in front of them in poor weather conditions. Hydroplaning can occur on icy or wet roadways and can cause vehicles to slide and crash into the car in front.
Distracted driving is another common cause of rear-end collisions, which can be hazardous in areas with congested traffic and intersections. Cell phone usage, texting while driving, and even eating while driving can take your attention off the road and put you at risk of crashing into the vehicle in front of you.
Reaction time is a key principle of safe driving, influencing the outcome of rear-end collisions. The likelihood of a rear-end collision increases when drivers are going at an excessive speed as it reduces the time it takes for a driver to perceive a hazard and react to it. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs also have slow reaction times in addition to impaired judgment and reflexes, making them more likely to cause accidents.
Rear-end collisions can also be caused by factors such as brake failure, debris or animals in the roadway, malfunctioning traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings that affect the driver’s ability to stop suddenly.
In rear-end collisions, the driver of the vehicle that crashes into the lead vehicle is usually found to be at fault unless the driver of the lead vehicle was negligent.
If any of these situations apply, the lead driver could be found liable for a rear-end accident:
- Failure to use turn signals
- Knowingly driving unsafe or damaged vehicles
- Driving without working brake lights
- Brake checking the car behind them
- Making unsafe lane changes directly in front of the rear driver.
Rear-end collisions are hazardous because they can cause chain-reaction crashes. It’s imperative to be aware of the various causes that contribute to rear-end collisions because the sheer force and momentum of the initial crash can result in multiple cars becoming involved in the accident.
Mistakes to Avoid During Your Car Accident Claim
The car accident claims process is hectic and involves many moving pieces, such as negligent drivers trying to shift blame, victims panicking and making rash decisions, and insurance companies attempting to reduce their financial liability. As a result, victims receive low ball settlement offers or do not get any compensation. Below are mistakes that can generally affect the outcome of your personal injury claim following a rear-end collision.
Offering an Apology
Avoid offering any apology when conversing with insurance companies after a car accident. The insurance company can interpret your apology as an admission of guilt or fault despite you being the victim and not the at-fault party. Your apology can be used to deny liability based on your contribution to the accident.
Exaggeration and Dishonesty
Stick to facts with your statement to the insurance company. Exaggerating the extent of the damage of your injuries or inconsistencies in your statement will likely give the at-fault driver’s insurers leverage to reduce or deny your settlement entirely.
Accepting a Low Settlement Offer
Insurance companies offer car accident victims an initial settlement; however, some car accident injuries and resulting conditions can persist for a long time. To receive maximum compensation, wait to accept a settlement offer until you have the full scope of your current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
Providing a Statement to Insurers
Insurance adjusters may ask some unreasonably specific questions that are difficult to answer when taking a statement from you. Consult a car accident lawyer before providing any statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company to avoid insurance companies from shifting the blame away from their client and onto you.
The period following a rear-end collision can be overwhelming. However, the path to compensation will be much easier if you avoid these common post-accident mistakes when talking to insurance companies.
Not Hiring a Lawyer Makes Car Accident Victims Vulnerable
While accident victims may prefer to handle their car accident claims independently, victims tend to lack legal expertise and knowledge; therefore, failing to hire a lawyer can make a grave mistake. A specialized lawyer knows what entitles fair compensation when filing an insurance claim and can help victims prepare evidence that reveals the full extent of their damages before accepting a settlement.
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Disability
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering.
Work with a lawyer who has your best interests at heart and will stop at nothing to ensure that the insurance company covers your rear-end collision accident injuries and damages.