Rear-end car collisions occur on roads all across the United States. New Jersey drivers may worry about getting hit while stopped at a stop sign or intersection. While such incidents might be familiar, they don’t reflect the only examples of rear-end vehicle accidents. Many different factors could contribute to a vehicle getting hit from behind.
Different scenarios for rear-end collisions
A rear-end collision could happen when someone makes a dangerous lane change. Not using a turn signal and not looking before changing lanes might lead to a collision. However, the vehicle hit from behind may be at fault for the accident due to the moving violations.
One misunderstanding about rear-end collisions centers on how some may believe the victim is “always” the one hit from behind. Fault and negligence go together. So, the driver or other party that behaves negligently may face the brunt of a liability claim.
Of course, many incidents occur where the vehicle hitting someone from behind crashes into a car. Tailgating, distracted driving and driving too fast for road conditions all reflect ways a rear-end collision might happen.
Multi-car crashes could involve rear-end collisions. One car might crash into another vehicle setting a “chain reaction” of several vehicles hitting one another. Rear-end collisions might happen in such a disaster.
The dangerous results of rear-end collisions
A significant number of rear-end accidents result in fatalities. A recurring rear-end collision scenario involves a moving car hitting a stationary one. The non-moving vehicle must suffer the impact of enormous force, leading to potentially incredible damage. The comparative size difference between vehicles may increase the potential for fatal injuries. Large trucks, for example, could crush a smaller car.
Persons hurt in these types of motor vehicle accidents might need to meet with an attorney. An attorney could review the evidence from the accident and discuss legal strategies with regard to seeking compensation from the at-fault motorist.