Rear-end crashes are among the most common kinds of collisions. One driver overtakes another vehicle and strikes it from behind. Establishing who was at fault for a rear-end collision is an important step after a wreck.
Motorists need to show who was at fault if they want to file a claim against the liability insurance coverage carried by the other driver. Establishing fault is also important when people intend to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit after a collision.
People often jump to conclusions about fault in a rear-end crash scenario. Contrary to what many people expect, either driver could theoretically be at fault for a rear-end crash.
When is the rear driver to blame?
Many people assume that the driver of the rear vehicle is always the party at fault for a rear-end crash. Frequently, the rear driver is to blame. Many times, they tailgated or failed to maintain an appropriate following distance.
Maintaining at least two seconds of space between vehicles is necessary in good driving conditions. When road surfaces are wet or icy, drivers may need to increase their following distance to ensure that they can stop without hitting someone else.
Distraction can also be the reason for the rear motorist to cause a rear-end crash. Someone talking to their passengers or looking at their phone may not notice that the vehicle in front of them stopped.
When is the front driver to blame?
Sometimes, the person operating the front vehicle is actually the party at fault for a rear-end crash. Vehicle maintenance or driving habits could be the underlying cause of the wreck.
If one driver fails to replace burned-out brake lights or turn signals, others may not understand their intentions in traffic and may hit them as a result. Failing to apply a turn signal when merging or turning could also make the front driver responsible for a rear-end crash.
Overly-aggressive conduct in traffic could also cause a preventable rear-end crash. If one driver turns when there isn’t adequate space or merges too closely in front of another vehicle, they could create a scenario where the vehicle approaching them does not have enough space to respond appropriately.
Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a rear-end collision with a skilled legal team can help drivers establish fault and explore their options for compensation. Either driver could be to blame for a rear-end wreck, and the person who caused the crash typically has to pay for the expenses the collision generates.
