There are many ways for vehicles to collide with one another. Different circumstances result in different collision risks. When vehicles travel in the same general direction, there is the possibility of a rear-end collision to consider.
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle strikes another vehicle from behind. Rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries and substantial property damage. The party who caused the crash may be liable. How can people determine who was at fault for a rear-end collision?
The rear driver is often to blame
Many people automatically assume that the person operating the rear vehicle is at fault for a rear-end crash. Many rear-end collisions occur because one driver fails to maintain a safe following distance. They start tailgating the driver in front of them, and a crash occurs as a result.
Distraction can also cause rear-end crashes. Drivers may not be able to respond to changing traffic conditions in time if they don’t have their attention focused on the vehicle in front of them.
The front vehicle can also be at fault
Contrary to what many people assume, the front driver can be the party at fault for a rear-end crash. In such cases, they may be liable for the damage caused by the wreck.
They may have merged or turned too aggressively, making it impossible for another motorist to slow down or stop before a crash occurs. They may also have failed to use their turn signals before merging or might have ignored maintenance issues that prevented their brake lights or taillights from illuminating as they should.
Communicating the details of what happened before a rear-end crash can help ensure that police officers adequately investigate and determine who was at fault. The party who didn’t cause the crash can potentially seek compensation from the motorist who caused the collision.