Rear End Crashes – Car Accident Attorneys – Personal Injury Lawyers

It’s uncomfortable to be followed too closely on the highway. A careful driver frequently looks in the rear-view mirror and can find it annoying when a car persistently looms too large in the mirror. It’s not just an annoyance, it’s an outright hazard when a car rides the rear bumper of the car in front, possibly leading to a rear-end accident.

It takes time to stop – the faster the vehicle is going, the longer the stopping distance. A driver who doesn’t allow enough space from the car ahead runs the risk of plowing into the back end of that car if it slows down or comes to a halt.

Rear-End Accidents Happen Often

Expert studies have found that rear-end collisions are a common type of accident, responsible for about a third of all motor vehicle crashes. In the United States, a rear-end accident occurs about every eight seconds. M ore information on this website @ http://no1-lawyer.com

Following too closely, commonly known as tailgating, is the most common cause of crashes. Police warn that tailgating is both dangerous and illegal.

With good common sense, drivers can do a lot to prevent a rear-end collision. The driver of a following car is responsible for maintaining enough following distance to allow for a safe stop or evasive maneuver.

Safe Following Distance

Police suggest using a two-second count to ensure adequate follow distance. Notice when the car just ahead passes some immobile object like a road sign or a tree. As the car passes the object, start counting seconds, like this: “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand.”

If your car reaches the object before you have counted off two seconds, you are tailgating and should drop back a bit. It’s even better to allow four seconds, especially if roads are wet or it’s dark.

Police use laser technology to detect tailgaters and will issue tickets for tailgating. The maximum fine is $500.

Injuries Are Likely

A rear-end collision is very dangerous for motorcycle riders. Stopping a motorcycle quickly takes skill that many riders lack. The operator can be thrown over the handlebars as the motorcycle collides with the vehicle ahead. Applying too much rear brake can cause a perilous skid, sending the bike sliding out of control.

Motor vehicle occupants are at risk, too. For those in the car whose front collides with the rear end of another vehicle, it’s comparable to what can happen in a head-on collision. If not properly restrained, car occupants can be hurled against the windshield or other parts of the car interior. An unrestrained driver or passenger could be ejected from the vehicle, which is very dangerous and often deadly.

A person in the car that is rear-ended is very likely to suffer a whiplash injury. The impact causes sudden back-and-forth movement of the head that overstretches and strains neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is painful and healing is slow. If you have any more questions for our San Antonio Car Accident Lawyers click here