One of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions in Pittsburgh is the rear-end car accident. This type of crash – when the front of one driver’s vehicle strikes the back of another car – can result in serious injuries, such as whiplash and concussions. The most common reasons behind rear-end car accidents can all be prevented with responsible driving.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious problem in today’s Age of Technology. Thousands of drivers engage in dangerous distractions while driving every day, such as texting and driving, taking photos, watching videos, scrolling through social media, eating and drinking, chatting with passengers, fiddling with a GPS or radio, and personal grooming activities. A distracted driver can cause a rear-end collision by failing to notice a vehicle stopped in front of him or her.
Speeding
Speeding can refer to exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road, traffic or weather conditions. Speeding contributes to thousands of car accidents every year, including many rear-end collisions. A driver who is speeding may be unable to stop the vehicle in time to prevent a rear-end collision if another driver suddenly hits the brakes. This is because stopping distances increase in congruence with a vehicle’s speed.
Following Too Closely
All drivers in Pennsylvania are required to maintain a safe and adequate following distance between the fronts of their vehicles and the rear of the cars they are following. A good rule of thumb is to leave a following distance of at least one car length in between vehicles. This may need to be increased in inclement conditions, such as heavy traffic, congestion, rain, fog or low visibility.
Following too closely or tailgating can compromise a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid causing a car accident. In some cases, a reckless driver intentionally tailgates another vehicle to express anger, frustration or impatience in an incident of road rage. This is an example of reckless driver behavior that could lead to criminal charges if it causes a rear-end collision.
Drowsy Driving
If a person attempts to drive while drowsy, tired or fatigued, he or she may cause a rear-end car accident by falling asleep behind the wheel. These collisions can occur at high speed if the driver does not wake up and apply the brakes before the time of impact. A drowsy driver can also cause a rear-end collision if his or her senses are dulled by fatigue, as this can reduce reaction times.
Drunk Driving
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol could lead to a rear-end collision due to impairment of the driver’s ability to safely and properly operate the motor vehicle. Drunk and drugged driving increases the odds of a driver making careless and reckless decisions while driving, such as speeding, racing, tailgating, and weaving in and out of multiple lanes. Our Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyers recognize these behaviors to culminate in a rear-end collision.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Motor vehicle owners have a responsibility to properly maintain the equipment on their vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Negligent vehicle inspections, maintenance or repairs could lead to part malfunctions in transit that cause rear-end car accidents. Examples include bad brakes and broken tail lights. In these circumstances, the owner of the vehicle may be held responsible.
If you have recently been injured in a rear-end car accident, contact a Pittsburgh personal injury attorney at Dallas W. Hartman P.C., Attorneys at Law for a free consultation about your case. Another driver may be held financially responsible for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.