What Are the Causes of Rear-End Collisions?
David K. Wilson & Associates
September 29, 2021
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in our country. In fact, there are an estimated 1.7 million rear-end crashes in the U.S. each year. These crashes lead to 1,700 fatalities and 500,000 injuries.
Improved driver behavior and crash prevention safety systems can help avoid these accidents. However, the frequency of rear-ended collisions does beg a question. What leads to these horrible crashes? This week, our Sherman car accident attorney examines the driving behaviors that often lead to rear-end accidents.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Personal Injury Claims
- Following Too Closely. Vehicles need the proper stopping distance in order to avoid collisions. If Vehicle A is travelling too closely to Vehicle B, then both drivers will have limits on how they can respond to an emergency. If Vehicle A brakes too quickly, Vehicle B will collide with it. But, Vehicle B could also be too close to brake safely in a non-emergency situation. Keeping at least one car-length between vehicles should give both vehicles the space they need to come to a complete stop.
- Speeding. The faster a vehicle is travelling, the harder it is to stop. Even a vehicle with a car-length’s worth of following distance may not be able to stop in time if it is travelling at a high rate of speed. This is especially true if the leading vehicle has to make a sudden stop. Speeding deprives drivers of the ability to control and bring their vehicles to a safe stop.
- Distracted Driving. Smartphones, streaming video and social media have become huge threats on our roads. Texting-while-driving and talking on mobile phones (even when using a hands-free device) contribute to this trend. However, cell phones are not the only distractions that can cause an auto accident. Chatting with a passenger, eating, applying makeup and listening to loud music can also prove hazardous. Any distraction that takes a driver’s eyes off the road decreases valuable reaction time. At some point, distracted drivers do not have enough time to apply brakes and avoid hitting other cars.
Driver behavior can correct these issues. Coupled with technology such as automatic braking and collision prevention systems, we can further reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. But there are times when no amount of caution can stop a reckless driver from hurting you or your family.
How Our Car Accident Lawyer in Grayson County, TX Can Help
Many people do not understand that rear-end collisions can be life-altering. They can result in damage to your car and injuries to you or your family. In a worst-case-scenario, a rear-end crash could even cause a fatality. Such collisions could leave your family with no way to pay for the resulting expenses. If you are in this situation, know there is help.
Our experienced personal injury law firm helps Texans obtain the rightful compensation they deserve. At David K. Wilson & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have a proven track record of success. Our job is to help you focus on healing while we focus on recovering damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering.


