Insight

Why Do Rear-End Collisions Happen and Who’s to Blame?

Rear-end collisions happen for many reasons, but the blame frequently falls on the rear driver. Learn about the causes of rear-end collisions.

Blue car crashing into black car
Man in navy blue suit and light blue tie with white shirt

Matt Baggett

July 14, 2022 08:00 AM

Rear-end collisions happen more than any other type of multi-vehicle collision. In an average year, about 29% of crashes will involve a rear-end collision.

These crashes have a high likelihood of causing an injury. By some estimates, 85% of neck injuries caused by car accidents result from rear-end crashes.

As a result, most rear-end crashes lead to insurance claims and lawsuits, where the blame for the accident will play a central role in the issue of liability. Victims who want to file a personal injury claim after a rear-end crash should contact a car accident lawyer for help.

Here are some facts about why rear-end collisions happen and who bears the blame for them.

What Are the Mechanics of Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions happen when a trailing vehicle hits the rear end of a leading vehicle. In the leading vehicle, the impact forces the occupants into their seats. They then whip forward as the driver hits the brakes or the leading vehicle hits another obstacle.

In the trailing vehicle, the occupants experience the opposite forces. The occupants lurch forward as they hit the leading vehicle. After hitting the seat belt, they whip backward into their seats as the vehicle comes to a stop.

This back-and-forth whipping motion hyperextends the neck before compressing it. The resulting injuries in the neck and back can cause severe pain and even damage the spinal cord.

The whipping motion can also cause the brain to slosh inside the skull. The sloshing of the brain can cause a brain injury, such as a concussion or contusion.

The airbags will likely deploy in the trailing vehicle. This will frequently prevent the occupants of the trailing vehicle from suffering head trauma. However, a concussion can occur even without hitting your head.

Unfortunately, auto manufacturers did not design airbags to deploy when a vehicle gets hit from behind. As a result, the airbags will probably not inflate in the leading vehicle. In addition to neck, back, and brain injuries, the occupants of the leading vehicle may also suffer trauma to the head and face.

What Are the Causes of Rear-End Collisions?

All rear-end collisions happen because of inadequate stopping distance. But vehicles can get too close in many ways, including:

Distracted Driving

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver inattention is the most common cause of traffic accidents. Almost 23% of accidents have distracted driving as a sole or primary factor.

Distracted driving extends your braking distance. Braking distance includes both the time for you to react and the time for your vehicle to stop. Distractions increase your reaction time. Distracted driving includes anything that takes your mind, eyes, or hands away from the job of driving.

Some common distractions include:

  • Using electronics
  • Eating
  • Adjusting the radio
  • Talking to other occupants
  • Daydreaming
  • Dealing with pets or children

Most of the time, the trailing driver bears the blame for a distracted driving rear-end collision. The driver of the rear vehicle must keep a safe distance from the leading vehicle. If the driver of the rear vehicle gets distracted, the driver should pull over. By remaining in traffic, the driver creates an unreasonable risk of rear-ending the leading vehicle.

Occasionally, the leading driver bears the blame for a distracted driving rear-end collision. The driver of the front vehicle must leave a safe distance when moving into another occupied lane. If the leading driver cuts off the trailing vehicle, the rear driver might not have time to stop before a rear-end crash.

Speeding

Speed contributes to nearly 19% of motor vehicle accidents. Higher speeds give you greater momentum. Speeding includes driving faster than the posted speed limits or driving too fast for current conditions. If the road or lighting conditions interfere with braking, you have less time to react and brake.

For example, wet roads make braking more difficult than dry roads. Speeding on wet roads exposes you to a much higher risk of a rear-end collision than traveling at or below the speed limit.

High speeds also amplify the effects of distractions. At 35 miles per hour, your car travels over 51 feet every second. This means your car will cover over 100 feet during a two-second glance at your phone.

In almost all rear-end collisions resulting from speeding, the rear driver bears the blame.

Perceptual Errors

Perceptual errors include misjudging another vehicle’s distance or speed. They also include errors in judgment about the gap to leave between yourself and the leading vehicle. In other words, perceptual errors include inadvertent tailgating.

Stopping distances depend on many factors, including your brakes and speed. But a good rule of thumb is that you should leave a three-second gap between you and the car in front of you.

This leaves you one second to react and one second to brake, with a one-second safety margin. This formula works because the distance you travel in three seconds will increase as you increase your speed. As a result, you will leave greater distances at greater speeds.

The blame for almost all accidents resulting from tailgating falls on the rear driver.

Driver Incapacity

Driver incapacity includes:

Intoxicated and drowsy driving combined cause about 24% of accidents. Intoxicated and drowsy drivers have an increased reaction time. You cannot react as quickly when the vehicle in front of you stops or slows down, which means you increase the risk of rear-ending it.

Intoxication and drowsiness also cloud your judgment. As a result, you will misperceive your speed, the other car’s speed, and the distance between you.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving does not cause as many accidents as the other causal factors discussed here. But when it does, it often results in rear-end collisions. Specifically, two deliberate maneuvers, tailgating and cutting off other drivers, put you dangerously close to another vehicle so that a rear-end collision can happen.

When you drive aggressively, you deliberately put yourself into a situation that you cannot control. If aggression leads to tailgating, you have a high risk of causing a rear-end collision and bearing the blame for it.

Similarly, if you cut off another driver, you have a high risk that the other driver may hit you from behind. The aggressive driver generally bears the blame for the collision.

How Do You Avoid Rear-End Collisions?

As you follow other vehicles, leave a safe gap between you and other drivers. Avoid driving while distracted or intoxicated.

Although blame usually falls on the rear driver, the leading driver can also take steps to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. You can change lanes and let a tailgating driver pass. This can save you both the vehicle damage and injuries that result from rear-end collisions.

Matt Baggett is a personal injury lawyer serving in Jacksonville, FL and its surrounding areas. In 2012, he co-founded Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers and ever since he and his legal team have helped recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families.

Headline Image: istock/monkeybusinessimages

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Hire A Lawyer After A Houston Car Accident?


by Ryan Zehl

You should hire a lawyer after a Houston car accident for help proving liability, gathering evidence and pursuing insurance claims or lawsuits for compensation.

Yellow background with white car being viewed through magnifying glass

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Things To Do if You’re at Fault in a Car Accident


by Alex De Castroverde

Have you been in a car accident in Las Vegas, NV? Learn more about what to do if you were at fault. Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your case.

Man in blue jacket standing in front of smoking car

IN PARTNERSHIP

Five Tips To Avoid a Car Accident in Nashville


by Harlene Labrum

Learn five tips to avoid a crash in Nashville, TN. Call Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers for a consultation with a skilled Nashville car accident attorney.

Car driving on snowy road

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident


by James D. Payer

Hiring a car accident attorney is about maximizing the compensation you recover from the at-fault party. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer here.

Nighttime image of two crashed cars in street covered in broken glass

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Galveston, TX?


by Alton Todd

Learn whether you should hire a lawyer after a car accident in Galveston, TX. Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Yellow car crashing into the side of blue car

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Brentwood, TN?


by Harlene Labrum

Learn whether you should hire a lawyer after a car accident lawyer in Brentwood, TN. Contact Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Road caution sign in front of two wrecked cars

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Will a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do for You?


by Adam Zayed

Personal injury lawyer Adam Zayed explains the important steps a Chicago car accident lawyer will take to ensure you receive the best legal representation.

Blurry image of fast moving traffic in big city

IN PARTNERSHIP

Knowing When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer


by Muhammad Ramadan

Chicago personal injury lawyer Muhammad Ramadan offers advice on how to know when to hire a lawyer after you have been involved in a car accident.

White and grey cars crashed together with man standing between them

IN PARTNERSHIP

Five Considerations Choosing A Colorado Car Accident Lawyer


by Lisandra Matos

One lawyer explains five considerations you should take when choosing the right Colorado lawyer if you have been injured or are facing insurance claims after a car accident.

Red and white toy car colliding by magnifying glass on orange background

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident in Texas


by Alton C. Todd

A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and advocate for compensation. Read to learn about the benefits of hiring a lawyer after a Texas car accident.

White car crashed into dark purple car with heavy damage

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Things To Do if You’re at Fault in a Car Accident in Oklahoma


by Chris Hammons

The moments following an accident can be confusing and frightening, even if no one is seriously injured. Here are five things to do when at fault after a car accident in Oklahoma.

Blue car and grey car crashed into each other with woman and man standing beside them talking

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Dallas, TX


by Jay Murray

Choosing the right car accident lawyer for your case in Dallas, Texas, is essential. Read this article to learn about 5 things to consider during the process.

Figure in suit checks off an animated list

IN PARTNERSHIP

Car Accident While Traveling in Texas—What You Need to Do


by George Salinas

A car accident can happen anytime, including while you travel. Learn what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident while traveling in Texas.

Blue print image of cars crashing together on black background

IN PARTNERSHIP

What to Do if the Other Driver Doesn't Report the Accident


by Rick Lopez

Call 911 to report a car accident if the other driver refuses to report the car crash. Learn more about what to do after a car accident occurs in Texas here.

Unseen individual writing up report with cracked windshield in background

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Should You Do if You Were Hurt in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?


by Mark A. Anderson

Call 911 to report a hit-and-run accident in Texas. Learn what to do next to protect your right to file claims seeking compensation for injuries and damages here.

White car with damage sits on side of the road

IN PARTNERSHIP

8 Situations That Require a Personal Injury Lawyer


by Sagi Shaked

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need after an accident. Learn about 8 situations that require an attorney here.

Man with cast on leg resting with crutches in background

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky