How Rear-end Accidents Happen and How to Prevent Them

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman have represented their fair share of clients harmed by rear-end accidents. We help clients like you recover compensation after another driver has caused a rear-end collision. To learn more, schedule an appointment in our Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford offices.

Rear-end accidents are common on roadways—in fact, they caused more than 1.7 million accidents in 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the crashes are minor “fender benders” while others can total a vehicle, seriously injuring those inside the car. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain after being rear-ended, seek medical attention. You may not develop injuries until some time has passed after an accident.

Why rear-end crashes occur

The number one cause of rear-end collisions is distracted driving, which most often involves the use of a cell phone while driving. This could be talking, texting, changing a song, or using a GPS system. Cell phones pose a huge risk when used while driving. Other distractions could be eating, smoking, applying makeup, looking in a mirror, or engaging with other passengers in the car.

Other contributing factors to a rear-end crash include:

• Tailgating
• Intoxicated driving
• Bad weather conditions
• Speeding
• Road rage
• Fatigue

Preventing rear-end accidents

Practicing safe driving habits goes a long way. If you’re stuck in heavy traffic or driving down a rural road, these are some ways you can prevent being rear-ended:

• Check your mirrors often. Frequently glancing in your rearview mirror helps you gauge who is behind you and how far away they are.
• Give plenty of time to brake. You want to avoid stopping short, so give yourself enough space and time to effectively apply the brakes. By stopping early and slowly, you force the cars behind you to stop safely as well.
• Check your brake lights. It’s hard to know when the brake lights go out, so check them often before you get in your car so you’re not driving with a broken light. Ineffective tail lights will make you less visible to drivers.
• Identify escape routes. If a vehicle is speeding towards you and you realize they won’t be stopping in time, see if there is a safe place for you to pull out of the way. Even if you need to drive up on a sidewalk or shoulder, you want to be able to get out of the way.

In many instances, however, you won’t be able to avoid a rear-end accident; thus, wearing your seatbelt is imperative. A seatbelt is your number one defense against fatal and life-threatening injuries in the case of a collision.

Let an attorney help you if you’ve been injured by a reckless driver. The Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford car accident attorneys of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman fight for justice for clients throughout Delaware. We diligently work to secure full and fair compensation on your behalf. To learn more, arrange a free consult by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form.