Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions and How to Prove Fault
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents, and they are not necessarily just “fender benders.” Being struck by another vehicle from behind is not only unsettling -- it can also cause significant physical, emotional, and financial strain. Although the rear driver is typically responsible, this is not always the case, and proving fault can be tricky.
What Are the Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes?
Several factors can contribute to rear-end accidents. Identifying the cause of the collision is essential for proving fault. The following are some of the most common causes:
Tailgating
Following too closely causes many rear-end accidents. It reduces the driver’s reaction time when the traffic suddenly stops or slows. If there is not enough distance between the two vehicles, the driver in the rear cannot stop in time to avoid a crash.
Tailgating is a major contributor to rear-end crashes, and tailgating drivers are often at fault. Under the Texas Transportation Code Section 545-062, drivers must maintain a safe following distance, which is about one car length for every 10 mph of speed. Tailgating can be particularly dangerous at highway speeds.
Speeding
Texas has many wide-open roads, and many drivers drive faster than the posted speed limit. The faster a vehicle travels, the more time and distance it needs to stop. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a collision. When a rear-end collision occurs, if the driver in the back was speeding, they may be deemed to have failed to exercise reasonable care, which is a clear indication of fault in many rear-end accident cases.
Distracted Driving
This dangerous driving behavior is an epidemic. Distractions are everywhere. Drivers take their eyes off the road to answer phone calls, read text messages, or adjust in-vehicle systems. Driver distraction is a leading cause of car accidents, including rear-end collisions. A distracted driver may fail to notice when traffic slows or comes to a stop and fail to react in time, leading to a crash.
As outlined by the Texas Department of Transportation, texting while driving is illegal. Using any handheld device in a school zone is prohibited. Some cities in Texas have banned all cell phone use behind the wheel.
Mechanical Failure
In some cases, the cause of a rear-end collision is not directly related to driver behavior. Brake failure and other mechanical issues can prevent a driver from stopping in time, leading to a crash. Proving fault in this situation can be more complicated. The driver may be at fault if the brakes failed on a vehicle due to negligent maintenance, causing a rear-end accident. The manufacturer may be held liable if the brakes failed due to a defect. In this case, it may be critical to gather evidence of the vehicle’s maintenance history or seek an expert opinion.
Sudden Stops or Unpredictable Movements
Rear-end accidents are not always the fault of the driver behind. These collisions can occur when the driver in front makes a sudden stop or change in direction, and the driver behind is unable to react in time. This situation can happen in heavy traffic, on highways when a vehicle is weaving in and out of lanes, or when a driver slams on the brakes unexpectedly.
Proving fault in these situations can depend on whether the driver’s actions in front were reckless or unreasonable. For example, a driver who cuts across lanes without signaling or abruptly slams on the brakes may be considered liable for a resulting crash.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Texas can be unpredictable. Wet roads, poor visibility, or icy conditions can make driving a challenge. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed for weather conditions can lose control of their vehicles. Rear-end collisions can occur when drivers underestimate how much stopping distance they need. When weather is a factor, proving fault can be tricky, but the driver still may be responsible due to lack of caution.
What Is Involved in Proving Fault?
While the general rule for rear-end collisions is that the rear driver is responsible, this is not always true. Proving fault involves gathering evidence from any of the following sources:
- Scene of the accident: It is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of everything – the damage to the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything that might help paint a clear picture of what happened. Get contact information for any eyewitnesses. Call the police to ensure an official accident report is filed.
- Camera footage: Traffic camera footage can provide objective video evidence of the events prior to a collision. Dashcam footage for either vehicle involved can show what happened before, during, and after the crash.
- Witness statements: If any other drivers or pedestrians witnessed the accident, their statements can help establish the sequence of events.
- Expert testimony: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be needed to analyze evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and accident scene photos and reconstruct the events to help determine fault.
- Driving record: If a driver has a history of traffic violations, speeding tickets, or complaints of tailgating, it may support an argument that the driver’s actions led to the crash.
Although rear-end crashes are common, they are not necessarily straightforward. If you have been involved in a rear-end collision in Texas, contact DJC Law at (888) 853-8169. We have a 99% win rate for trial cases.
