In the city of San Luis Obispo, a rear-end collision is one of the most common types of auto accident. There are more than 6 million vehicle collisions each year, according to the National Safety Council. Of those 6 million accidents, 2.5 million are rear-end collisions.
There are common causes of rear-end collisions that drivers should be aware of. One of the most dangerous behaviors on the road is tailgating. Rear-end collisions are often caused by this avoidable behavior. Other causes include distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and unsafe driving for the weather conditions.
When a person is struck from behind, they may sustain injuries as a result of the accident. In a rear-end collision, the most common injuries are whiplash, back injuries, and face and head injuries. Other injuries may be those caused by the seat belt locking as the body continues to move forward.
Each driver on the road has the legal duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. When a driver breaches that duty of care and causes an accident, they may be held liable for any property damage or injuries that occur as a result of that breach. A victim has the right to compensation when the other driver can be proven to have been negligent.
When a rear-end collision leads to serious injury, a victim may choose to consult with an experienced vehicle accident attorney to determine what type of compensation may be sought. Victims of rear-end collisions should not assume that an insurance company has their rights in the company’s best interests.
