All accidents are frightening and traumatic, but a rear-end accident is often the most alarming type of accident because the motorists in the front vehicle do not see the car coming and cannot brace for the impact. Rear-end collisions or tailgate accidents are not always the minor fender benders we commonly consider them, especially when the driver in the rear is distracted and hits the front vehicle at full force. Even relatively low-speed rear-end accidents in Austin and elsewhere can have serious consequences due to the crash force factor. According to crash force calculations, a 140-pound person becomes a 6,300-pound force in an accident at only 45 miles per hour.
What Are the Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions In Austin?
A rear-end accident happens when a car following behind another vehicle fails to slow or stop in time to avoid a collision and crashes into the back of the front vehicle.
Austin is a bustling Texas city with busy business meccas and urban communities. Rear-end collisions are not uncommon but occur nearly every day. Common causes of rear-end collisions in Austin include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Speeding (excessive speed requires longer stopping times)
- Aggressive driving
- Fatigued driving
- Intoxication
- Faulty brakes
- Poor visibility
- Slippery roadways
- Faulty brake lights on the front vehicle
Injuries can occur to motorists in both vehicles during a rear-end accident, but the occupants of the front vehicle typically suffer the worst damages because motorists are unable to brace for the accident.
Liability In Texas Rear-End Collision Claims
In a fault-based insurance state like Texas, it sometimes takes a skilled investigation to prove liability. In rear-end collisions, the rear driver is almost always at fault. Even in cases of poor visibility or inclement weather conditions, the rear driver may be at fault if they fail to adjust their speed for the weather conditions.
In less common circumstances, the front driver may be at fault or contribute to the cause of the accident; for instance, if they failed to replace broken taillights or brake lights or made a sudden stop for an animal on the road. Proving liability for a Texas car accident requires showing the following:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of reasonable care to others on the road
- They breached their duty due to negligent, reckless, or wrongful behavior behind the wheel
- Their breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries
- The injury victim suffered damages from the injury
Injuries in rear-end collisions range from mild to catastrophic or fatal. Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
What Damages Are Recoverable In Rear-End Collision Claims in Austin?
Austin car accident victims experience a wide range of damages depending on the severity of their injuries. Common damages recovered in Texas rear-end accident claims include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and future income loss
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for any other non-economic damages that might apply, such as reduced quality of life or PTSD
An experienced car accident lawyer helps to seek the maximum compensation available to their client.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer In Austin Help?
Insurance companies often protect their profits at the injury victim’s expense. Call the car accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP for experienced representation that gets results through prompt action and the most compelling claim for full compensation.