The Consequences of Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it. Most people assume that rear-end collisions are not as serious as other types of accidents, such as head-on collisions or T-bone accidents, but the truth is that rear-end collisions can be dangerous, catastrophic, and even deadly.

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, it is important to know that these types of cases can become complicated quickly, as most drivers will make excuses, never admit any type of fault or wrongdoing, and place the blame on other drivers or factors. However, having a Tulsa car accident lawyer by your side can help you make your case and prove that another driver is at fault in a rear-end collision.

What are the most common causes of rear-end accidents in Tulsa?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were over 12 million car accidents reported across the United States in 2022, which resulted in more than five million injuries and 46,000 deaths. The data shows that rear-end collisions accounted for 3.6 million of these crashes, around 1.5 million reported injuries, and over 3,000 of the reported deaths. Various behaviors, actions, mistakes, and errors cause these crashes. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents in Tulsa include:

• Distracted driving: When a driver is doing anything that takes their eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, or mind off driving or operating the vehicle, they are engaged in distracted driving. This can be texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio, messing with the GPS, eating, surfing the web, watching a video, or even putting on makeup. Distracted drivers are unable to pay attention to what is happening around them. As a result, they may not realize that the driver in front of them has slowed down or stopped, causing them to slam into the back of their vehicle.
• Tailgating: Tailgating is when a driver follows the vehicle in front of them too closely. Drivers should always give the vehicle in front of them enough space. Doing this allows other drivers time to react to any sudden changes or obstacles that arise. For example, if a tree branch is lying on the road, a driver may need to slow down and figure out how to get around it. However, if the driver behind them is following too closely, they may strike the back of their vehicle.
• Inclement weather: Snow, sleet, and rain can make roads slippery and hazardous. Drivers may lose control, and their vehicles may slide into the backs of other vehicles, resulting in rear-end collisions.
• Speeding: When a driver is speeding, they cannot react to any sudden or abrupt situations. For example, if a driver is doing 80 mph in a 60 mph zone, they may be unable to react, slow down, or stop when they come up on an accident scene or enter a road work zone where other vehicles are stopping or slowing down. As a result, they may collide into the back of another driver’s vehicle.
• Drunk or intoxicated driving: Drunk or intoxicated driving can affect a driver in many ways. For example, it can affect their reaction times, ability to solve problems, ability to make decisions, and their focus and concentration. When this happens, they may be unable to reduce their speed, react to any traffic changes, or even stay alert long enough to drive to their destination, which can lead to a rear-end accident.
• Road rage or aggressive driving: When a driver becomes angry, frustrated, or impatient with another driver, they may engage in road rage or aggressive driving. This usually involves tailgating, brake checking, speeding, reckless driving, threats and insults, honking the horn, and yelling out the window. While the goal may be to intimidate, frighten, or speed up another driver, this type of behavior can cause a dangerous rear-end collision.
• Vehicle malfunctions: When the brakes or another part of the vehicle malfunctions, the vehicle may keep going even though the driver is trying to stop or slow down. This can become catastrophic if the driver travels at high speeds when they realize that their brakes or another part has stopped working.

What kind of injuries do rear-end collisions cause?

Individuals involved in rear-end collisions usually experience a tremendous amount of impact very quickly, which can cause the body to jolt or shake abruptly. Although it can sometimes be difficult to notice that you are injured immediately after the accident, it is still recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out any injuries that could become worse or cause life-long complications in the future. Here are several of the injuries that rear-end collisions can cause:

• Whiplash, neck fractures, and neck trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Broken or fractured bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Facial, dental, and eye injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Amputations
• Emotional or mental injuries (post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, etc.)

Can the driver who gets rear-ended ever be at fault?

Even though the rear driver who rear-ends the vehicle in front of them is usually the one at fault, there are some exceptions. If you can prove that the driver in front of you is at fault or partially responsible for the accident, they may be held accountable. For example, if you have proof that they cut you off, failed to use a turn signal, hit their brakes suddenly, or were driving aggressively or recklessly, the front vehicle in a rear-end collision may be found liable for the accident.

Oklahoma operates under a modified contributory negligence system, meaning that you can still file an accident claim and pursue compensation if you are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Therefore, if you are rear-ended and proven to share liability in the accident, you can still obtain compensation, but it will be reduced by your degree of fault. This means that if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident because you did not use your turn signal or your brake lights were inoperative, your compensation for your losses will be reduced by 20 percent.

How can I prove that the driver I rear-ended is at fault?

In any type of wreck, including rear-end collisions, you must collect strong, convincing evidence supporting your side of the story. This may include:

• Dashcam footage
• Surveillance footage
• Photos and videos
• Police reports
• Cell phone records
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert witness testimony
• Drug or alcohol tests
• Medical records and reports
• Vehicle mechanic or manufacturer information and records

Have you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in a rear-end collision? If so, the Tulsa car accident attorneys at Biby Law Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers are ready and available to help. As an experienced and skilled legal team, we know and understand how the legal process works, what type of evidence you need to prove your arguments, and how much compensation you can obtain. If you work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will advocate for your rights. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation in Tulsa today.