Rear-End Collision Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A rear-end collision can happen when you least expect it. Whether you are the one who rear-ends another vehicle or someone else crashes into the rear of your car, you may experience a lot of stress and frustration.  

Rear-end collisions account for an estimated 6.8% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, the vast majority of rear-end crashes are minor fender-benders that do not result in severe injuries and deaths.  

At the Law Office of Anselmo Duran P.C., our car accident attorney has extensive experience helping victims of rear-end collisions in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout the state, including Grundy County, Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, Will County, DuPage County, Kankakee County, and McHenry County. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions  

A rear-end crash can happen in the blink of an eye. However, certain driving behaviors and errors increase the risk of a rear-end collision. Some of the most common causes of rear-end crashes are: 

• Distracted driving 

• Speeding 

• Drowsy driving 

• Tailgating (following too closely) 

• Aggressive driving 

• Misjudging the distance between the vehicles 

• Driving under the influence 

• Hitting the gas pedal instead of the brake 

Other factors may also contribute to rear-end collisions. These factors include mechanical failures in the vehicle, bad weather conditions, and low-visibility conditions.  

Fault in Rear-End Collisions 

Contrary to popular belief, rear-end collisions are not always the fault of the driver who is behind. Under certain circumstances, the rear driver may not be at fault for the crash. Common examples of the lead driver’s fault in rear-end collisions include: 

1. A driver merges in front of another vehicle without leaving enough space between the vehicles 

2. A driver turns into traffic without providing enough distance to the approaching vehicle 

3. A driver drives erratically because of impairment by alcohol or drugs 

4. A driver backs up and collides with the vehicle behind them 

However, most rear-end collisions occur because of negligence on the part of the driver in the back. The rear driver is typically at fault when they fail to maintain a safe following distance, drive too fast for the conditions, get distracted behind the wheel, misjudge the speed and distance of the vehicles in traffic, or make other negligent mistakes.  

Common Injuries From Rear-End Accidents  

Not all rear-end collisions result in serious injuries. However, the severity of injuries in rear-end accidents depends on the types of vehicles involved, the speed of the vehicles, the force of impact, and certain other factors. Common injuries from rear-end accidents include: 

• Whiplash and other neck injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries vehicle occupants suffer in rear-end collisions due to a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck.  

• Back injuries. Depending on the force of impact, a victim of a rear-end collision may suffer back and spinal injuries. In the worst-case scenario, they may be left paralyzed.  

• Knee and leg injuries. The vehicle occupant’s legs may be crushed or mutilated when a rear-end collision occurs.  

• Broken bones. If the rear-end collision occurs at a high rate of speed or involves a large vehicle, such as a truck, vehicle occupants may suffer broken bones.  

• Brain and head injuries. It is not uncommon for vehicle occupants to hit their heads against the dashboard, steering wheel, or the back of the seat, which can result in concussion and other brain and head injuries.  

These are some of the most common injuries suffered by vehicle occupants in rear-end collisions. Regardless of the type or severity of your injury, it is vital to seek proper medical attention and document your injuries.  

Proving Liability  

All drivers on the road must drive in a way that does not put other drivers and pedestrians at risk of harm. In other words, all drivers must obey traffic rules and drive reasonably and safely at all times. When a driver violates traffic rules or engages in negligent driving behaviors, they may end up causing a rear-end collision or another type of crash.  

The person whose negligence or carelessness caused a rear-end collision will be deemed liable for the resulting damages. However, proving liability in a rear-end crash may not always be easy as there may be multiple at-fault parties. Illinois adopted the modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, injured parties are entitled to compensation as long as their own degree of fault is less than 50%.  

When it comes to proving liability in a rear-end collision, the injured party may need the assistance of a personal injury attorney to help them build a strong case and maximize recoverable damages. Contact us at the Law Office of Anselmo Duran P.C. to discuss liability in your case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.