There are certain things which all rear-end collisions have in common. These come down to causation, how you should react to the incident, and what you do next.
Every rear-end collision has one thing in common at least. There is more than one car involved, and it ploughs into the back of the second car. In some cases, this can cause multi-car pile ups and fatal accidents. Understanding the other commonalities between rear-end collisions could help you prepare, should the worst happen to you.
What is the Most Common Cause of Rear-End Collisions?
There are numerous factors which can cause a rear end collision. The Driving Instructors Association here in the UK names driver error as the primary cause. Inattention, speeding, drink or drug driving – all can be labelled as driver error.
What to do if you get Rear-Ended?
If you get rear-ended, then you should seek help. Immediately after the accident ensure that you and your passengers, plus the driver and passengers in the other vehicle, are unharmed. Watch out for whiplash as it can materialise later.
Once you know that everyone is safe, you should consider reporting the accident to the police if it is serious enough. If it is not serious enough, then simply exchange information with the other driver. Take their contact details, their name, their registration plate, the make and model of their vehicle, and their insurance company name.
Later, you should speak to a car accident solicitor near you. They can help you understand what you need to do next, as well as negotiating a compensation claim on your behalf.
Who is Most Often at Fault During an REC?
During a rear-end collision it is predominantly the fault of the driver to the rear. They either were not following from a safe distance, had a mechanical failure, or lost control of their car.
There are a few situations where it might be normal for the car in front to be at-fault in a rear end collision. Brake checking, panic breaking, and again, mechanical failure, can all be the reason.
Who is At-Fault During a Three Car Rear-End Collision?
It is usually the car to the rear except for in the events listed above, I.E. brake checking, panic breaking, unexpected pedestrians on the road, or mechanical failure.
How to Avoid Being Hit from Behind While Driving
Here are our top tips to give yourself the best chance at avoiding being rear-ended while you are driving on the UK and Northern Ireland’s roads:
- Don’t engage in road rage
- No speeding
- Always follow from at least two car lengths behind the car in front, or 4 car lengths in wet weather.
- Pay attention to the cars and traffic
- Don’t drive while under the influence or tired
- Do not eat, drink, fiddle with the music app, or do anything else other than drive, while you are driving.
- Warn your passengers that you need to concentrate on the road.
If you can manage to control the way you drive, you lessen the risk of being rear-ended by another driver by around 50%. After all, when a Road Traffic Accident happens it happens because two drivers made a mistake, not one.
