Why Do Rear-End Collisions Happen and Who’s to Blame? 

Muhammad Ramadan | September 19, 2024 | Car Accident

Rear-end collisions are physically and emotionally jarring for accident victims and can result in severe injuries, especially neck or spine injuries. If you were injured in a rear-end collision in Chicago, IL, you can seek compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver.

Let’s look at rear-end collisions more closely and the potential compensation in your case. If you’re ready to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer, contact a law office to schedule your free consultation. 

What Is a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision occurs when a moving vehicle collides with the rear end of a stopped or barely moving vehicle. This causes a sudden jolt in the non-moving vehicle, which can lead to serious injuries, including whiplash and back injuries. 

How Common Are Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions are incredibly common, accounting for almost one-third of all car accidents in the United States. These accidents also occur far too often in Illinois, leaving motorists and passengers facing severe injuries, lost wages, property damage, and more. 

Who Is at Fault In a Rear-End Collision?

In Illinois, there’s a presumption that the driver who rear-ended the other driver is at fault. This is because drivers are supposed to maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles. Thus, the driver of the rear vehicle is often found to be at fault in a rear-end crash, but this isn’t always the case. If the front vehicle fails to follow traffic rules, signs, and signals, or otherwise acts careless, it can lead to a rear-end collision. 

Here are examples of situations where the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault:

• A driver hit another vehicle that slowed down on a busy street. The rear driver was following too closely or too fast to slow down in time.
• A driver accelerates at a stop light before the front car starts moving, resulting in a collision. 
• A driver hits another vehicle that is stopped on a roadway waiting to turn because the rear driver didn’t see their turn signal.
• The rear driver is driving under the influence and doesn’t react in time to avoid hitting a stopped vehicle. 

And here are examples of a situations where the front driver is at fault in a rear-end collision:

• The leading driver’s brake lights don’t work.
• The lead driver doesn’t use their turn signal or their turn signal light is broken.
• The lead driver reverses at a red light and strikes the rear vehicle. 

Review your case with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer to discuss potential liability issues. 

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Rear-End Collision In Chicago?

You may still be able to recover compensation if you’re being blamed for a rear-end collision in Chicago. It depends on your degree of fault. 

Illinois has a modified comparative negligence law that prohibits recovering compensation if you are 51% or more at fault in a car accident. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover compensation, but your compensation will be reduced proportionately. 

For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault in a rear-end collision that caused you $10,000 in damages, you can recover $7,500. 

How an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You In Your Rear-End Collision

If you suffered injuries in a rear-end collision in Chicago, IL, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. Contact a knowledgeable Chicago rear-end collision attorney to discuss your next steps. Schedule your free consultation today. 

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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