Rear-End Collisions in Ohio

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle collides into the back of another vehicle. This means that if someone’s front bumper bumps or slams into the rear end of your vehicle, you have been involved in a rear-end collision. These accidents are very common and can occur in various areas, such as parking lots, highways, local roadways, neighborhoods, and more.

But just because these types of crashes are common, that does not mean you cannot suffer severe injuries as a result. If you are dealing with catastrophic injuries, expensive medical bills, and serious property damage from the car accident, you have legal options. The Columbus car accident lawyers of Soroka & Associates are here to help.

What are typical causes of rear-end collisions?

Rear-end collisions can be caused by:

• Distracted driving: When a driver is sending a text message, watching a video, putting on makeup, or even eating while behind the wheel, they may quickly find themselves in a rear-end collision. This is because they are focused on other tasks instead of concentrating on driving, which can result in them failing to notice that the driver in front of them is slowing down, stopping, or getting ready to make a turn. As a result, they may slam into the back of another vehicle.
• Intoxicated driving: When a person drives while drunk or intoxicated, their reaction times typically become severely delayed. As a result, they may not be able to stop or slow down quickly enough to avoid hitting the driver in front of them.
• Speeding: Speeding is one of the main reasons why drivers lose control of their vehicles. If a driver is speeding and loses control, they may be unable to stop or slow down in time to prevent a rear-end collision.
• Tailgating: When drivers do not provide enough space or room between their own vehicles and the vehicles in front of them, this is called tailgating. Without the proper room or space, vehicles are likely to smash into other vehicles in front of them because they cannot stop or slow down on time.
• Inclement weather conditions: During the colder months, Columbus drivers must prepare for inclement weather conditions. This includes snow, ice, and flooding. When navigating roads during these conditions, drivers may begin to slip and slide, causing them to collide into the rear-end of other vehicles.
• Mechanical problems: Another common reason given for rear-end collisions is mechanical problems. For example, if the brakes stop working on a vehicle, the driver cannot stop on time, leading to them slamming into the back of another vehicle.
• Medical emergencies: Some drivers may state that they had a medical emergency, which caused their rear-end collision. A few common medical emergencies that may lead to a rear-end accident are strokes, seizures, and aneurysms.
• Fatigued driving: Individuals who are extremely tired and get behind the wheel of a vehicle may begin to fall asleep. When this happens, they usually lose control of their vehicle or fail to realize that the car in front of them stopped or slowed down, causing a rear-end accident.

How is fault determined in a Columbus rear-end car accident?

In a rear-end accident, the driver who struck the vehicle in front of them is most commonly at-fault. The reason for this is that it is every driver’s responsibility to leave enough room between their vehicle and the vehicle they are following. Even if the driver you are following slams on their brakes, you should be able to stop in enough time to avoid hitting them. If not, and you cause an accident, you can be held liable for the damages the driver of that vehicle incurs. The most common cause of these types of rear-end accidents is tailgating. Tailgating is a serious issue that plagues Columbus and other areas of the state and the rest of the country. It is what often leads to rear-end collisions.

Can the lead driver ever be at fault for a rear-end collision?

While it may be rare, it is possible for the lead driver to be found partially at fault for a rear-end collision, such as when the lead driver:

• Cut another driver off or merged abruptly without giving adequate room.
• Put their vehicle in reverse and backed into the vehicle behind them.
• Was driving recklessly, which may involve intoxication, distracted driving, or fatigued driving.
• Made a turn at an intersection but did not provide enough space for the vehicle behind them to clear.

If you rear ended a vehicle, you should still speak to a Columbus car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will investigate and look at various factors, such as speed and distance, to find out if the leading vehicle may share liability for the accident. It may be more challenging to prove a leading driver’s responsibility in the accident, but it is not impossible with the help of an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable car accident attorney from Soroka & Associates.

What kind of compensation can be recovered in a rear-end accident claim?

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Hospital and doctor bills
• Prescription and medication costs
• Lost income
• Auto mechanic costs
• Surgeries
• Physical and occupational therapy expenses
• Counseling fees
• Pain and suffering

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision in the Columbus area, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the car accident lawyers from Soroka & Associates as soon as possible. Some people may be under the impression that rear-end accidents are not serious enough to need an attorney. However, this could not be further from the truth. There are many unforeseen roadblocks and challenges that can arise with a rear-end accident claim, which is why our lawyers are happy to guide you through the entire legal process, ensuring that you know and understand everything happening along the way. Call our office or submit our contact form to get started today.