How Is Fault Fault Determined in an Illinois Rear-End Car Accident?

 Posted on September 19, 2019 in Personal Injury

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.4 million police-reported traffic accidents in 2017 in the United States. Of those, over 2.7 million people were injured and over 24,000 were killed in traffic crashes. Car accidents can result in minor injuries such as bruising, small cuts, or scratches, or more serious injuries such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even death. The type and severity of injuries sustained in a car crash typically depends on the type of accident. Rear-end collisions are some of the most common vehicle accidents that occur and can result in a variety of injuries. If you have been hurt in a rear-end car accident, you may be entitled to compensation if another driver was at fault.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are common and are caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common actions or behaviors that can lead to a rear-end collision include:

• Speeding

• Tailgating

• Distracted driving

• Road rage

• Drunk or drowsy driving

By far, the most common cause of rear-end accidents is distracted driving. Many drivers who were found to be responsible for causing a rear-end accident were distracted by something while they were driving, and in many cases, it was their cell phone. Texting, checking social media, or talking on the phone are dangerous activities to do while driving and can easily cause rear-end collisions or other types of accidents.

Pursuing Compensation For Rear-End Accident Injuries

Most of the time, it is easy to determine who is at fault for a rear-end accident. In the majority of rear-end accident cases, the driver in the back is the one who is at fault--but not always. Sometimes, the driver in the front can also be responsible (or at least partially at fault) for a rear-end accident by stopping erratically or braking suddenly.

Illinois is a comparative negligence state. This means that in many cases, a percentage of fault can be assigned to both parties involved in the accident. According to state laws, you can pursue compensation for damages that you have sustained as long as your comparative negligence is less than 50 percent.

Contact a Lombard, IL Personal Injury Attorney

Rear-end collisions can result in many different types of injuries, ranging from minor to critical injuries. If you have been hurt in an Illinois car accident, you should seek assistance from a skilled DuPage County rear-end collision lawyer as soon as possible. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have helped victims of all types of vehicle crashes for over 40 years. We have the knowledge and legal savvy you need when pursuing compensation for your injuries. Call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.