Front-crash prevention systems have no doubt saved lives in Connecticut. Technology in many modern vehicles can alert drivers when a rear-end crash is about to happen. Automatic Emergency Braking slams on the brakes if the driver fails to do so in a case where a crash is imminent.
However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that this technology is not as effective when a car is approaching a large truck or motorcycle. It can be more difficult for a car equipped with a crash prevention system to detect a motorcycle due to its size.
IIHS reports on the unique risks of motorcycles and trucks in rear-end crashes. When a passenger car hits a large truck, the accident is more likely to be fatal than a crash involving two cars. That’s due to the massive size of trucks.
Researchers concluded that front-crash prevention technology was associated with a 53 percent reduction in crashes involving two passenger vehicles, a 38 percent reduction involving a passenger vehicle and a medium or heavy truck, and a 41 percent reduction in crashes involving a car and a motorcycle.
How do rear-end crashes happen?
Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of traffic accidents and can lead to serious injury or fatality. Accidents involving motorcycles can particularly be severe because motorcycle riders lack crash protection. As the IIHS report notes, crashes between passenger cars and trucks can be more severe than between two passenger vehicles.
An experienced injury lawyer knows that any prevention effort should be encouraged to make for safer roads. But ultimately, drivers are responsible for preventing accidents. Every day in Connecticut, drivers cause serious rear-end crashes because of their negligence. Several factors cause rear-end accidents. Some of the top factors include:
- Tailgating: Drivers who follow too closely behind another vehicle might be responsible for a rear-end crash.
- Speeding: Drivers who go too fast have less time to react to an unexpected situation. A speeding vehicle might not have enough time to brake and avoid a rear-end crash.
- Distracted driving: Behavior such as texting, talking on a phone, or using social media are among the most common types of distraction. But there are other forms of distraction. A driver might lose focus because of another passenger, object, or person along the road. Drivers might daydream and not pay attention to the important task of operating the vehicle. There are any number of distractions.
What to do if rear-ended and injured
In almost every case, the driver in the rear is at fault in a rear-end crash. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a safe distance between their car and the vehicle in front.
Rear-end crashes can range in severity. In many cases, people face severe injuries. Common types of rear-end accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash or neck and back injuries
- Head injuries such as concussion
If you were injured in a rear-end crash, you may be eligible for compensation. However, obtaining fair compensation can be challenging. The accident claim can become complicated. The insurance company may dispute the seriousness of your injury. The adjuster may even raise questions about who is at fault.
How can a rear-end accident attorney help?
Don’t go up against the insurance company on your own. Work with an experienced rear-end accident attorney in Connecticut. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone and Morelli today for a free consultation.
We know how to stand up to insurance companies to fight for maximum compensation for our clients. There is no obligation when you contact us. If we are your attorney, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case. Contact us today. Tell them you mean business!