If you are rear ended who's at fault?

Distracted driving is an increasing issue on our UK roads.

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual (taking your eyes off the road)
• Manual (taking your hands off the wheel)
• Cognitive (taking your mind off driving)

Any of these can lead to a read-end car accident.

Distracted driving is also a common occurrence seen in other types of accidents, such as:

• Side impact collisions
• Car Park Accidents
• Reversing Car Accidents

When it comes to visual distractions, sources say many people are often talking on their mobile phone, texting or reading a text message while behind the wheel.

This type of distraction has been shown to slow drivers’ reaction times and also increase their likelihood of getting into an accident. In fact, texting while driving is six times more likely to lead to an accident than drunk driving.

When it comes to manual distractions, many people are often reaching for something in their vehicle while driving. This could be anything from a dropped mobile phone to a food or drink item.

Reaching for an object can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and increase the chances of getting into an accident.

Cognitive distractions are often the most dangerous because they take a driver’s mind off the task of driving. This could be anything from daydreaming to having a conversation with a passenger.

In an online survey, nearly 80% of respondents said they had engaged in some form of cognitive distraction while driving.

Reckless driving is a form of driver behaviour that places others in danger and is often associated with speeding.

Studies have shown that reckless drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents, especially those involving pedestrians or vehicles at crossroads.

Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and other aggressive driving behaviours are all classed as reckless.

These crashes often occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle and collides with another car or object.

It’s common for the collision of the reckless driver to be into the rear-end of another vehicle.

Reckless drivers can also lead to other traffic offences, such as illegal u-turns and running red lights.

Poor road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or challenging weather conditions may lead to a read-end car accident. These accidents often involve one of the two drivers losing control of their vehicle, which can result in an un-controlled rear-end collision.

Ice, snow, rain, and other adverse weather conditions can make it more difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid an accident, which usually ends in the out-of-control vehicle making a sudden impact into the back of another.

If a car’s brakes are not working properly, it can be more difficult for a driver to avoid hitting the car in front of them, causing a rear-end car accident.

Defective brakes cause a car to not stop properly or to not stop in time.

When a driver is not being vigilant when driving or is not keep a safe distance, it increases the risk of causing a rear-end accident.

Inattention is the act of paying less attention or focusing on something less than you should. This can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to driving.

Inattentive drivers may be more prone to rear-end accidents, as they may not notice slowing or stopped cars ahead of them in time to avoid a collision.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to inattention while driving.

Common contributors include distractions inside the car, such as talking on the phone or fiddling with the radio, as well as outside distractions, like billboards and other vehicles.

Additionally, drivers who are tired, drowsy, stressed or fatigued can also affect their ability to stay focused behind the wheel. These drivers are more likely to rear-end another car.

There are many accidents on our UK roads that are not caused by the driver who hits the back of the other car.

If the lead driver suddenly stops without necessary reasoning in the middle of the road and is rear-ended by another car, they may be held liable for causing the accident. The driver ahead may intentionally or unnecessarily brake in a manner that causes the accident.

Similarly, if someone is rear-ended at an intersection or other location with traffic lights or signs, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault as there may be multiple factors involved.

If you were not at fault for the accident our team can initiate your non-fault claim and manage the whole claim from start-to-finish.

Let us help you with your non-fault claim.

If you are injured, the police can also call an ambulance for you. This will ensure that you receive the medical care you need and can also help gather more evidence about the accident.

The police can take statements from witnesses at the scene of the accident. This can be helpful in understanding what happened and help evidence who was at fault.

It’s important that you take photographs after the accident for your evidence during claiming. Make sure to take pictures of all vehicles, the location, road conditions and even injuries.

If the police are on scene, they can also take photographs of the scene and damage to both cars. Police evidence and photographs can be very useful when processing your non-fault accident claim for damages against the other driver.

The police are trained in accident reconstruction, so they may also be able to estimate how fast each vehicle was going at the time of impact. This can be crucial information when determining fault for the accident.

As some factors in a rear-ended car accident can come down to your word against the other driver’s word, this level of detail can be key in establishing fault.

Some police departments even have special accident investigation teams that can help with more complex cases or serious accidents. If you have been involved in a severe or complex accident, it may be worth asking the police to contact this team for assistance.