Common Causes of Washington Rear End Collisions

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on March 7, 2016

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 40 percent of all car accidents in the U.S. every year are rear-end collisions. Most rear-end crashes, and the severe injuries they can cause, can be prevented. Here are some of the most common causes of rear-end car accidents in the Seattle area:

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers account for a significant portion of the rear-end crashes that happen in Washington and other states every year. Texting, changing the radio or GPS settings, eating, or not paying attention to the road can all cause a driver to hit the car ahead of them.

Tailgating

A vehicle is “tailgating” when it is following the vehicle ahead of it too closely to stop safely if the car ahead suddenly stops. A tailgating driver may be unable to avoid a rear-end crash – but that same crash could have been prevented if the driver had simply allowed a larger following distance.

Hazardous Weather

Snow, ice, and water on the roads all mean that a vehicle might slip and slide as it comes to a stop. Drivers who don’t take the condition of the roadway into account may end up sliding into the back of the vehicle ahead of them because they did not leave enough space to make a safe stop on an icy or slippery roadway.

Contact Us

At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our experienced Seattle car accident lawyers can help you determine what caused your rear-end accident and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We can be reached at (888) 228-3860.