The process of establishing who is at fault for a crash is very important. Liability rules make those who break the law or behave negligently responsible for the property damage losses and injuries caused by their conduct.
Depending on the type of crash that occurs, there may be questions about who is at fault for the wreck. In a rear-end crash scenario, people often rush to the conclusion that the driver in the rear vehicle is at fault. However, that is not always the case.
Either driver could have caused a rear-end crash
The reason that people assume the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault is that tailgating is often to blame for rear-end crashes. Drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance as required by traffic statutes.
They then cannot stop in time when the driver in front of them hits their brakes. In cases involving inadequate following distance, the rear driver is likely at fault for the crash.
However, the driver in the front vehicle could cause a rear-end collision. Those who cut others off by merging or turning too aggressively might be at fault.
Drivers who fail to use their turn signals or who do not keep their vehicles in the proper condition could cause rear-end crashes. Other drivers can’t respond if they don’t know if a driver intends to slow down, stop, merge or turn.
Those involved in rear-end collisions often need to analyze their situation carefully to establish who is likely at fault. Tailgating, poor vehicle maintenance and aggressive driving can all cause rear-end crashes. Establishing who is truly at fault can help people pursue compensation for their expenses after a wreck.