Rear End Collisions on Mercer Island: Here is What You Need to Know
Posted Friday, August 11, 2023 by Chris Thayer
A rear-end collision in Washington is when one motorist drives into the back of another vehicle.
This type of collision is responsible for approximately 29 % of all crashes. The Insurance Information Institute statistics reveal that rear-end collisions are responsible for over seven percent of traffic-related fatalities; and almost 20% of fatalities involving two cars.
In the United States, nearly 2.5 million rear-end collisions are reported every year.
*Common Rear-End Crash Scenarios on Mercer Island*Consider some of the most common scenarios for a rear-end collision.
A highway crash where a driver slams into another car that is slowing down to make way for oncoming traffic.
A driver on a highway or a smaller road fails to notice that the car in front is slowed or stopped to make a turn. The crash occurs when the driver collides with the front car as it prepares to turn.
A driver is speeding through traffic and fails to notice that the car in front needs to make an unexpected stop. This may be due to traffic conditions, an obstruction in the road, a pedestrian, pet, or child that the driver in the rear does not anticipate or may not see.
A driver assumes that the car in front will drive immediately when a traffic light turns green. There may be a variety of internal and external reasons for the front driver that are unknown to the rear driver. The rear driver accelerates and smashes into the back of the front vehicle.
In each of these examples, the rear driver may be considered at fault.
*Circumstances Vary in Mercer Island Car Accidents*However, there are cases where both drivers may share the blame for a rear-end collision. Consider these situations:
- A driver in front stops unexpectedly. There is no apparent or visible reason that the rear driver can see.
- The leading driver suddenly moves their car in reverse. This may be to make a move to another lane, avoid hitting something, or for another reason. The rear driver has no previous indication that this would occur.
- The front driver’s brake lights are not working. They stop, but the rear driver does not indicate the stop.
- The front driver’s signal lights don’t work or are not used to indicate they are making a turn. The rear driver has no way of knowing and is unable to avoid a rear-end collision.
In these cases, one or both drivers may share the responsibility for the accident.
Provi*ng Fault After a Mercer Island Car Accident *Washington is a state that requires proof that a motor vehicle driver was negligent. To prove this, you need to show that the driver owed you a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming other people on the road.
In addition, you will have to show that the driver failed to exercise this duty. This may be shown with evidence such as that a driver was texting or holding a cell phone while driving. Third, you must show that their failure caused your accident.
*When to Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer in King County*You may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation and understand how to prove that someone is at fault for the crash and your injuries. This can be useful in understanding possible legal actions.