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We’ve all been there: driving and paying attention to the road only to brake and feel a car hit you from behind. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident, we recommend turning to our Chicago car accident lawyer for assistance. While the Illinois law presumes that the individual who hit you is at fault, there are other factors that may come into play. For example, if the driver who hit you was rear-ended by someone else, this may have caused them to collide into your vehicle.
Driving Behaviors That Result in Rear-End Crashes
The following behaviors behind the wheel may result in a rear-end accident:
- Following too close behind another driver: Drivers are supposed to maintain enough distance between the front of their vehicle and the next vehicle in front of them. Even if the driver in front needs to stop abruptly, the driver behind is at fault for causing the accident.
- Speeding: How much time a driver needs to stop is directly related to how fast they are driving. Going too fast and needing to stop with little warning will likely result in a rear-end accident.
- Distracted driving: Distractions are everywhere; from cell phones to eating to music playing too loudly, drivers who aren’t keeping their eyes on the road may accidentally hit the vehicle in front of them if they abruptly stop.
Who Is At Fault?
In the majority of cases, the driver who did the rear-ending is held responsible for the damages. Illinois is a tort state, meaning one driver is determined to be at fault. Sometimes, it’s possible to prove extenuating circumstances such as being pushed by another vehicle. The involvement of trucks is another factor that may impact the outcome of who is at fault, a situation that requires the guidance of our Chicago car accident lawyer.
If you have questions about who was at-fault in your rear-end accident, or if you’re having difficulties navigating complications, our team at Shea Law Group wants to help. Take advantage of our free case evaluations today.
