Why Rear-End Automobile Accidents Happen In Washington, D.C.

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Washington, D.C. is known for bad traffic. Drivers from inside and outside the city cram the highways and roads daily to get to work, pick up their children, and visit tourist sites. Inevitably, this leads to traffic accidents, many of which are rear-end collisions. These accidents can potentially be serious, so victims need serious legal representation to make sure they get the justice they deserve. Find out why so many rear-end collision victims count on Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP.

Main Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents can happen for a number of reasons, most of which are preventable. That means in the majority of these cases, the driver who crashed into you did so because of negligence. A few of the reasons for these accidents are:

  • Following too closely. This is arguably one of the most common reasons that drivers rear-end other vehicles. Motorists should allow at least three seconds between them and the person ahead of them. But with heavy traffic and rush hour, few follow this guidance.
  • Distractions. Radio, children misbehaving, texting while driving and other cell phone use, or simply being preoccupied with other thoughts can lead to distractions. When a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, he or she is much more likely to rear-end another vehicle.
  • Sudden lane changes. Changing lanes suddenly usually means cutting off other drivers. That, in turn, increases the risk that the cut-off driver will crash into the vehicle that jumped in front of him or her. The driver who suddenly changed lanes could also rear-end another vehicle.
  • Reduced visibility. Rain, bright afternoon sun, fog, and other weather conditions could decrease a driver’s visibility. The same is true with night driving. If a driver’s vision is blurred, obstructed, or decreased in any way, there’s a good chance of a rear-end collision.
  • Poor road conditions. Road conditions could make it more difficult to brake, even if you are driving safely. Rain, for example, can make the roads slick when combined with oil from vehicles. Ice and black ice can have the same effect.
  • Sudden braking. The vehicle ahead of you may suddenly brake, either because the driver wanted to avoid a collision or because of a road hazard. If you’re not paying attention, you could slam into the back of their vehicle.

Common Medical Issues from Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end accident will cause at least some minor property damage, and usually personal injury. A driver or passenger hit from the rear could face several medical problems, such as:

  • Whiplash
  • Herniated discs
  • Neck, spine, and back injuries
  • Severe headaches
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis

It may not be readily apparent how bad your injuries are. Factors such as speed, the sizes of the vehicles involved, and the positions of the rear-ended driver and passengers will affect the degree of injuries. What may begin as relatively minor pain, or even apparently non-existent injuries, could gradually develop into something worse.

Many accident victims make the mistake of not seeing a doctor right away. Unfortunately, this can jeopardize your right to seek monetary compensation. If you delay medical attention and later develop problems, the at-fault driver’s attorney may try to blame something else for your injuries. That’s because any time gap between the accident and seeing a doctor will open the door for the lawyer to argue that some intervening cause, other than his or her client, can account for your injuries.

Contact Our DC Car Accident Attorney Today!

You simply can’t afford to fight your case by yourself. The automobile accident lawyers of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP are skilled at handling Washington, D.C.-area rear-end collision cases. If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to demand compensation. Call us today to get started.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.