Understanding Rear-End Collisions in Orem

Rear-end accidents can lead to serious injuries like whiplash and concussion. If you need legal guidance after a rear-end collision, call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation.

A rear-end accident can happen in seconds and leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. One moment, you are waiting at a traffic light, and the next, another car crashes into the back of your vehicle, jolting your body and leaving you in shock. The pain in your neck and spine may set in quickly, making it hard to focus on anything else.

After an accident like this, you may worry about how to pay for medical treatment, whether you will need time off work, and how to deal with insurance companies. Rear-end collisions are more common than many people realize, and they can cause serious injuries that disrupt daily life.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our Orem car accident lawyers have helped many accident victims recover compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. 

If you are struggling after a rear-end accident in Orem, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn about what causes these crashes, common injuries, and how we can support you through the legal process.

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Orem

Rear-end collisions might seem straightforward, but multiple factors can lead to one vehicle hitting the back of another. Here are the most frequent reasons these crashes occur in Orem and beyond.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even daydreaming can divert a driver’s attention from the road. When the driver in front slows down or stops, a distracted driver may not hit the brakes in time. This can cause an impact ranging from a minor bump to a severe crash.

Tailgating

Tailgating means following too closely. If there is not enough space between cars, the trailing driver may have little time to react if the car in front slows down or stops suddenly. Many people misjudge how much distance they need, especially at higher speeds. 

Tailgating not only increases the risk of collisions but also raises the chance of multi-car pileups on busy highways.

Sudden Stops

Sometimes, the lead driver may brake hard without warning. Maybe they see a hazard on the road, an animal crossing, or a changing traffic light. 

If the following driver is not paying attention or is too close, they might crash into the vehicle ahead. While it might seem like the lead driver caused the problem by stopping abruptly, the responsibility often falls on the trailing driver to maintain a safe distance.

Weather and Road Conditions

Slippery roads due to rain, snow, or ice can make it harder to stop quickly. Even if a driver is paying full attention, their tires might lose traction, leading to a rear-end collision. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed and following distance in poor weather, so failing to do so can be considered negligent.

Mechanical Issues

Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical problems can cause a rear-end collision. If a driver fails to maintain their vehicle and this negligence leads to a crash, they could be held liable. Sometimes, the car manufacturer or a repair shop might also share the blame if they provided defective parts or made poor repairs.

Speeding

When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their reaction time. If the car in front slows down or stops, a speeding driver may not brake effectively. The impact of a high-speed rear-end collision can be much more severe, often resulting in significant injuries to both drivers and passengers.

Driver Fatigue

Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times and may doze off at the wheel. If a fatigued driver approaches a line of cars waiting at a red light, they could fail to notice that traffic is stopped ahead. This can lead to a hard rear-end crash that causes major damage.

Rear-end collisions frequently happen because someone did not give themselves the time or distance to respond to changes in traffic. By staying alert, maintaining safe following distances, and keeping vehicles in good condition, drivers can reduce the risk. Still, accidents happen, and understanding what caused the collision often helps when determining fault and seeking compensation.

Injuries Commonly Associated with Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions can cause a range of injuries, some of which are more serious than people initially realize. Even a low-speed crash can lead to physical harm, so it is important to pay attention to your body and seek medical care. Below are common injuries seen in these accidents.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries in rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt causes your head and neck to snap forward and back, straining muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

Symptoms might include neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and pain that can last for days or even weeks. Although some cases are mild, others require extensive physical therapy to heal fully.

Back Injuries

The impact of a rear-end crash can also injure the lower or middle back. Drivers and passengers may suffer herniated discs or spinal cord issues. These conditions can result in chronic pain, numbness, or difficulty moving. 

Severe cases can need surgeries or ongoing physical therapy. If not treated properly, these back injuries might lead to long-term mobility problems.

Head and Facial Injuries

Drivers who wear seat belts can still strike their head on the steering wheel or dashboard if the force is strong enough. 

This can cause concussions, cuts, or bruises. Sometimes, the airbag deploys, which can protect against serious harm but might also cause burns or abrasions. Passengers might have similar injuries, especially if they are seated in the front.

Chest and Rib Injuries

The seat belt is crucial for saving lives, but it can also cause chest bruises or rib fractures in a strong impact. 

The sudden stop can press the belt firmly against the torso. Although painful, these injuries are often less severe than what could happen if someone was not wearing a seat belt. In more serious cases, a powerful crash might even injure internal organs.

Shoulder and Arm Injuries

When a driver anticipates a crash, they might brace themselves against the steering wheel. This action can injure shoulders, elbows, or wrists. Passengers sometimes place their hands on the dashboard, resulting in similar trauma. Sprains, fractures, or dislocations may require medical intervention or physical therapy for full recovery.

Psychological Effects

In addition to physical harm, rear-end collisions can lead to emotional distress. Some individuals develop anxiety or fear of driving. They might replay the accident in their mind, losing sleep or becoming reluctant to get behind the wheel again. Recognizing the mental impact is important, as therapy or counseling might be necessary for complete healing.

Any injury, big or small, can disrupt daily life after a rear-end collision. You may face medical bills, missed workdays, or a long recovery. For these reasons, it is wise to see a doctor soon after the accident, even if you feel okay at first. Early treatment improves your chances of recovery and provides medical records that can support a future claim.

Determining Fault in Rear-End Collisions 

In many rear-end collisions, the trailing driver is presumed to be at fault because they have a duty to maintain enough space to stop in time. However, fault determination is not always so straightforward. Various factors can complicate the situation.

Presumption of Fault

When a car hits the vehicle in front, the assumption is usually that the trailing driver was not paying enough attention or was following too closely. This presumption, while common, is not an unbreakable rule. A thorough investigation may reveal other details that shift or share fault.

Lead Driver Negligence

Sometimes, the front driver’s actions contribute to the crash. For example, if they suddenly reverse in traffic or have non-functioning brake lights, they might bear partial responsibility.

Another scenario could be a driver who rapidly cuts into your lane and slams on the brakes. Although rear-end collisions typically blame the driver in the back, these unusual circumstances can alter the legal perspective.

Comparative Negligence in Utah

Utah operates under a modified comparative negligence system. If both drivers share some blame, each driver’s compensation might be reduced based on their percentage of fault, as long as their share of fault is less than 50 percent. 

For instance, if you were tailgating at 20 percent fault, and the lead driver had broken brake lights at 80 percent fault, you could still recover damages, but reduced by your 20 percent.

Evidence for Fault

Police reports often describe how the accident happened and whether any traffic laws were broken. If the driver behind was cited for following too closely or distracted driving, that citation can serve as strong evidence of fault. 

Witnesses can also be helpful if they observed risky behavior like speeding, swerving, or sudden braking. Photos of the damage location on each vehicle further confirm how the impact occurred.

Multiple-Vehicle Pileups

Rear-end collisions sometimes involve chain reactions with three or more cars. Determining fault in these pileups can be challenging. 

Each driver might blame the person behind them. Insurance companies will carefully review the positions of each car, driver statements, and any official reports. It is possible that more than one driver in the chain holds partial responsibility.

Defective Parts or Road Conditions

Occasionally, a mechanical failure such as brake malfunction can lead to a rear-end collision. If a defective car part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or mechanic could be liable. 

Road conditions also matter. Icy patches or potholes might cause drivers to lose control, though drivers are still expected to exercise caution in bad weather or rough roads.

Given these complexities, it is not always safe to assume the rear driver automatically is at fault. A thorough investigation can reveal if the lead driver or a third party played a role. Speaking with an Orem car accident lawyer who understands Utah’s comparative negligence rules can help you navigate these questions, especially if the insurance company tries to unfairly pin all fault on you or diminish your injury claims.

How Our Firm Represents Victims of Rear-End Collisions in Orem

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has represented many individuals injured in rear-end collisions throughout Utah, including Orem. Our approach focuses on personalized attention, thorough investigation, and strong advocacy, aiming to help you regain stability after a sudden crash. Below is how we guide clients through the legal process.

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

We begin by hearing your story in detail. We want to understand the circumstances of the collision, your injuries, and your worries about medical bills or lost wages. During this consultation, we will evaluate if you have a viable claim. If so, we explain potential next steps and what you can expect as your case unfolds.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once we take your case, we start by collecting evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, photos, and any video footage available, such as traffic cameras or dashcam recordings. 

If necessary, we interview witnesses who saw the collision or the driving patterns beforehand. In some instances, we hire accident reconstruction experts to clarify how fast each car was traveling or whether the trailing driver was distracted. We also document your injuries through medical records and expert opinions.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize how much they pay on claims. They might argue that your injuries are mild or that you share fault. Our firm handles all communication with the insurance companies. 

We present strong evidence showing the true extent of your injuries and the other driver’s negligence. If the insurer offers a low settlement, we push back. We believe you deserve a fair amount that covers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and even pain and suffering.

Litigation If Needed

While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to go to trial if it is in your best interest. Our attorneys have courtroom experience and understand how to explain your situation to a judge or jury. 

We use clear language to show how the rear-end collision happened and why the other driver was at fault. We have attorneys such as Kevin K. Robson and Zeb Q. Weeks who are highly experienced in personal injury litigation.

Guidance on Comparative Negligence

Under Utah’s modified comparative negligence system, both drivers might share fault. We examine whether you face any partial blame and work to reduce that percentage if it arises. 

By presenting facts such as driver distraction, speeding, or lack of brake lights, we can shift more responsibility to the correct party, protecting your right to compensation.

Comprehensive Support

Beyond legal representation, we also assist with practical concerns. If you need a referral to a medical specialist or advice on how to manage mounting bills, we do our best to point you in the right direction. We know a car accident can turn your life upside down, so we strive to make the legal process as simple as possible.

Ongoing Communication

We will keep you updated on each development in your case. Phone calls and emails are returned promptly, and we explain every legal option in everyday language. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions. By working with Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, you will have a dedicated legal partner committed to pursuing the best outcome for your situation.