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Being hit from behind by another vehicle can cause extreme damage both to the vehicle and the occupants. Rear-end crashes are one of the most common crashes and contribute to an average of 2.5 million vehicle accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, a rear-end collision happens every 8 seconds in the U.S. and is the third largest cause of vehicle accidents.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is familiar with Chicago rear-end car accidents and can assist you with obtaining the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries. As with all of our auto accident cases, our services are completely free if we are unable to recover compensation for you. Complete our online case intake form to discuss your case with a Chicago rear-end car crash lawyer without any cost or obligation.
Illinois Law on Tailgating
Following too closely or “tailgating” is a common cause for rear-end collisions. When drivers do not allow enough space between them and the vehicle in front of them, there is not adequate time to stop to avoid hitting the leading vehicle. For this reason, most rear-end collisions will find the driver that hits the vehicle in front of them is at fault for the crash, the vehicle's damage and injuries to the driver and his passenger. Illinois state law states:
(625 ILCS 5/11-710) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-710)
Sec. 11-710. Following too closely. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)
Car Insurance Companies Attempting to Put Blame Elsewhere In Rear-End Collisions
However, there are circumstances where the vehicle in front stops or decelerates for no reason and the person behind them cannot stop in time, regardless of the space between them. Although more difficult to prove, there are cases when the leading driver may be found at fault for stopping too quickly or for no reason, causing the driver behind them to hit them. This is just one of the many reasons why it is imperative that you do not give a statement to any insurance company representative prior to fully understanding the law applicable to these cases.
Other Causes of Chicago Rear-End Car Collisions
While following too close is often the cause of a rear-end collision, it can also be due to other factors. Once again, in most cases, it is due to the negligent actions of the driver who hits another vehicle from behind being distracted or driving recklessly. Some common causes are:
- Distracted driving. Using a cell phone or other electronic devices, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio or even eating can distract drivers from watching the road and being able to stop in time.
- Impaired driving. Alcohol and other drugs can slow response time and cause drivers to rear-end vehicles in front of them.
- Speeding. Reckless driving such as speeding can lead to rear-end crashes.
Whiplash Injuries When a Vehicle Strikes From Behind
Although many types of injuries can occur from a rear-end crash, including over 2,000 fatal injuries every year, whiplash is one of the most common. It is estimated that over 3 million people suffer a whiplash injury to their neck or back in car accidents in the U.S. each year, many involving rear-end crashes. These injuries can cause pain for the victim that may resolve in a few months or continue for a lifetime of agony, discomfort, and disability. As car crash attorneys, our responsibility is to evaluate the unique circumstances involved in your case and maximize the financial compensation results for you and your family.
Our attorneys have experience representing clients who have sustained serious back and neck injuries in motor vehicle accidents involving rear-end impacts. Some severe injuries suffered by our previous clients include:
In situations where you may not be able to return to work and/or require future medical attention, our attorneys build a solid case for compensation from every party responsible your physical, emotional, and property damages. This might include retaining experts in the fields of vocational counseling and economics to accurately present these elements of personal injury damages to an insurance adjuster or jury.
Chicago Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC
If you or a loved one are a victim of a rear-end crash in Chicago, Illinois that results in injury or wrongful death, you deserve to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have experience negotiating car accident settlements and can provide you with the legal expertise to resolve your case to secure the best possible financial outcome for your accident. We offer a no-cost or obligation consultation to discuss your case and we will never charge a fee unless we win your case.
Our attorneys have successfully resolved hundreds of Chicago auto accident cases for clients who have been injured in rear-end cases through negotiations in arbitration or with an insurance company or winning a jury trial. We encourage you to discuss your case with our attorneys before you consider talking with a representative from an insurance company. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Resources on rear-end auto accidents:
