Why Do Rear-End Collisions Happen in Phoenix, and Who’s to Blame?

March 27, 2023 | Car Accidents

You’re out on a casual drive, enjoying the sun with the breeze through the open window. Everything is perfect — until a car hits you from behind. This type of accident is known as a rear-end collision, and they are not very fun to deal with. Even if you are not directly injured, these crashes are scary incidents with lasting implications.

Unfortunately, rear-end collisions frequently result in severe physical trauma that leaves victims with life-altering injuries and permanent disabilities. And it’s not just the victim who suffers. More often than not, their families are forced to bear the brunt of the burden.

How Common Are Rear-End Collisions in Phoenix, AZ?

In 2021, Arizona saw 39,437 rear-end collisions, which accounted for 39% of all crashes across the state. These are alarming numbers, especially considering a U.S. study that concluded that rear-end collisions are responsible for 29% of all traffic accidents that result in serious injuries.

With statistics like these, getting into a rear-end collision is far more common than you might think. That’s because their primary cause is driver negligence, and modern drivers have more devices than ever to be distracted by.

When assigning responsibility for a rear-end collision, people tend to think the person who hit the vehicle in front of them is at fault. However, this is not always true, as either driver’s negligence can lead to a crash.

Rear-End Crashes — Common Scenarios

Here are some common scenarios involving rear-end collisions:

  • A driver hits a car that has slowed down due to heavy traffic ahead
  • A driver tries to speed through a traffic light while the car in front of them slows
  • An unaware driver hits a driver ahead of them who has activated their turn signal
  • A driver assumes the car in front of them will also move when the light changes

Each of these scenarios requires that the driver in the rear car allocate enough reaction time to make a decision that could mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, this is not something people always keep in mind when operating a vehicle.

Unlike the scenarios described above, there are rear-end collisions where the lead driver could be found responsible. Consider the following scenarios:

  • A driver slams on their brakes for no reason, causing the rear car to hit them
  • A driver’s brake lights don’t work, and someone hits them as they try to stop
  • A driver puts their vehicle in reverse instead of driving forward
  • A driver doesn’t use their turn signal before slowing down to turn

Now that you know what these scenarios look like, you’ll be able to make Phoenix roads safer for yourself and others. Stay vigilant out there.

Determining Fault for the Crash

Each time you operate your vehicle, you owe a duty of care to every other driver on the road. Essentially, you must drive safely and follow traffic laws. If you breach this duty, you’ve just contributed to making the world a more dangerous place. 

The nature of a duty of care can change depending on the circumstances. For example, your duty of care would be different while operating your vehicle on a bright and sunny day as opposed to during a snowstorm. However, in each scenario, you are expected to follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs.

In order to determine fault, it must be established that one driver breached their duty of care to another. If you are able to show that the other driver’s breach of this duty resulted in your injury, then the claim could be decided in your favor.

If you’ve been in a car accident, an experienced Personal Injury lawyer in Phoenix can help you understand your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact the Arizona Car Accident Lawyers at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in an accident involving a truck, Uber, motorcycle, bus, or any other vehicle in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix car accident attorneys at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.

Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559

Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
5151 E Broadway Blvd. Suite 1600
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 492-0926

Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
400 Gold Avenue SW Suite 650
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 594-3621