Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Rear-End Collision in San Antonio
While some rear-end collisions are minor fender benders, others can result in severe injuries for the people involved, as a recent case in San Antonio demonstrates. This month, a woman was killed on Highway 281 after her car was rear-ended by a speeding driver, with the force of the impact pushing her 300 feet. The driver in question is now facing charges of intoxication manslaughter. If you or a loved one is injured in a rear-end collision, it is important to know how you can hold a negligent driver accountable.
Common Contributing Factors in Rear-End Crashes
Speeding is a common factor in many rear-end accidents, as it makes it more difficult for the driver to slow down or change course in time to avoid the crash. The intoxicating effects of alcohol are also a factor in many cases, impairing the driver’s physical and mental abilities and making it harder for the driver to notice or react to a sudden need to stop. However, these are far from the only examples of negligent behavior that may be involved in a rear-end crash. Others include:
- Distracted driving: Mobile phones, passengers, and other distractions can remove a driver’s attention from the road for crucial seconds, during which they may fail to notice a need to stop, and in doing so collide with the vehicle in front of them.
- Drowsy driving: A tired driver may have dulled reactions that keep them from being able to avoid a rear-end collision, or they may even fall asleep at the wheel for a long enough time to cause an accident.
- Following too closely: Also known as tailgating, this behavior can be dangerous even if the driver is traveling at a legal speed. Failing to leave enough distance between vehicles means there may not be enough time to stop to avoid a collision.
Personal Injury Claims After a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end crash can leave you with whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, and other, more serious injuries depending on the circumstances. If you have been injured, you should work with an attorney to gather evidence to build your case for compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Often, rear-end crashes involve a combination of factors, and evidence of as many negligent behaviors as possible can strengthen your claim.
You may also need to combat the other driver’s attempts to argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. In Illinois, contributory negligence can reduce the amount of compensation you are able to receive, and it may prevent you from obtaining compensation at all if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the crash.
Contact a New Braunfels Rear-End Accident Attorney
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we understand the unique elements of a case involving a rear-end collision, and we will help you hold a negligent driver accountable so that you can pursue the most possible compensation to assist with your recovery. Contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury lawyer today at 830-443-9193 for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/woman-dies-after-speeding-driver-crashes-into-her-from-behind
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/
