You may have heard that a rear-end accident is always considered the rear driver’s fault. There is some level of truth to that statement. The driver behind you always has the responsibility to maintain a safe following distance, and they are in the best position to prevent a rear-end collision. As a result, it’s usually the tailing driver who is considered legally at fault.
Even if the court wouldn’t consider you at fault, no one wants to be in a situation where they are rear-ended. Even if the driver behind you has the biggest portion of responsibility, there are still some steps you can take to prevent these accidents.
Ohio personal injury attorneys see a large number of these accidents, as they are the most common that occur in the state. As a result, you should contact an attorney to ensure you have the best chance possible of receiving compensation.
While behind the wheel, make sure you are taking the following precautions to avoid being in this situation.
Predict What’s Going to Happen Next
When you are behind the wheel, you need to try to anticipate when you are going to have to brake next. Be sure to pay attention to the traffic lights and the vehicles in front of you. Do you think the vehicles in front of you are going to tap their brakes soon? If so, apply yours sooner. This is going to let the drivers behind you know they need to begin slowing down. After all, they won’t always be able to see what is going on in front of you.
Approach Stop Signs and Red Lights with Caution
If you slam on your brakes at a stop sign or a red light, the individuals behind you may fail to react in a timely manner. There is no reason to rush to a stop – you are going to reach zero miles per hour in either case. Instead, begin to slow down while you are still a good distance away from the intersection, sigh or light. Always apply your brakes slowly and gently so you come to a gradual halt, and it’s not a sudden action.
Don’t Ever Skip a Signal
Good communication isn’t something that is just necessary in relationships and workplaces – it is something that matters while you are on the road, too. Make sure you use turn signals (your blinkers) early. This is going to give the driver that is behind you enough time to know what you are going to do next.
Contact an Attorney for Help
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how careful you are. Not all accidents are preventable, which is one of the main reasons they are referred to as an accident. If you are involved in a rear-end accident, contact our legal team at Anzellotti, Sperling, Pazol & Small by calling (330) 574-4489. By doing this you can feel confident that your legal needs will be addressed and that you will be able to recover the compensation you deserve.
