Car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions, are a regular occurrence on the streets and highways of New York City. And it is a sad fact that drivers and passengers often suffer injuries as a result, and sometimes these injuries can be life-altering. It takes no time at all for an unfocused driver to cause a collision that can having serious and lasting effects on others.

It is essential for all drivers and passengers to be aware of the common causes of rear-end collisions:

  • Tailgating – This is the leading cause of rear end accidents. According to research by the Highways’ Agency, tailgating is a contributing factor in more than one third of all accidents on the road.
  • Distracted driving – It’s easy to understand that with the ubiquity of personal, hand-held devices, it is possible for a driver to shift focus from the doldrums of traffic to a texting conversation via cell phone.
  • Excessive speed and/or reckless driving – We’ve all seen the impatient driver who drives much faster than everyone else, weaving in and out of traffic. Tailgating is often a part of this behavior. It is very dangerous and can frequently result in a rear end collision, particularly when the other drivers become panicked or fearful.
  • Driver fatigue – The single parent rushing from job, to kids, to home; the student studying all day and delivering pizzas at night; the new kid in town participating in a vehicle-for-hire service, such as Uber or Lyft, to make ends meet; the aging baby boomer still working long hours and driving home late at night. These are just a few examples of causes of driver fatigue, which is more common than you might think.
  • Impairment from alcohol or drugs – Too often careless drivers drive inebriated beyond the legal limit, impairing their judgment and ability to operate a vehicle. The results can be devastating.
  • Vehicle defects – Though less common, defects such as malfunctioning brakes, steering components, or other mechanical or electrical issues in cars and trucks can lead to collisions.
  • Inclement weather – Anyone who has driven in New York City knows that severe weather conditions can greatly affect vehicle operation. Even the best of drivers can briefly slide their car on a patch of ice, or be temporarily blinded by torrential rain.

If you or someone you love is the victim of a rear-end collision in New York, the first step is to seek expert medical attention. The second most important step is contacting experienced legal help. The NYC car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP are ready to use our knowledge to get you the help you need. Call us at (212) 986- 7353.

Posted in: Auto Accident