You have likely experienced a vehicle following too closely behind you in the past. This is a reality that many individuals face on Thousand Oaks roads each year. Sometimes, a vehicle that is tailgating another or a driver who suddenly slams on their brakes can cause a catastrophic rear-end collision with devastating results.
According to information provided by California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), a total of 147 rear-end accidents took place in Thousand Oaks in 2022, causing injuries in 191 individuals. Though drivers are supposed to obey the rules of the road and do anything in their nature to prevent a rear-end accident, these crashes still happen daily on Thousand Oaks roads and leave victims in a difficult position.
At Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC, we represent victims of rear-end car accidents in Thousand Oaks and the rest of Southern California. If you have been hurt in one of these accidents, it is crucial that you have understanding legal help on your side.
Common Causes of Thousand Oaks Rear-End Collisions
Among the most common types of car accidents in the U.S. are rear-end collisions. In 87% of rear-end crashes, distracted driving is the leading cause, according to the NHTSA. There are many other causes of rear-end collisions in Thousand Oaks, which include the following:
- Failing to keep a safe distance between vehicles while driving
- Disobeying traffic signals on the road
- Traveling over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions
- Driving while intoxicated
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Slow reaction time
- Inexperienced driving
Who is Responsible for a Rear-End Collision?
In many cases involving a rear-end accident, one of the involved drivers is typically at fault. In a large percentage of these accidents, the driver in the back is liable for the resulting damages. Rear drivers are supposed to leave plenty of space between themselves and the driver in front of them, as they need to account for any turns the first driver will make or any event that causes them to suddenly slam on their brakes. If both drivers acted in a reckless manner, liability will be determined based on these circumstances and financial recovery could be reduced for injured parties.
There are several other factors excluding mere human error that can lead to a rear-end accident as well. These include poor weather conditions that are not accounted for, poorly maintained roads, and mechanical failure. In these cases, a government entity or a manufacturer could be at fault for their negligence leading to a collision.
Proving that another party is at fault for your rear-end collision is not always easy, even if your case seems cut-and-dry from the start. This is why various types of evidence can be useful in your claim, from police reports to witness statements. It is important that you document everything, as it could be used in your claim later on down the road.
Damages Available After a Thousand Oaks Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are easily more than just a minor fender-bender, sometimes leading to catastrophic injuries. These injuries are sometimes so serious that they can follow you for weeks, months, or even years as you focus on your overall recovery. Due to the severity of these accidents, the damages can be extensive. Some types of damages you may be able to claim after a rear-end accident include:
- Medical expenses that you have sustained or will sustain in the future caused by your injury treatment
- Lost income and future loss of earnings when you miss time at work
- Reduced quality of life
- Any disfigurement, scarring, or disability caused by your accident
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages when a life has been lost in an accident
Many victims of rear-end accidents will be left with injuries that cause them major expenses and keep them from returning to work for a period of time. As such, individuals will typically need to file an insurance claim or move forward with a personal injury claim to receive financial support.
How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions on Thousand Oaks Roads
You should always prepare for anything on Thousand Oaks roads. Even if you are obeying the rules of the road, this doesn’t mean that other drivers are being as careful as you. Here are some steps that you can keep in mind to help avoid rear-end collisions on our roadways:
- Make sure that you have functioning brake lights so that drivers see when you are making a stop.
- Never become distracted by cell phones, eating, and more while driving.
- Avoid aggressive driving, such as slamming on your brakes.
- Never tailgate other vehicles. Drivers are supposed to follow each other at a safe distance.
- Pay close attention to the weather so that you can make quick stops if necessary.
Contact a Thousand Oaks Car Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a Thousand Oaks car accident, you may have questions regarding where you can turn. Speaking with a Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer at Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC as soon as possible after an accident can help you protect your rights. We will help you learn more about your accident, how you can file a claim, and what deadlines you may need to meet. We will also negotiate with the insurance so that you do not have to worry about that stress on your own. Contact us today so that you can retain an attorney who has your best interests in mind throughout this process.