Is It Worse To Be Rear-Ended While Stopped in Lakewood, CO?

Rear-end crashes are common but can majorly disrupt someone’s day and lead to significant damage and injuries. Getting rear-ended while stopped can be particularly unexpected and exacerbate the stress of the incident.

Those injured in a rear-end collision often wonder how the state determines liability if their car is not in motion at the time of the rear-end collision.

Working with a Lakewood, CO, car accident lawyer can help those injured in a stationary car impact better understand their legal options and degree of liability.

Who Is At Fault During a Rear-End Collision?

Every accident is unique, and liability may vary across rear-end collisions due to factors such as road conditions and the actions of other drivers. However, in general, the driver who hits another car from the rear is at fault. Colorado law assigns rear-end collision liability this way because it is a driver’s responsibility to maintain an adequate stopping distance from the car in front of them.

However, sometimes, the driver who is hit from behind may share liability if their actions were negligent. Examples of maintenance or driving negligence that may lead to shared responsibility include:

• Malfunctioning brake lights
• Sudden stopping by the lead driver
• Unsafe reversing or lane changes by the lead driver

These factors can decrease the damages that an injured party qualifies for and highlight the importance of working with an attorney to investigate the degree of the other driver’s liability.

What Else Can Lead to a Stopped Vehicle Accident?

Some of the most common causes of rear-ending are unsafe maneuvers by the offending driver. These errors include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions (particularly in inclement weather)
• Distracted driving caused by texting, eating, changing the radio, or talking to passengers
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Failing to react appropriately and brake in time
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Tailgating crashes are the most common, especially during rush hour when traffic is most congested, and drivers may behave less patiently.

What Injuries Are Most Common in Rear-Ending Accidents With a Stationary Car?

A tailgating crash, traffic light collision, or other rear-ending accident can leave those involved with serious injuries. The most common injuries that occur include:

• Head injuries: As the body jolts forward due to the sudden force of a rear-end collision, drivers and passengers may hit their head against parts of the car, leading to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as skull fractures.
• Spinal cord injuries: The whiplash effect of these crashes can cause spinal fractures or breaks, or lead to disc bulges that leave those involved with numbness and mobility issues. In the worst crashes with high-speed impacts, these injuries can cause paralysis.
• Crush injuries: In severe impacts, the car may crumple and lead to broken bones and muscular injuries as the cabin crushes its occupants. These injuries are more common in multiple-car “pile-ups,” where one rear-ending pushes the car into the next vehicle in front of it, creating an accordion effect for multiple cars in a line.
• Soft tissue damage: Even minor crashes can lead to soft tissue damage in the form of bruises and torn ligaments. In more serious accidents, internal bleeding may be a concern.
• Broken bones: Car accidents can cause fractured or broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs. In rear-ending accidents, wrist and forearm fractures are common because, during the unexpected impact, people may instinctively reach out to brace or steady themselves against the dashboard.

These injuries vary in severity and may allow those affected to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Consult Flesch Law About Your Rear-Ending Accident

Those affected by car accident injuries are advised to consult Flesch Law about their legal options. Working with an attorney may make the process easier to navigate and help accident victims feel supported in pursuing compensation where appropriate, either through insurance claims or a lawsuit against a negligent party.

Getting rear-ended while stopped can be jarring and leave you wondering how being stationary at the time of impact affects liability. To learn more about rear-end accidents or to schedule a legal consultation, call 303-980-5511.