Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Roswell and Southeast New Mexico. If you or a family member were involved in a rear-end accident caused by a negligent driver, you could suffer devastating injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, whiplash, or organ damage.
To obtain all the compensation you deserve for your injuries, you should retain an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. It also helps to understand how motorists cause these crashes and the types of compensation you should receive in your settlement.
Top Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Roswell
Rear-end collisions often occur at intersections. However, they can also happen on busy roads and highways when traffic slows down or stops.
You must prove the other motorist’s negligence in causing your rear-end accident to hold them liable to compensate you under New Mexico law. The driver in the rear is the negligent party in most cases. Common ways that these preventable crashes happen include:
- Following too closely. Drivers in New Mexico must leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them so they can slow down or stop quickly if necessary. One of the most common reasons for a rear-end collision is that the motorist in the rear is driving too closely to the car in front of them.
- Speeding. When a driver is speeding, it will take them longer to slow down or stop their automobile. This can make it impossible for them to stop quickly enough to avoid causing a rear-end accident.
- Distracted driving. A driver’s mind is not on their driving, and their eyes may not be on the road when they are texting, talking on a cellphone, or engaged in another distracted driving practice. Unfortunately, a rear-end crash is the likely consequence.
- Intoxication. Drivers intoxicated due to drug or alcohol use will have slower reaction times and reduced vision. They are also more likely to engage in dangerous driving practices, like speeding, aggressive driving, or reckless driving, that lead to a deadly rear-end collision.
- Drowsy driving. Driving when drowsy is as dangerous as drunk driving. A driver who fights to stay awake or falls asleep at the wheel may not see the need to slow down or stop before it is too late to avoid colliding with the car in front of them.
- Failing to drive for weather conditions. Drivers must slow down for rain, fog, ice, snow, or other dangerous weather conditions, even if they must drive below the speed limit. When they fail to do so, they can cause a rear-end auto crash that may turn into a multi-vehicle pile-up.
- Defective auto parts. The lack of car maintenance or defective parts can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and cause a rear-end collision. Common mechanical problems that cause rear-end collisions include brakes, brake lights, and tires.
Entitled Compensation Awarded in Rear-End Accident Cases in New Mexico
If you prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In New Mexico, you are entitled to your past and future damages. You must obtain the future damages you deserve if you suffered a long-term injury so that you can pay for the medical treatments you may need and replace your lost wages if you must take time off work or become permanently disabled. Types of compensation that you should recover in your settlement include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity damages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one died in the rear-end collision