What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?
Each year, there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions reported across the United States. That figure represents nearly one-third of all car accidents on the road, making rear-end crashes one of the most common and dangerous types of collisions. Rear-end accidents contribute to more than 500,000 injuries and 17,000 deaths annually. In Arlington and throughout Texas, rear-end collisions frequently result in serious injuries and financial hardship—and when they do, Machi & Associates, P.C. is ready to help you recover physically and financially.
At Machi & Associates, P.C., we’ve handled countless rear-end crash cases and understand the factors that lead to these accidents—and how to fight for the compensation injured drivers and passengers deserve. Whether your accident was caused by speeding, texting while driving, a mechanical failure, or another driver’s negligence, our team of collision attorneys will aggressively pursue your claim while protecting your rights under Texas law.
Top Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Texas
There are numerous preventable causes for rear-end crashes. Drivers often make critical and irreversible mistakes, especially when distracted, tired, or impaired. Below are some of the most frequent causes.
1. Speeding
The faster a vehicle travels, the longer the stopping distance. For instance, stopping at 20 mph may take three car lengths; at 60 mph, it can take up to 18 car lengths. When drivers ignore these distances and follow too closely, even a small distraction can result in a serious rear-end crash. In high-speed zones like I-20 and I-30 through Arlington, rear-end crashes often result in significant bodily injury. Machi & Associates, P.C. will evaluate stopping distances, skid marks, and speed estimations to prove fault in these cases.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions. Distractions include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or using navigation devices. At highway speeds, even a two-second glance away from the road can result in striking the vehicle ahead. Our team at Machi & Associates, P.C. has successfully handled distracted driving cases across Tarrant County by securing phone records and leveraging traffic camera footage.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly and judiciously. Intoxicated or drug-impaired drivers often fail to notice when traffic has stopped ahead or misjudge distances, causing catastrophic rear-end collisions. In Texas, DWI laws allow victims to pursue both compensatory and punitive damages. Our firm aggressively pursues such cases and ensures drunk drivers are held accountable.
4. Fatigued Driving
Fatigue-related car accidents are common late at night or after long, monotonous trips. Studies show that fatigued driving can impair a person's reaction time as much as alcohol. If a tired driver rear-ends you on a Texas roadway, let Machi & Associates, P.C. investigate your legal options—including potential claims beyond basic insurance coverage.
5. Heavy Traffic and Stop-and-Go Conditions
During rush hours, drivers often follow vehicles too closely because they believe it saves time. This aggressive driving behavior significantly increases the chance of a rear-end collision. Following distances must always account for variables such as weather, visibility, and road conditions. Our attorneys often use dash cam footage and witness reports to analyze stop-and-go driving behavior in personal injury claims.
6. Mechanical Failures
About 10–15% of all car crashes result from mechanical failure. When a car’s braking system, tires, lights, or steering fails, the driver may not be able to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front. Machi & Associates, P.C. will examine repair logs, part warranties, and maintenance records to determine whether a manufacturer, mechanic, or parts supplier may share liability in your rear-end accident.
Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault?
In most cases, yes—the trailing driver is responsible for maintaining a safe stopping distance and avoiding hazard-causing actions. Texas traffic laws require drivers to operate their vehicle such that they can stop safely under all conditions. However, exceptions exist.
You may not be at fault if you rear-ended another vehicle due to:
- Being pushed into another car by a third vehicle
- The car ahead stopped suddenly and without justification (e.g., brake-checking)
- The front vehicle reversed into your car
- The stopped car had no lights or hazard signals on at night and visibility was reduced
If fault isn’t clear, speak with Machi & Associates, P.C. for a free case evaluation. We perform in-depth accident reconstructions when liability is disputed.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes often cause physical harm, even at moderate speeds. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Back and spinal injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and joint damage
- Facial and dental injuries from airbag deployment or hitting the steering wheel
You should seek immediate medical care and then document your injuries. Our legal team pairs injury claims with medical expert testimony to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Claim in a Rear-End Accident?
If you or someone in your vehicle was seriously hurt, you may be entitled to more than just repair costs. Depending on the circumstances, you can claim:
- Costs for current and future medical treatment
- Lost wages and lost future earning potential
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life, especially in permanent injury cases
- Vehicle repairs, rental cars, and other out-of-pocket expenses
In rare cases, such as when the rear-end accident was caused by a drunk or extremely reckless driver, you may also seek punitive damages. Machi & Associates, P.C. fights for top-dollar settlements and is always prepared to go to trial if needed.
Preventing Rear-End Collisions
The majority of rear-end accidents are fully preventable by employing safe driving behavior and embracing useful technology. Steps to reduce your risk include:
- Maintaining a minimum 3-second driving distance behind the vehicle ahead
- Avoiding tailgating, even in heavy traffic
- Driving at a speed appropriate for weather and lighting conditions
- Checking and maintaining your brakes, tires, and lights regularly
- Eliminating distractions: stay off your phone and keep your eyes on the road
Technology That Helps Prevent Rear-End Crashes
Modern cars come with several technologies that help prevent rear-end accidents:
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Forward collision warning systems
- Brake assist and adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warnings
Although not all vehicles have these systems, their presence has been proven to reduce crash severity and save lives. If you're involved in an accident where these features were disabled or malfunctioned, Machi & Associates, P.C. can review available technology reports and identify possible liability enhancements.
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Texas
- Stay at the scene and ensure your safety and the safety of others
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed
- Document the scene with photographs and video
- Get contact and insurance information from the other driver
- Seek medical treatment and don't delay—even if you feel "fine"
- Contact Machi & Associates, P.C. for a free personal injury case review
How Machi & Associates, P.C. Can Help After a Rear-End Accident
When you’ve been rear-ended in Arlington or anywhere in the DFW area, Machi & Associates, P.C. is here to help you recover quickly and fully. We are a small-firm powerhouse known for putting clients first, offering personalized legal attention with big-firm resources and results.
Why clients choose Machi & Associates, P.C.:
- Over 40 years of personal injury and accident law experience
- Free consultations and no legal fees until you win
- Local familiarity with Arlington courts, judges, and insurers
- Multilingual support (English & Spanish available)
- Trusted advisors for related needs, including Texas bankruptcy cases resulting from accident-related debt
Schedule Your Free Case Review with Arlington’s Most Trusted Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been rear-ended and is struggling with injuries, vehicle damage, time away from work, or mounting medical bills, we can help. Machi & Associates, P.C. is Arlington’s top personal injury law office and we are here to ensure you aren’t pushed around by insurance companies or left paying injury costs alone.
Let us be your trusted team in your time of need. Call today or fill out our contact form to get started. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you step by step through returning to health and financial peace.
