Representing Victims of Rear-End Collisions in Massachusetts

Massachusetts roadways see their fair share of car accidents, and while some may be minor, rear-end collisions are among the deadliest. From the traffic-heavy stretches of Route 9 to local intersections, rear-end collisions can happen in split seconds but cause life-long consequences.

However, you can pursue compensation if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys help those who have been hit from behind. We are Massachusetts law experts, proficient in local insurance rules and skilled at building strong claims that recover the compensation you deserve.

Rear-End Collisions: What You Should Know

A rear-end collision is when a vehicle crashes into the back of the car in front of it. Even at low speeds, impacts from behind can cause whiplash, neck pain, back and spinal injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures or broken bones.

 In some cases, getting rear-ended by another vehicle can trigger chronic pain and cause permanent disability. Understand the common causes of car accidents and consult a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been injured by another driver.

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Determining who’s liable in a rear-end collision can be tricky, so knowing the common causes can help law enforcement, investigators, and attorneys figure it out. In MA, the rear driver is usually presumed at fault. However, certain circumstances can change that.

The personal injury attorneys at Sullivan and Sullivan can investigate each case to identify the root causes of the collision. Some of the most common things we find include:

Distracted Driving

We’ve seen drivers rear-end others while texting, using FaceTime, scrolling playlists, navigating apps, putting on makeup, and sneaking bites of burritos. A 2023 MassDOT report stated that over half of all rear-end collisions involved driver inattention.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs are responsible for about 34% of car crashes in MA. What many don’t realize, however, is that even legally prescribed medications like muscle relaxers and allergy medicine can delay reaction times, impair judgment, and cause other unsafe side effects.

Tailgating

Tailgating is rude, but it’s also against the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual. The manual says drivers should leave at least 2 seconds of following distance in normal driving conditions. This leaves them with little time to react to pedestrians, roadway emergencies, or sudden traffic changes.

Speeding

Did you know speeding can increase stopping distance and collision severity? Even going 10 mph over the legal limit doubles the force of impact. MA crash reconstruction experts use a formula called the “crush factor” to determine vehicle deformation patterns and injuries based on speed.

Sudden Braking

We’ve worked on cases where a front driver’s sudden braking caused a serious collision. Drivers braking to avoid road hazards is one thing, but brake-checking in retaliation is another. Our experienced team handles all types of rear-end collision cases with the same dedication to justice. 

Poor Weather

Massachusetts weather is unpredictable, but drivers aren’t off the hook because of snow, ice, rain, or fog. MA drivers are expected to adjust their speed, drive according to the weather, and even increase their following distance if needed. Negligence here can be grounds for liability.

Mechanical Failures

From bad breaks to bald tires, the at-fault vehicle doesn’t always need an at-fault driver. Sullivan and Sullivan’s personal injury attorneys have seen cases involving poor repair shop work, unreported issues on car rentals, and more. We know liability could extend beyond the driver to include technicians, manufacturers, and dealerships.

Rear-End Collisions Need Comprehensive Counsel

We know that what looks like a straightforward rear-end collision can be anything but. Contact Sullivan and Sullivan today for a case evaluation and let us dig into what really happened.