Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

TALK TO AN EXPERT

MENU

PRACTICE AREAS

Essential Techniques to Avoid Rear-End Accidents in Portland

Portland auto accident attorneyAmong the most common types of motor vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Drivers have to be aware of the risks of rear-end crashes and of the top ways to prevent these accidents from occurring. When motorists make safer choices, crashes can be avoided.

Tips to Avoid Getting Rear-Ended

In a typical rear-end crash, the driver in the rear vehicle is presumed to be the one who is responsible for causing the accident to occur. This is because the rear driver is expected to leave enough space in order to react to what the front driver does in the car. If the rear driver hits the front car, obviously he failed to leave sufficient space, and this failure was the likely cause of the collision.

While rear drivers are usually considered at fault, all drivers can take steps to try to avoid becoming involved in rear-end accidents. This includes trying to avoid being rear-ended. To reduce the chances your vehicle will be struck from the back, you should:

  • Use your signals. Don’t suddenly pull into another lane as another driver could end up rear-ending you. Use the turn signals to alert motorists to your intentions. Using your signal will also help drivers behind you to anticipate when you are going to slow down in preparation for a turn.
  • Don’t stop short if you can help it. When you slam on your brakes, you’ll be rear-ended unless the driver behind you is also able to slam on his or her brakes as well. If you can avoid stopping short, you reduce the danger. Be vigilant in paying attention to the road around you and try to look up as far ahead of you as possible so you can identify obstacles in plenty of time to avoid having to hit the brakes and stop suddenly.
  • Try not to vary your speed too much for no reason. If you are constantly speeding up and then slowing down, other drivers behind you may have a hard time anticipating your speed and reacting accordingly. When you slow down for no reason, the driver who is directly behind you may not notice or be able to slow down his own car on time.
  • Watch what other drivers are doing and leave yourself an escape. If you stop at an intersection, don’t pull right up behind the car in front of you as you’ll have no where to go if another car looks like it isn’t going to stop. Watch oncoming cars in your mirrors and make sure they are planning to brake when they approach your car.

Even when you do everything right, you cannot control what other motorists do. You need to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep yourself safe, but must also understand your rights if another driver rear-ends you despite your best efforts.

Portland accident victims should contact Zbinden & Curtis, Attorneys at Law, by calling 1-503-287-5000 or visiting https://zbinden-curtis.com.  Serving Portland, Hillsboro, Gresham and surrounding areas.

Latest Posts

Archives

Free Injury Case Evaluation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Practice Areas

Environmental Factors in Auto Accident Settlement Negotiations: Considering Climate and Infrastructure

In the event of an auto accident, how much of the damage can be placed on the bad weather? How liable are you for...

Understanding No-Fault Insurance in Oregon: How It Impacts Auto Accident Claims

Understanding no-fault insurance in Oregon is essential for drivers, especially in the event of an auto accident....

What’s the Role of Dashcams in Auto Accident Cases?

With clear video evidence, insurers can assess and process claims more efficiently and reduce the time it takes to resolve disputes....

Challenges and Strategies in Hit-and-Run Auto Accident Cases

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Oregon presents unique challenges, from identifying the fleeing driver to dealing with insurance complexities. Our article provides insights...

Liability for Slip and Falls in Hotel Bathrooms and Restrooms: Special Considerations

At Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law, we would like to help clients understand the risks of hotel bathrooms, their rights when accidents occur,...

Recent News & Updates: Oregon’s Protocols for Slip and Fall Cases

Stay updated on Oregon's evolving courtroom protocols for slip and fall cases. Learn how leveraging modern technology can bolster your personal injury claim with...