When learning to drive, leaving enough spacing between vehicles on the road is very important. The driver needs to be aware at all times of what is happening with the vehicles in front, to the side and behind. The driver also needs to make sure to leave enough space in case of a sudden stop to avoid a front or rear end collision.
On the night of Wednesday June 12 an accident happened that ended a young life. A woman was driving a Geo Metro on SR-530 and attempting to make a left turn. For an unknown reason she stopped her car suddenly in the middle of the turn. The SUV behind her did not notice she had stopped and as a result hit her from behind. The collision sent the woman’s car into the intersection. There she was hit by a tow truck. It was reported that she died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the SUV was sent to the hospital with injuries.
When a driver is hit from behind it is known as a rear end collision and the driver who hits the other from behind and is most often responsible for the cause of the accident. This is even true if the driver in front stops for some reason. It is thought that when driving there should always be enough room between cars in case of a sudden stop. There has to be enough space to slow down without colliding. In Washington even if the driver in front is somewhat responsible for the accident there can still be a claim for damages. The damage amount would be adjusted down based on the percentage of fault.
A fatal car accident is one of the worst tragedies a family can face. A rear end collision is a situation where potentially more than one driver can be at fault. Knowing all the options in a personal injury claim can help bring a monetary reward for medical expenses.
Source: KOMOnews.com, “Family in mourning after fatal Arlington car crash,” Jamie Lynn, June 13, 2013