Who is Responsible for a Rear-End Crash?

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of auto accidents in the U.S. When this type of crash occurs, the driver in the rear is usually held liable for any resulting damages. However, that isn’t always the case, but it’s not always that simple. Other parties may be involved or circumstances at play that can affect who is responsible for a rear-end crash.

It’s always advised that you speak with an attorney to get the correct legal answers you’re looking for. At Boesen Law, our experienced rear-end accident lawyers in Denver help injured victims understand those questions related to fault, insurance claims, and pursue the compensation they legally deserve.

Let’s take a closer look at these different rear end accident scenarios.

Rear-End Accident Statistics (Updated in 2026)

According to the latest crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these accidents occur in heavy traffic, at intersections, or during sudden stops.

• Rear-end collisions account for about 29% of all vehicle crashes annually, making them the most frequently reported collision type.

• Nearly 1.7 million rear-end crashes happen each year in the United States.

• Roughly 2% of fatal wrecks involve rear-end impacts, but rear-end crashes contribute to hundreds of thousands of injuries annually.

• Common injuries from these collisions include whiplash, back and neck injuries, concussions, fractures, and soft-tissue trauma.

As a comparison, there were approximately 1,457,000 rear-end accidents in 2020. Of those, around 2,428 resulted in collisions, while over 417,000 resulted in injury. Fatal rear-end accidents made up 6.8 percent of all fatal accidents in 2020.

These accidents are common in and around Denver metro area.

The Rear Driver

In most cases, it will be the rear driver who is found to be legally responsible for a rear-end collision. This is because the rear driver is responsible for keeping a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. If they fail to do so and cause an accident, they may be found negligent and held liable for any resulting damages. Common examples of a rear driver being at-fault include:

• Distracted Driving – When the rear driver is texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted while driving, they may not be keeping a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front.
• Drunk Driving – When the rear driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reaction times are drastically impaired, turning the possibility of an accident from an “if” to a “when.”
• Following Too Closely – When the rear driver is following too closely, or tailgating, and doesn’t leave themself enough time to stop when the vehicle in front of them stops.

Can the Front Driver Be at Fault?

In some cases, yes. However, it is less common. The driver in front can also bear some responsibility if they were driving erratically or failed to signal when changing lanes or turning. That being said, the majority of the fault will still likely fall on the rear driver – especially if they weren’t following traffic laws or weren’t keeping an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front of them prior to impact.

Scenarios in which the driver in front would bear the majority of fault may be:

• Brake Checking Incidents – When the driver in front slams on their brakes to try and force the rear driver to stop, leading to a collision.
• Vehicle in Reverse – When the driver in front is backing up into the rear driver, they may bear more fault.
• Unchecked Blind Spot Lane Change – When the driver in front changes lanes without checking their blind spot (unsafe lane changes) and collides with the rear driver.

Other Parties Involved

Finally, it’s important to note that there may be other parties involved in a rear-end collision who could also bear some responsibility. For example, if you have defective brakes on your car and get into an accident due to brake failure, then you may have grounds to file a claim against your mechanic who installed them or against the company that manufactured them (depending on what caused the brake failure). Additionally, your local municipality may be held accountable for failing to maintain safe roads if road conditions such as worn pavement or potholes contributed to your accident.

Rear-end collisions are no joke; they can result in severe injury and even death. In most cases involving this type of crash, it will be determined that the driver in the back was negligent – and thus responsible for any resulting damages – but this isn’t always true; there may be other parties involved or even circumstances beyond anyone’s control that could change liability outcomes entirely. It’s important for drivers involved in an auto accident to speak with an experienced attorney who can help them determine who is ultimately at fault and how best to proceed with filing a claim against those responsible parties accordingly.

For answers to your questions, call:
(303) 999-9999

Recent Colorado Rear-End Crash Example

In September 2025, a major rear-end pileup on I-25 near Highway 36 involved multiple passenger vehicles during morning rush hour. According to local news reports, heavy traffic slowed unexpectedly, and several vehicles collided in a chain-reaction crash. At least five people were transported to hospitals with neck and back injuries. Colorado State Patrol attributed the crash to distracted driving and tailgating, two of the most common causes of rear-end accidents.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO

At Boesen Law, we understand how difficult it can be to determine fault in a car accident. That’s why our knowledgeable car accident attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We have extensive experience in handling auto accident cases, and we’re dedicated to fighting for your rights so that you can get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our attorney at Boesen Law, will:

• Conduct independent investigations

• Consult experts and reconstruct crash scenes

• Handle all communication with insurers

• Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

For a free initial consultation, call us today.

Call (303) 999-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form