{"id":662,"date":"2025-11-03T14:29:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T21:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.insure-ccia.com\/articles\/?p=662"},"modified":"2025-11-03T14:29:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T21:29:24","slug":"rear-end-crashes-alarming-claims-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.insure-ccia.com\/articles\/rear-end-crashes-alarming-claims-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"REAR-END CRASHES ALARMING CLAIMS TREND"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your claims professionals are warning of a troubling increase in crashes where vehicles collide with the rear-end of a commercial truck. Over the past three quarters, these types of crashes have surged, often stemming from poor decision-making or failure to follow safety protocols.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re sharing these incidents not just to inform\u2014but to help you prevent similar outcomes through better awareness and training. The following incidents show how small decisions can lead to major consequences, and how proper training can make the difference.<\/p>\n

Recently, one of American Highway Carriers Association’s members experienced a serious incident. A driver noticed an issue with the pressure in the brake chamber while on the road. The driver chose to immediately address the issue. However, instead of pulling fully off the road, the driver stopped partially in the driving lane using his hazard lights\u2014he did not deploy external warning devices.<\/p>\n

As vehicles attempted to maneuver around the rig, a pickup truck collided with the rear of the trailer. There was a single occupant in the pickup who sustained severe injuries. The claimant ultimately retained counsel and made a claim
\nagainst the member for policy limits. Through investigation it was determined that the driver was aware the truck was having issues yet continued to haul loads. Additionally, police body cam revealed that the truck driver could have
\nreasonably pulled further to the side potentially avoiding this loss altogether.<\/p>\n

Regulatory Reminder:
\nFMCSA 49 CFR 393.95 \u2013 Requires all commercial vehicles to carry reflective triangles or flares.
\nFMCSA 49 CFR 392.22 \u2013 Requires placement of warning devices within 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t an isolated case. Another instance of rear-end crashes
\ninvolves pulling off to the side of the highway for a non-emergency reason (rest). Most states have laws that prohibit stopping on the shoulder of the highway, except in specific circumstances such as vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. In
\nthis case an AHCA member pulled off the highway at night to get some rest. While parked at the side of the highway with the lights on, an impaired driver veered and slammed into the back of our member\u2019s rig. Despite the other driver\u2019s
\nimpairment, an at-fault determination was made against the truck driver citing California vehicle Code 21718.<\/p>\n

These real-world examples while unfortunate, aren\u2019t just claims\u2014they\u2019re teachable moments. Each one highlights a poor decision and a chance to improve safety practices. Let\u2019s work together to reduce crashes and protect lives on
\nthe road. Whenever you must stop unexpectedly use extra caution.<\/p>\n

Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe When Stopping Unexpectedly<\/p>\n