The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) reports that in the United States there are about 1.7 million rear-end crashes annually. Those crashes result in about 1,700 deaths and 500,000 injuries.
With about a third of all car crashes being rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are several different causes for these serious accidents.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Some of the more common causes for rear-end collisions include:
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Mechanical failure
- Road rage
- Heavy traffic
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Following too closely
Usually, the driver who was following behind is at fault for a rear-end collision. The driver should keep an adequate distance behind you, so he or she will be able to stop if you must slow down or stop for any reason.
Some vehicles are being equipped with braking systems, which will stop the vehicle automatically if it gets too close to the vehicle in front of it. The NTSB believes these safety systems can reduce the number of rear-end collisions each year, which would significantly reduce injuries and deaths.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Being rear-ended can lead to serious injuries. It might require lengthy recoveries with ongoing care, or the injuries could affect you the rest of your life. Here are some of the more common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions:
- Back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Shoulder injuries
When a vehicle is rear-ended the occupants are sent in a whip-like motion while the vehicle suffers ripple effect damage. Rear-end collisions are costly, resulting in a variety of damages.
These neck and back injuries could lead to extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation, surgical intervention, and extensive absences from work. All these things must be considered when pursuing a personal injury claim for the damages that resulted from the rear-end collision.
Common Damages From Rear-End Collisions
The ripple-like effect of a rear-end collision can lead to serious damage to your car as well as to life-altering physical injuries. Here are a few of the damages that might result from a rear-end collision:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
Your personal injury attorney will help you determine which damages resulted from the crash and will help you get your personal injury claim on the right track.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, get immediate medical attention. Maintain documentation and evidence to support your claim. With the help of an accident injury attorney, your odds of a successful personal injury claim increase significantly.
Your attorney will not be compensated until you receive a settlement or judgment for your damages. To get your claim underway, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form, so an attorney in your area can review your accident claim.
