Car accidents are one of the most common risks in our modern society. With people’s schedules getting busier and more vehicles on the roadway, the chances of traffic collisions only increase.
With the growing number of distractions in our daily lives (such as mobile devices), many of these crashes end up being rear-end collisions. Among traffic accidents, rear-end collisions are some of the most common and impact thousands of drivers across the country each year.
These accidents result in damage to vehicles, physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial challenges.
Knowing more about rear-end collisions, their common causes, types of injuries that can result, and how to address them from a legal standpoint can be important for those falling victim to them.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a rear-end collision, you have the right to explore your legal options to hold the responsible party accountable.
A rear-end collision requires dealing with medical bills, rehabilitation from injuries, lost income due to being unable to work, damage to your vehicle, and the frustration that comes along with all of it combined.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer working on your behalf is always your best option to pursue the compensation you deserve. If you are searching for help following a rear-end car accident, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney today for your free consultation to discuss your situation, learn more about your legal options, and get started on the pathway to seek a favorable outcome.
Understanding Rear-End Collisions
As commonly understood, the term “rear-end collision” is applied to accidents in which one vehicle collides with the back end of another vehicle. One of the most common types of traffic accidents, rear-end collisions, are caused by various circumstances.
In most cases, a rear-end collision results from the driver of the rear vehicle failing to maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of them. Following too closely leaves little room for error when it comes to stopping distance or reaction time, leading to a crash.
The damage and injuries that result from rear-end collisions vary greatly, from relatively minor fender-benders that cause bumps and bruises to far more significant crashes that can total vehicles and leave drivers and passengers with serious — and sometimes life-altering — injuries.
While this article provides information about the frequency, common causes, and physical and financial impacts of rear-end collisions, the most important thing to understand is why you need skilled legal representation to explore your options following your accident.
Rear-End Collision Statistics
From a statistical standpoint, rear-end collisions represent a substantial percentage of all traffic accidents. A study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded that rear-end accidents comprise 29 percent of all traffic accidents.
This emphasizes the importance of knowing more about these accidents' common causes and resulting consequences. Though educating drivers about the need for focus and attention to safe driving practices can reduce the chances of rear-end collisions, these accidents will likely remain common.
Advances in vehicle safety technology and driver education may yield results on some level, but the frequency of rear-end traffic accidents remains a concern. Much of this can be attributed to the growing number of distractions many drivers experience while behind the wheel.
Whatever the case, if you have found yourself falling victim to a rear-end car accident, you need to know where to turn for help and what you can expect as you make your way through the legal process. Gaining knowledge about the causes of rear-end accidents is a good place to start.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
There are multiple factors and types of driving behavior that compromise roadway safety and commonly lead to rear-end collisions. Awareness of these common causes can help drivers (and victims of rear-end collisions) learn more about how an accident occurs and be more mindful of similar situations in the future.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Distracted Driving: Using mobile devices, texting while driving, and other distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road and vehicles in front of them.
- Following Too Closely: Neglecting to allow enough space between vehicles on the road can significantly affect stopping ability and reaction time during traffic flow.
- Excessive Speed: Driving above the legal speed limit can create a variety of hazards on the road, including diminishing stopping ability.
- Driving Under the Influence: A driver who is suffering the effects of alcohol or drugs can have their driving abilities impaired, leading to an increased potential for crashes.
- Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, ice, and other conditions can create slick road surfaces, hindering a vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and safely.
- Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, debris, and other physical factors on the road can create hazards and adverse driving environments.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Tire blowouts, brake failures, and other mechanical problems can necessitate sudden stops or lead to loss of vehicle control.
Increased awareness of these causes can help drivers adopt safer practices and also identify factors that led to crashes that have already occurred.
Consequences of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can have serious ramifications on the parties involved, including physical, financial, and emotional damage. In addition to physical injuries and property damage, victims can experience increased anxiety, stress, and even post-traumatic stress disorder following an accident.
A rear-end collision can affect daily routines, personal lives, and employment statuses. Inability to work due to injuries, filing insurance claims, and the complexity of the legal process can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Awareness of the injuries, financial consequences, and other aspects of the accident aftermath can be beneficial and underscore the need for reliable legal counsel.
Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end car accidents can result in a variety of physical injuries, ranging from relatively minor bruises and scrapes to far more severe and long-lasting injuries.
Some of the most common injuries that result from rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash: Sudden, whip-like movements from abrupt stoppage can harm the neck and spine, causing pain and reducing range of motion.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to ligaments and the surrounding tissues of the spinal column can cause chronic, debilitating pain, herniated discs, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Head Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from impact with windshields, steering wheels, or dashboards.
- Chest Injuries: Bodily impact on the interior components of the vehicle can cause broken ribs, severe bruising, or internal injuries.
- Extremity Injuries: Joint dislocations, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, bruising, and other injuries can result in the arms and legs of accident victims.
- Facial Injuries: Lacerations, bruises, or facial fractures can result from airbag deployment, broken glass, or impact with hard surfaces.
Suffering from any of the injuries listed above can lead to mounting medical bills and, depending on the severity, ongoing therapy, inability to work, and other serious consequences.
Financial Impact
If you have suffered an injury in a rear-end collision, you can face several financial challenges. From medical costs and vehicle repairs to lost income and ongoing rehabilitation bills, your financial obligations can quickly become overwhelming. These monetary concerns can make life difficult in both the short and long terms, leaving you searching for help and options for dealing with these frustrations.
Pursuing legal action in the aftermath of your rear-end accident can provide you with the chance to find relief from the financial strain you are experiencing. By working with a skilled rear-end accident lawyer, you can learn more about the legal process of filing an accident claim and the following steps.
Legal Aspects of Rear-End Accident Claims
As with any accident claim, rear-end collision cases greatly depend on determining liability and fault. In most cases, the driver of the rear vehicle (which initiated the contact with the front vehicle) is presumed to be at fault.
There are, however, exceptions to this general rule. Your lawyer will understand the applicable laws and principles to lead you in the right direction and explain the different aspects of the process.
Through every step of the legal matter, your attorney’s priority will be to put you in the best position to seek the outcome you need.
Liability & Fault
As mentioned above, the liability for rear-end collisions typically falls on the driver of the rear vehicle since vehicles are expected to maintain a safe distance from others in the event of sudden stops. While exceptions exist (such as brake lights on the front vehicle not functioning), this is often the case.
Determining fault in a rear-end collision requires collecting all available evidence, filing a claim properly, and building a comprehensive case that accurately illustrates the accident, its cause, and the damages suffered by the victim. Consult your lawyer to learn more about determining fault.
Collection of Evidence
Effective evidence collection is critical in rear-end accident claims, as with many legal matters. Common types of evidence that can be collected include:
- Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident scene can provide insight into which party was likely at fault.
- Photographs & Video Footage: Photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and video footage of the accident and the periods of time immediately before and after the accident.
- Witness Statements: Accounts from people who witnessed the accident can corroborate your testimony regarding the accident.
- Medical Records: Documentation from your doctor can prove the veracity of your injuries and confirm that they were caused by the accident.
Your rear-end accident attorney will have experience collecting and using evidence to build your claim.
The Importance of Skilled Legal Representation
Obtaining effective legal representation is crucial when navigating the complicated landscape of rear-end collision claims.
An experienced lawyer can help you by:
- Assessing Liability: Your attorney can analyze available evidence to determine the at-fault party and handle negotiations with their representation.
- Compiling Documentation: Legal matters require proper forms and documentation to be completed and submitted on time.
- Navigating the Legal Process: From initial negotiations with other attorneys or insurance providers to potential litigation, your attorney will be your dedicated advocate.
Finding the right lawyer can make a significant difference when the outcome of your rear-end accident claim can impact your life in multiple ways.
Turn to an Experienced Rear-End Collision Lawyer for Help
Though mistakenly assumed by many people to be minor in nature, rear-end collisions can have significant and far-reaching consequences for the people involved. From physical injuries to property damage, rear-end collisions are a common source of financial difficulties for the impacted parties.
Knowing how these types of accidents occur, the common injuries that often result from them, and what type of legal situation you may be facing in the aftermath of such an accident can be helpful as you set out on your pursuit of compensation.
With the right guidance, you can file a claim allowing you to seek damages that can help you move forward and relieve some of the financial burden you are carrying after your accident.
Working with an experienced lawyer is always a wise choice in any legal matter. With so much on your plate following your rear-end collision, you owe it to yourself and your family to have the best opportunity to obtain a favorable outcome to your claim.
A successful rear-end collision claim can result in you being awarded financial compensation that you can use to pay your medical costs, cover the income you lost if you were rendered unable to work, and pay for the repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle.
When it comes to your legal rights and financial well-being, don't leave anything to chance. Turn to an experienced rear-end collision lawyer for help. If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a rear-end accident, don’t make the mistake of seeking a resolution on your own.
Professional legal help is available. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to set up a consultation, discuss the details of your accident, and start putting together a strategy to seek the compensation you deserve.