Car crashes can happen in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways in which an accident can occur is through a rear-end collision.
A rear-end accident occurs when a driver hits the back end of the vehicle in front of them. These crashes often occur at a red light, a stop sign, or in heavy traffic. Most rear-end accidents happen at low speeds, but some happen at high speeds on highways.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
A driver may rear-end another vehicle due to the following factors:
- Distracted driving. Nearly 90% of rear-end crashes are caused by distracted driving. This is because drivers are not paying attention to the road and therefore do not see the vehicle stopped in front of them. Distractions may include texting, using a smartphone, eating, reading, and talking to passengers.
- Drunk driving. Drinking and driving don’t mix. Intoxication can impair one’s judgment, reducing visibility and making it harder to slow down and avoid accidents.
- Going too fast is a form of aggressive driving that can make it hard to slow down if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly. The result is often an accident.
- Fatigue can play a role in rear-end crashes. A driver who is exhausted may not be paying attention and lack judgment that can lead to accidents.
- Hazardous weather conditions. Heavy rain, ice, and snow can make driving treacherous. These conditions can cause a vehicle to skid, slide, and lose control, causing it to collide with another vehicle.
Common Injuries
A rear-end accident can lead to a variety of injuries, such as the following:
- Neck injuries. When people think of car accident injuries, they tend to think of whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck jerks back and forth due to the impact of a crash. This can cause strain to tendons and ligaments, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Broken bones. The impact of a crash can also cause broken bones. A person can fracture bones in their ribs, hands, arms, and legs. Some of these are compound fractures that may require extensive treatment.
- Facial injuries. The impact can also cause a person to hit their face on the steering wheel or dashboard. A driver may also suffer injuries due to an airbag. These injuries may include lacerations, bruises, knocked out teeth, and a broken nose. Scarring and disfigurement are also common and may require counseling, as they can cause psychological damage.
Contact Us Today
Rear-end accidents are very common and while many occur at low speeds and are minor in nature, some are more severe. Such a crash can cause whiplash and other painful injuries, so make sure you understand your legal rights and get the recovery you deserve for your damages.
Schedule a free initial consultation with the car accident lawyers at the O’Donnell Law Offices, serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston, at (570) 821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.
Source:
drive-safely.net/rear-end-collisions/