Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Were You Rear Ended By Another Driver?
Nearly one third of all motor vehicle accidents are the result of rear-end collisions according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting, reading, eating, etc.)
- Heavy traffic
- Road rage
- Mechanical failure
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If the driver behind you was following too closely to allow adequate time to stop before colliding with you for any reason, that driver is typically at fault for the accident. It is important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. You should not be required to bear the financial burden of a car crash that you did not cause. The physical and emotional pain cannot be undone; however, you can receive compensation for these damages from the at-fault driver in addition to your out-of-pocket expenses.
Serious Injuries Associated with Rear-end Collisions
Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. Even a low impact rear-end collision can cause injuries that result in permanent disability. You should never down-play a “fender bender” because you are just a little sore. That soreness can linger and become increasingly worse in the weeks following the accident. What you dismissed as just a little soreness can actually be something much worse. Traumatic injuries occur in both high impact and low impact rear-end collisions. Regardless of whether you believe you are seriously injured, it is always in your best interest to seek medical attention following any type of motor vehicle accident.
Common injuries we see in rear-end collisions include:
- Closed head injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries and/or spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs
- Knee injuries
Insurance companies often claim that rear-end collisions do not result in serious injuries; therefore, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney understands how to establish fault in a rear-end collision to prove damages. The quicker your attorney can begin an accident investigation the more chance you have of receiving a fair and just settlement.
Is There Any Way I Can I Avoid a Rear-End Collision?
If you were rear-ended, you probably could not have done anything to avoid the collision because until you are hit, you have no idea what is coming. The driver behind you may not have been paying attention to traffic because they were texting while driving or eating lunch while hurrying to a meeting. Regardless of the reason why the driver failed to stop before colliding with your vehicle, that driver should be held accountable for your injuries and damages.
Don’t Settle For a Low-Ball Offer From an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies attempt to settle rear-end collisions quickly to avoid paying what the victim is actually entitled to receive. If the insurance company can offer a small settlement amount before the injury victim realizes the severity of his or her injuries, the insurance company can save money. It is never in your best interest to settle a car accident claim without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Before you sign a medical release, provide a statement, or accept a quick settlement, contact the experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers of the Torem Law Firm. Use our online contact form or call our office at (888) 500-5000 to schedule your free consultation.
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