As you might expect, rear-end collisions are the most common kind of vehicle accidents in the U.S. and accounted for approximately one-third of all accidents (1.8 million) in 2013, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over 500,000 people were injured in rear-end crashes in 2013. Many of these are minor “fender benders,” but a rear-end crash can also result in severe and life-altering injuries, even death.
- Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
- Will New Technology Help Prevent Rear-End Crashes?
- If You Were Injured in an Accident, Our Team Can Help
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
What do you think are the major causes of rear-end collisions? In today’s world of electronics, many are caused by driver inattention and distraction. Distracted driving, e.g., using a smartphone, adjusting music, using GPS, or dealing with passengers, is a rapidly increasing phenomenon and causes all types of accidents.
Other common causes of rear-end crashes include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver fatigue including drowsy driving
Typical Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Crashes
- Whiplash often results from these collisions because the car is thrust forward when hit from behind. The head and neck snap back and whip forward, damaging nerves, ligaments, and muscles in the neck
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain strikes against the inside of the skull, often causing permanent brain damage and paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Spinal cord damage
You may not immediately feel injured if you have been in a rear-end crash or any other vehicle accident. But some symptoms take time to appear. It’s important to get medical attention from an emergency room, an urgent care center, or your own doctor as soon as possible. If you don’t seek medical care, an insurance company may try to minimize your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
Will New Technology Help Prevent Rear-End Crashes?
Newer model cars have advanced safety system features such as collision warning, avoidance systems, and automatic braking. These can help reduce the risk of a rear-end accident.
But nothing is as important as an alert and distraction-free driver. New York law prohibits using a handheld device while driving, including a cellphone, laptop, pager, video game, personal digital assistant, and others. This includes texting, which is a significantly distracting activity.
Stay alert and minimize cellphone use, even with hands-free technology. Maintain a safe following distance and stretch it out when visibility or road conditions are sub-optimal.
If You Were Injured in an Accident, Our Team Can Help
If a negligent driver caused your rear-end accident, the team at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. can help. We will establish liability and recover compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Call us today for a free consultation: (516) 932-0400. You do not pay us unless and until you get paid.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form