Whether you are stopped at a light or slowing down in an intersection, a rear-end collision could occur. These collisions tend to happen when negligent drivers are going too fast or not paying attention at all. Although rear-end crashes are fairly common, people tend to downplay the damage that these types of accidents can cause. Additionally, even insurance companies downplay rear-end collisions by calling them “fender-benders.” Rear-end collisions actually can cause serious injuries to victims and substantial damage to vehicles. If you or your loved one have been injured in a rear-end crash, contact an experienced car accident attorney for help.
Why Are Rear-End Crashes Dangerous?
When a speeding vehicle collides with a slowing or stopped vehicle, the impact can cause the hit car to lurch forward and hit the vehicle in front of it. This chain reaction due to the force of the initial rear-end crash can lead to numerous damaged vehicles and injured victims.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes are the most frequent type of car accident and account for 29% of all crashes that result in injury. These types of accidents are severe and can result in catastrophic injuries that significantly impact victims and their families.
What Are Common Rear-End Crash Injuries?
Depending on the speed of the vehicle responsible for the rear-end collision, injuries suffered by the victim can be substantial. This severity of the injuries is due to the sheer force that the victim’s body has to absorb. Since airbags do not necessarily deploy in a rear-end collision, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries that result from a rear-end crash include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Spine injuries
- Broken or fractured ribs
- Arm and wrist injuries
After a car accident, victims might not feel their injuries until hours or even days later. Seeking medical assistance immediately after a rear-end collision will not only help victims receive some comfort, but it will also be an important aspect when making a claim against the negligent party for compensation for injuries and damages suffered.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes
When someone is driving too close to the vehicle in front of them or not paying attention to the road, a serious collision can ensue. There are some incidents in which the rear-ended driver contributes to the collision through a tactic called “brake checking.” Brake checking occurs when the car in front brakes abruptly to see if the car behind them is paying attention. In these types of cases, the rear-ended driver can be held responsible for the crash due to their unsafe driving.
Other examples of rear-end collision causes include:
- The leading driver has a tail-light out
- The driver assumes the leading driver will accelerate
- The driver fails to notice the turn signal and does not anticipate the leading car to slow down
- A sudden stop
- Reversing into the vehicle behind
- Drunk driving
Although most rear-end collisions can be avoided by staying numerous car lengths behind a vehicle, accidents still happen and can be caused by many different variables. Drivers can avoid crashes by following responsible safety road rules and not tailgating; however, when an accident does happen, contact an experienced rear-end collision attorney to guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your damages.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., is a personal injury law firm with over sixty-five years of experience assisting accident victims in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We help victims navigate the legal system and seek compensation after being injured by a negligent driver. If you or your loved one have been injured in a rear-end crash, contact our office at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
