A rear end accident can result in no more than minor bumps with little or no damage. In other cases, the damages and injuries can be substantial, even fatal. Inattention, speeding, and/or following too closely are often cited as the reasons for a rear end collision. When this is the case, the occupants of the rear-ended vehicle, if injured, can seek compensation for their medical costs and other damages from the driver who is responsible for the collision.
If you were injured in a rear end collision, or any car accident, call Avrek Law Firm at 1-877-959-5556 and schedule a free initial interview to find out if you have a case. We also have an online form you can fill out.
Facts About Rear End Collisions
Not surprisingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in the year 2000, 29.7% of collisions were rear-end accidents. Injuries sustained in these accidents accounted for 30% of all injuries, and the property damage comprised 29.7%. According to NHTSA, younger drivers (ages 25 and under) are more likely to rear-end the vehicle ahead of them. As people age, they become less likely to be the driver that rear-ended the other vehicle.
Males outnumbered females as the drivers who struck the front vehicle. Males under the age of 18 had the highest rate of rear-ending others, with the next highest being attributed to the age range of 18 to 24.
Injuries from a Rear End Accident
Very commonly, neck injuries, or whiplash, are reported after a rear end collision. An occupant in the rear-ended vehicle will experience their body being pushed forward while their neck and head remains in place, effectively causing the neck to be stretched unnaturally and dangerously. Then the head and neck follow the motion of the rest of the body in a jerky or snapping motion. There are often other injuries, such as lacerations, broken bones, and more.
Whiplash, which can injure the muscles, ligaments, tendons in the neck, has symptoms such as:
- Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Pain in the jaw
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
There can also be other associated health issues to whiplash, such as a decreased ability to concentrate, problems with memory, and poor sleep. As people age, they become less likely to be the driver that rear-ended the other vehicle. Drivers between the ages of 25 and 69 had the lowest number of incidents. On the other hand, older drivers (70+) have the same tendency as 18-24 year olds.
Get the Justice You Deserve for a Rear-End Collision Injury
While there are exceptions, rear-end accidents are almost always the fault of the person who struck the rear of the car in front. Therefore, liability is usually not in contention. To be sure you are compensated fairly, contact Avrek Law Firm at 1-877-959-5556 to schedule a free case review, or use our online form to contact us.
Sources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Driver Attributes and Rear-End Crash Involvement Propensity
- Mayo Clinic, Disease and Conditions Whiplash
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