Experienced Automobile Accident Attorneys Explore Rear End Collisions
Each year, an astonishing two and a half million rear end accidents will occur. This form of accident is the most common of all car accidents. Statistics show that for every million cars registered, six individuals will die in a rear end accident. The majority of rear end accidents happen due to the inattentiveness of the individual driving behind the car that is rear ended.
The Causes of Rear End Accidents
There are numerous causes of rear end accidents, but some scenarios occur with regularity. These include:
- Failure to see the car in front come to a stop or suddenly slow down
- Driver distraction, including texting while driving or talking on the phone
- Sudden stopping that does not allow for the second car to stop in time
- Poor road conditions, including ice, rain, and snow
- Poor visibility due to fog, rain, or other weather conditions
- Inattentiveness of the driver in the following or second car
- Foot slipping off the brake while at a stop
- Accelerating from a stop too quickly
Rear end accidents range from minor fender benders to serious, injury causing accidents. These accidents will often result in soft tissue injuries, which may include whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the sudden jerking motion experienced from the force of the car behind impacting your vehicle. Whiplash results in pain and limited range of motion in the head and neck. Rear end crashes can also cause head injuries due to the force of the head on the steering wheel or dash in front. Head trauma may result in permanent or long term disability. Any rear end accident victim who is experiencing blurred vision, dizziness, or headaches must seek medical attention as soon as possible as these are all signs of head injury.
When a truck is involved in the rear end accident, the results are even more devastating. Trucks weigh several times that of cars and the impact will often crush a smaller vehicle. Victims of rear end accidents involving trucks must seek medical attention immediately after the crash.
Fault in Rear End Accidents
In the majority of rear end accidents, the driver of the following vehicle or second vehicle, the vehicle that does the rear-ending, will be considered at least partially at fault. All drivers have a duty to follow other vehicles at a safe distance so as to allow for sudden stopping or slow downs. It is important that enough distance be maintained between all cars so as to prevent accidents from occurring when a vehicle must stop or slow to avoid an obstacle. As such, when a rear end accident occurs, it is presumed the second car did not follow at a safe distance and therefore holds some fault for the accident.
In some circumstances, however, the lead car will also be partially responsible for the accident. If the first car acted in a negligent manner by not having working brake lights or reversing in the road, for instance, this vehicle will also be at fault.
Lundy Law: Multi-State Automobile Accident Attorneys Assisting the Victims of Rear End Accidents
Rear end accidents can result in damage to your vehicle and injuries to your person that are sometimes severe. Possible injuries include broken bones, brain injuries, head injuries, whiplash, spinal cord damage, and internal organ damage. If you have been injured in a rear end accident anywhere in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Lundy Law can help. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys will investigate your crash to uncover any and all evidence of negligence. We will then fight for your full recovery, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call Lundy Law today at 1 (800) LUNDYLAW® to schedule your consultation.
