Rear-End Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for most of all vehicle crashes in the U.S.

Although a rear-end accident is often the fault of the rear-position driver, an investigation may show the front driver did something to cause the accident. They might have abruptly stopped to make a turn, failed to have working brake lights, or reversed suddenly.

These accidents often occur unexpectedly and can cause serious injuries and significant vehicle damage, even at moderate speeds. If a rear-end collision injures you or a loved one, you may qualify to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other accident-related losses.

From negotiating with insurance companies to establishing liability, an Algona car accident attorney will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery.

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Understanding the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

The NHTSA reports that distracted driving is the primary cause of rear-end collisions, followed by tailgating. While rear-end accidents may result for many reasons, some form of negligence is usually to blame. By understanding the common causes of these crashes, drivers can better protect themselves and others on the road.

Some of the leading causes of rear-end accidents include:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors a driver can engage in and the main contributor to rear-end accidents. Inattentive drivers often fail to notice stopped or slowing vehicles in front of them in time.

Smartphones, GPS, and built-in entertainment systems are commonplace, and almost every driver has one (or all three) in their vehicle.

While these features provide multiple advantages, drivers who fail to resist the temptation to use devices while stuck in traffic may become less aware of their surroundings and put themselves and others in harm’s way.

Drivers can be distracted by more than just electronic devices, as various other factors can take their attention away from the road, including:

• Talking to passengers
• Attending to pets or children
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Daydreaming or becoming lost in thought
• Look for something on the floor or passenger side

Staying focused on driving and avoiding distractions, even momentary ones, can reduce the likelihood of rear-end accidents and help drivers react more effectively to sudden changes in traffic.

After an accident caused by distracted driving, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can advocate for your rights and assist with obtaining fair compensation for your losses.

Tailgating

Safe driving practices include following posted speed limit signs and ensuring sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

When a driver tailgates or follows the car in front of them too closely, there is less time and space to react if the vehicle ahead unexpectedly slows down, stops, or changes traffic conditions.

The act of tailgating may result from aggressive driving behaviors, poor judgment, or impatience with slow-moving traffic. This reckless behavior can become even more dangerous in adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow. Additionally, it makes the driver in front feel pressured to speed up or react impulsively and make unsafe driving decisions.

 Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit reduces the time drivers have to slow down or stop before colliding with the car in front of them. High speeds also exacerbate the force of impact, leading to severe, life-threatening injuries such as head injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, or broken bones.

Ultimately, the greater the speed at the time of impact, the more likely all parties involved will suffer significant harm. Although adhering to posted speed limit signs is a good approach, you may need to drive even slower during inclement weather or heavy traffic.

If drivers do not adhere to posted speed limits and cause a rear-end collision, they may be held accountable for any damages caused by reckless behavior.

Types of Rear-End Crash Injuries

While rear-end accidents are not nearly as deadly as some other collision types, such as head-on crashes, approximately 1,700 people are killed, and another 500,000 are injured in these crashes.

Even victims of rear-end accidents that happen at seemingly moderate speeds should seek medical treatment from a skilled orthopedic specialist or spine doctor to address any injuries that may not cause immediate symptoms.

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained by victims in rear-end collisions:

Whiplash

When a rear vehicle strikes the vehicle in front of it, the bodies of the driver and any passengers in the car are rapidly thrown back and forth.

Whiplash injuries occur when the abrupt force of the crash results in damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper shoulders. These injuries can range from minor to more severe cases.

While mild whiplash might resolve after a few weeks of treatment with rest and pain relievers, serious cases of whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain and other complications that can last years.

Anytime you experience neck pain after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a doctor can properly diagnose and rule out more serious neck problems, such as broken vertebrae or a damaged spinal cord.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

The impact of a rear-end crash can cause the brain to move and strike the inside of the skull. When this happens, accident victims may suffer from a traumatic brain injury. TBIs can range in severity, but most victims of serious brain injuries find that their lives are never the same.

They might lose memories, be unable to recognize family and friends, or never return to work. Some may even experience behavioral changes, mood swings, or difficulty managing emotions.

Whenever a person exhibits signs of a head or brain injury, such as headaches, nausea, vision, or balance problems, after a rear-end collision, a doctor should see them immediately.

Internal injuries

Internal injuries involve damage to organs or internal bleeding and can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Accident victims don’t usually know they need immediate medical attention until it’s too late, making these injuries especially dangerous.

This is why you must see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel hurt.

Internal injuries like Pneumothorax and spleen rupture can only be detected by medical professionals and imaging equipment. Ruptured spleens are a common internal injury seen in rear-end crashes and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding if not treated promptly.

Pneumothorax is a common internal rear-end collision injury that occurs when air ends up in the space between the chest wall and the lung. Air trapped in the chest cavity can put pressure on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and increasing the risk of lung collapse.

Broken or fractured bones

Depending on the severity of the rear-end accident, victims may suffer from broken, fractured, or crushed bones that might require extensive surgeries to repair.

The most affected areas in rear-end collisions are the arms, legs, and pelvis. In some cases, the force of the crash can send a driver or passenger into the dashboard, door, or even their own seatbelt with enough pressure to cause a break.

Severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area may indicate a broken bone or fracture. However, some fractures may fly under the radar and not cause immediate pain.

If not cared for properly, fractures and broken bones can cause lasting complications, including mobility issues, joint stiffness, or an increased risk of further injury to the affected limb.

While some people with broken bones may only require a sling, brace, cast, or splint to heal, other accident victims may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility. How long it takes to recover fully will depend on what bone the crash broke/fractured, where the injury occurred, and the cause of the injury.

Treatment for broken and fractured bones, including casts, follow-up visits, consultation with orthopedic specialists, and other care costs, can add up quickly.

The time required to recover from broken bones often means taking extended leave from work, affecting your ability to meet professional obligations and earn the income needed to support yourself and your family.

A seasoned car accident attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve, including recovery for lost earnings, medical expenses, and long-term care costs associated with your injury.

Spinal cord injuries

A sudden, unexpected impact on the body can result in various types of spinal cord damage. For example, the joints in the spine may become overextended or jolted out of place during a rear-end collision, leading to significant neck and back injuries. Spinal fractures are also a potential risk in rear-end accidents at high speeds.

Other than fractures, the spine can suffer from injuries like contusions and herniated discs in a rear-end crash. A herniated disc is when a spinal disc’s nucleus leaks out of the outer exterior and causes serious, chronic pain, typically in the lower back, legs, or neck.

Contusions, or bruises on the spinal cord, may disrupt normal nerve communication, potentially leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or difficulty controlling movements in the affected areas.

Other symptoms associated with spinal cord injuries include:

• Severe neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Loss of coordination or difficulty walking
• Paralysis in parts of the body (either partial or complete)
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Muscle spasms, stiffness, or abnormal movements
• Loss of sensation or movement in the arms or legs

Minor back and neck injuries can typically be treated with physical therapy, but more serious spinal l injuries can dramatically affect a victim for the rest of their life.

Over the course of their life, paralyzed car accident victims will incur millions of dollars in medical expenses. They often require ongoing care, therapy, specialized equipment, and home modifications.

If you suspect a spinal injury after a rear-end collision, seek prompt medical attention.

Not only does seeking immediate treatment following a crash help identify and address any injuries early, but it also helps create a record of your injuries and any medical care you received. This record can provide the necessary evidence that supports your case and helps establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries.

After receiving treatment for injuries and following your healthcare provider’s recommendations, the next step you should take is to consult with a car accident lawyer. You likely feel stressed and unsettled in the hours and even days after a rear-end crash.

When you add symptoms of pain and discomfort, this can make it all the more difficult to pursue a personal injury claim on your own. Working with a skilled car accident attorney can improve your chance of winning your case and securing the justice you deserve.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation Today

After a rear-end collision, the last thing you should worry about is dealing with insurance disputes and fighting for the financial recovery you need while trying to recover.

From investigating the accident to negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf, an experienced Algona personal injury attorney is prepared to provide you with the guidance and support you need through every step of the process.

During your free initial case review, a car accident lawyer will review the details of the accident and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal rights and options.

Don’t wait—take the first step toward healing and rebuilding your future by scheduling your complimentary consultation today.

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