What to Do If You’ve Been in a Rear End Accident

We tend to think of getting rear-ended as being a minor accident, but that is not at all true. Though hit from behind accidents often cause little damage to the cars involved, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that they account for more than 25% of the accidents on America’s highway. Of the 1.7 million rear-end accidents that occur each year, 17,000 result in fatalities and 500,000 result in injuries. Some of these injuries are extremely serious, with whiplash being the most commonly seen injury following a rear-end accident. Victims can also suffer head injuries and spinal trauma, leading to long recoveries, permanent disabilities, lost wages and chronic pain.

According to medical studies, automobile passengers are at their most physically vulnerable when their car is hit from behind, and the area that is most likely to be harmed is the neck and spine.  Even in accidents involving collisions occurring at a speed of less than ten miles per hour, painful and debilitating neck and spine injuries can occur. This is because when a rear-end accident takes place, the skull, which is normally balanced on the cervical spine, is thrown forward, putting strain on the spine and all of the supporting ligaments, muscles, tendons and structures in the spinal column. The most common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents include:

  • Whiplash
  • Head injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Injuries to the spinal cord
  • Nerve damage
  • Fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Internal bleeding

Many people walk away from a rear-end accident emotionally shaken but believing that they are physically unhurt, only to find themselves suffering later. It is important to be seen by a medical professional as soon after a rear-end accident as possible in order to make sure that you get an accurate diagnosis and the treatment you need. Doing so will also provide critical evidence in case you need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in the future.

Rear-End Collisions Are Often A Result of Negligence

In most cases, a hit-from-behind accident is the result of negligence on the part of the driver behind you, or a vehicle that caused them to drive into yours. Most rear-end accidents are caused by a driver being distracted or texting, driving too closely behind (tailgating), being fatigued behind the wheel or driving recklessly.  When a rear-end accident results in an injury or fatality, the negligent driver can be held responsible for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision or any other type of auto accident, you need personal injury representation by an attorney who is dedicated to making sure that your physical, mental and emotional needs are met and that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a convenient time for a consultation.