Damages for Injuries from a Car Accident Hit From Behind
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. Still, they can be prevented by maintaining a safe following distance, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and keeping your vehicle in good condition. Even though a rear end crash may seem relatively tame, they can leave some of the most devastating injuries that are hard to recover from even when traveling at low speeds. You should always get checked out by a medical professional if you’ve suffered even a minor injury as a result from being hit by behind.
How Rear-End Collisions Happen
Rear-end accidents happen when a vehicle hits the back of another vehicle that is traveling in the same direction. It is quite common simply because of the fact most drivers don’t leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle directly in front of them. This is why its very rare for the personal who has been hit from behind by another vehicle to be at fault. The police and the police report will usually state that the back vehicle didn’t leave enough space. Today’s fast paced world where everyone is in a hurry is a major contributing factor.
What Happens to Your Body in a Rear-End Collision?
In a rear-end collision, your body lunges forward and can experience a range of injuries in the neck, back, head, chest, and torso.
Delayed Symptoms After a Rear-End Collision
After a collision, some rear-end collision injuries may take time to develop. Watch out for these symptoms after a car accident:
- Headaches: Headaches can be a sign of a concussion or other head injury. They may not develop until several days after the accident.
- Pinched nerves: If you feel pain radiating to other parts of the body, it may be a result of a pinched nerve. This injury occurs when surrounding tissues compress the nerve.
- Arm and wrist injuries: If a driver is holding the steering wheel at the time of a rear-end collision, it may lead to sprained wrists, stress fractures in the arm, dislocated shoulders, and tendon damage.
- Herniated or slipped discs: Chronic back pain can be caused by a herniated disc resulting from a rear-end collision. This includes a spinal injury and a whiplash injury.
- Abdominal pain or swelling: Internal injuries to the organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, may not present symptoms until several days after the accident.
What Are The Common Causes Of Rear-end Collisions?
Traffic accidents involving rear-end collisions are often caused by the following:
Tailgating
The most common cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating, or when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle. The rear vehicle driver may not have enough time to react if the vehicle in front takes a hard brake.
Distracted driving
When drivers are distracted by their phones, the radio, or anything else while driving, they are more likely to collide with the vehicle in front.
Speeding
Driving too fast can make it difficult for a driver to stop quickly if the vehicle in front of them suddenly slows down or comes to a stop.
Poor weather conditions
Rain, snow, and fog can make it harder for a rear driver to see the vehicle in front of them.
Vehicle malfunctions
If a vehicle’s brakes fail or there is a problem with the steering or suspension, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle in time to avoid an accident.
Driving under the influence
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to react to changes in traffic conditions.
Serious Injuries Vs. More Severe Injuries In Rear-End Car Accidents
“Serious injuries” and “more severe injuries” refer to injuries that are significant and require immediate medical attention.
In a rear-end car accident, serious or more severe injuries may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When the head hits a hard object, it can cause damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries that can cause long-term complications.
- Broken bones: Rear-end accidents can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal organ damage: The impact of a rear-end collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which can be life-threatening.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A rear-end collision can be a traumatic experience. Some individuals may even develop PTSD, which can cause long-term psychological symptoms.
Most Common Rear End Collision Injuries
Some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions are:
Whiplash
This is the most common injury associated with rear-end collisions as the head is thrown forward and springs backward, causing damage to the neck.
Spinal injuries
Rear-end collisions can also damage the spinal discs and vertebrae, leading to back pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms.
Head injuries
When your car gets hit from behind, your head can hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or headrest, leading to concussions, brain injuries, or other types of head injuries.
Chest injuries
A forceful collision can push the chest to the steering wheel or dashboard, leading to broken ribs, internal organ damage, or other types of chest injuries.
Who Is At Fault In a Rear-End Collision?
In a rear-end collision, the driver behind is typically at fault for the accident. This is because drivers must maintain a safe following distance so they can stop in time to avoid a collision.
However, there are situations in which the driver in front may share some of the fault, such as slamming the brakes for no reason or cutting into the lane.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rear-End Collision?
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to recover damages from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The types of damages generally include:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
Rear-End Accidents Caused By “Brake Checking”
“Brake checking” is a term used to describe when a driver suddenly and intentionally slams on the brakes to provoke the driver at the back or cause an accident. Rear-end accidents caused by brake checking can be dangerous and may result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
Critical Rear-End Injuries
Rear-end accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe and even fatal. Some of the most critical rear-end injuries are the following:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A TBI occurs when the brain is injured due to a violent blow or jolt to the head. Rear-end collisions can cause a TBI when the head whips back and forth or hits an object, such as the steering wheel or dashboard.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged due to trauma. Rear-end collisions can cause an SCI when the spine is compressed or twisted or when a vertebra is fractured or dislocated.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly rocked back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments in the neck.
Chest injuries
Rear-end collisions can cause broken ribs or collapsed lungs when the driver or passengers are thrown forward and hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt.
Psychological trauma
Rear-end collisions can also cause psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, particularly if the accident is severe or results in serious injuries or death.
Broken Bones From a Rear-end Accident
The most common bones that may be broken in a rear-end accident include the collarbone, wrist, spine, pelvis, arms, or legs.
Neck Injuries From a Rear-end Accident
The most common neck injuries resulting from a rear-end accident are whiplash, cervical dislocation, herniated disc, and spinal cord injury.
Back Injuries From Rear-end Crashes
The sudden jolt of a rear-end collision can cause the spine to twist, compress or hyperextend, leading to various back injuries such as sprains, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and spinal cord injury.
Brain Injuries from a Rear-end Accident
Brain injuries are a serious and potentially life-altering consequence of a rear-end accident. Even if the head does not directly strike any objects, the force of the impact can cause the brain to bounce around inside the skull, leading to a range of injuries, including concussion, contusion, hemorrhage, and diffuse axonal injury.
Spinal Injuries from a Rear-end Accident
Some of the spinal injuries that can result from a rear-end accident include whiplash, herniated disc, spinal fractures, and spinal cord injury.
What To Do If You Are Hit From Behind By a Car?
If you are hit from behind by a car, it’s vital to take the following steps:
- Check for injuries.
- Move to a safe location.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
- Document the accident by taking photos of the damage to both cars, as well as the surrounding area.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Seek medical attention.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney
The Importance Of Seeking Medical Treatment
Seeking medical treatment after a rear-end accident is crucial for two reasons, namely, identifying and treating injuries and creating a medical record.
Is The Tailgating Driver Always At Fault?
The issue of fault is not always clear-cut. There are even some situations where the driver who was rear-ended may share some of the responsibility for the accident. Some examples of this include the following:
- Brake checking: If the driver in front makes a sudden stop without warning or a good reason, they may be partially at fault for the accident.
- Mechanical failure: If the driver in front had a mechanical failure that caused them to stop suddenly, they might share some of the responsibility for the accident.
- Reversing: If the driver in front was reversing at the time of the accident, they may be considered at fault for the accident.
- Multiple cars involved: If multiple cars were involved in the accident, the liability might be shared among multiple drivers.
Safety Tips To Avoid Getting Rear Ended
Here are some safety tips to help you avoid getting rear-ended while driving:
- Leave plenty of space.
- Use your mirrors.
- Signal when braking.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Use your hazard lights if you need to slow down or stop suddenly due to an emergency.
- Eyes on the road.
- Make sure your brake lights are working properly.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Rear-End Crash
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s important to consider hiring a lawyer for several reasons:
Determine who is at fault and liable.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help determine who is at fault for the accident, which can be a complex issue in rear-end collisions.
Maximize the victim’s compensation.
A lawyer can help you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses and work to maximize the compensation you are entitled to receive from the at-fault party.
Deal with insurance companies.
Insurance companies may try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Ensure your rights are protected.
A lawyer experienced in vehicle accidents can ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the claims process and can represent you in court if necessary.
Save you time and stress.
Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical bills. A car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, saving you time and stress.
Time to File Your Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, filing your claim as soon as possible is important. Here are the steps to take when filing your car accident claim:
- Gather information.
- Report the accident.
- Seek medical attention.
- Document the damages.
- File a claim.
Get a Free Consultation From a Car Accident Attorney Near You.
Car accidents can be stressful and traumatic, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s important to consult with a law firm to protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Our skilled car accident lawyers at The Clark Law Office can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests. They can also help you understand your rights and legal options and can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. They have a track record of success handling car accident hit from behind including a recent case result from Eaton Rapids for $2.3 million.
Remember, it’s important to choose an attorney with experience handling a car accident lawsuit and whom you feel comfortable working with.