Understanding Rear-End Car Accidents
You are stopped at a red light when you are hit from behind. The impact causes you to suffer whiplash as well as back and neck pain.
Rear-end accidents are common types of car crashes. They tend to occur when a vehicle stops suddenly and the vehicle behind it does not have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
In rear-end accidents, the driver in the back who rear-ends the vehicle is often the one at fault. This is because drivers are supposed to leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. If they drive too close to vehicles in front of them, they are tailgating and not following the rules of the road. However, there are situations in which the vehicle in front can be held liable. For example, if the driver reverses suddenly, does not have functioning brake lights or does not activate the hazard lights in an emergency, then he or she can be considered to be at fault.
Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes can be caused by a variety of situations. Distraction is a common cause. If a driver is not paying attention to the road, they may not see a vehicle stopped in front of them. This can lead to a collision.
Tailgating is another cause. If you are following a car too closely, and the vehicle stops suddenly, you may not have enough room to stop. The same applies to drivers who speed.
Weather conditions can also make rear-end crashes more likely to occur. In wet and icy weather, you need extra room to slow down safely. If you don’t, a sudden stop can cause you to slide across the road and cause an accident.
Rear-end accidents are also caused by fatigue. You should avoid driving when extremely tired. Being tired is almost as bad as being intoxicated. Both lead to reduced reaction times, so you’re less able to quickly slow down in an emergency situation.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents
The most common injury in a rear-end crash is whiplash. Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the neck. The impact of getting hit from behind can cause pain and soreness in the head and neck.
Back injuries can also occur. This is because of the pressure the force of the crash puts on the vertebrae. The lower back tends to be affected the most.
A rear-end accident can cause a person to hit their head on the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield. This can cause a person to suffer bruises and lacerations. In more extreme cases, concussions and brain injuries are possible. A person can also suffer disfigurement due to facial injuries such as a broken nose or injured eyes.
Get Legal Help for Florida Car Accidents
Rear-end crashes are common and can cause serious injuries or even death. If you suffered damages after someone rear-ended your vehicle, seek legal help.
The Tampa car accident lawyers at the Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group have 25 years of experience helping Florida residents who have been injured in car accidents. We can help you obtain compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office by calling 813-242-4404 or filling out the online form.
Resource:
driversalert.com/common-causes-of-rear-end-collisions/
