Approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur on U.S. highways each year. Many people equate rear-end collisions with fender benders and don’t give them much thought. However, about 17,000 people die each year in rear-end crashes, and 500,000 people are injured.
Causes of Rear-end Collisions
Most rear-end collisions are the result of inattentiveness on the part of the driver in the back. Factors that may contribute to these collisions include:
- Distracted driving—a significant cause of rear-end accidents. Drivers who are texting or talking on their phones or take their eyes off the road are less able to respond to a braking driver in front of them.
- Tailgating—drivers who tailgate significantly reduce the distance they allow themselves for stopping their vehicles. Tailgating also reduces a driver’s perception and reaction time.
- Driver impairment—impaired drivers are less able to react quickly to braking vehicles and may have trouble with depth perception.
- Weather and roadway conditions—this can lead to cars skidding or not stopping as soon as they should.
- Vehicle condition—worn tires or brakes can lead to problems stopping a vehicle.
- Defective vehicle components—defectively manufactured or designed braking systems or brake lights can lead to rear-end collisions.
Injuries Caused by Rear End Collisions
Rear end collisions can lead to life-altering severe injuries. Some common injuries caused by rear-end collisions include:
- Fractures—broken bones can occur as the result of vehicle occupants being thrown around in the car as a result of the collision.
- Muscle and Tendon injuries – crashes can cause torn rotator cuffs where the seatbelt restrains a passenger, as well as knee injuries like a torn meniscus. Injuries like these often require surgery.
- Back injuries—the force of a crash can exert extraordinary pressure on the vertebrae and result in serious injury.
- Airbag injuries—when airbags deploy as the result of a collision they can cause burns and facial injuries.
- Head injuries—even if an airbag deploys, head injuries can still result from serious crashes. Anything from concussion to traumatic brain injury can result from a rear-end collision.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured in a rear-end collision, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.