Each year, more rear end collisions will occur than any other type of automobile accident. Roughly two and a half million rear end accidents occur each year, resulting in serious injuries and even death. In fact, six deaths out of every one million cars registered are the result of rear end accidents. The vast majority of rear end collisions happen due to inattentiveness on the part of the individual driving behind the vehicle that is rear-ended.
The Causes of Rear End Accidents
There are many causes of rear end accidents, but some common causes seem to occur with regularity. These include:
- Following too closely
- Poor road conditions, such as ice, rain, or snow
- Inattentiveness on the part of the following driver
- Driver distraction, including texting and using a cell phone
- Failure to see the car in front stop or slow
- Poor visibility, due to fog or other weather conditions
- Accelerating from a stop too quickly
- Foot slipping off the brake while stopped
- Sudden stopping that does not allow the following car time to stop
Rear end accidents can be extremely serious. These accidents often result in so-called “soft tissue” injuries. Whiplash is among the most common soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is caused by the jerking motion of the head and neck that generally occurs during a rear end crash. The result is severe neck pain and limited range of motion. Rear end crashes can also result in head injuries, which can be lead to permanent or long term disability. Head injuries are not always apparent immediately following a crash. Any rear end crash victim who is experiencing headaches and blurred vision should be evaluated for potentially serious head trauma.
When trucks are involved in a rear end accident, the results can be even more devastating. Trucks weigh several times that of passenger motor vehicles, and when they pummel into the back of a car, the accident often becomes catastrophic. Any victim of a truck rear end accident should seek medical attention immediately following the crash.
Fault in Rear End Collisions
In the vast majority of rear end accidents, the driver of the second vehicle, the vehicle that does the rear-ending, will be considered at least partially at fault. This is because all drivers have a duty to follow other vehicles at a safe distance so as to allow for necessary sudden stops or slow downs. It is imperative that enough traveling distance be provided between vehicles to prevent am accident when an unexpected stop occurs. Accordingly, when a rear end accident happens it is presumed the second car did not provide enough following room and is at least partially at fault for the accident.
This is not to say that the front car always escapes liability. If the lead car acted negligently, such as by not having working brake lights or reversing suddenly, this car will hold a considerable percentage of the fault as well.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Assisting the Victims of Rear End Collisions
Rear end accidents can result in damage to your vehicle and serious injuries, including spinal cord damage, whiplash, head injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. If you have been injured in a rear end collision, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. Our skilled car accident attorneys will investigate your accident to uncover all evidence of negligence. We will then fight for your full recovery, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.