The Anatomy of a Rear-End Collision: Causes, Injuries and Prevention and Liability

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Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle collides with the car in front of it. The most common cause of rear-end collisions is driver inattention or distraction. For example, a driver may be texting, eating, or simply not paying attention to the road, causing them to collide with the car in front of them.  Another common cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating, or following too closely. This can happen when a driver is in a hurry or simply not paying attention. When a driver follows too closely, they have less time to react if the car in front of them stops suddenly, increasing the risk of a collision.

Other causes of rear-end collisions can include:

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• Speeding: When a driver is traveling at high speeds, they have less time to react to changes in traffic.

• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and make it more difficult to stop quickly.

• Malfunctioning brakes: If a driver's brakes fail, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.

• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs a driver's judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of a collision.

 

Injuries that May Result from Rear-end Collisions

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Our law firm sees the devastating consequences of rear-end collisions all too often. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and spinal cord damage. It is crucial to understand the injury risks associated with rear-end collisions so that you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a rear-end collision. This occurs when the head is forcefully jerked backward and then forward, causing damage to the neck and spine. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even difficulty concentrating. In some cases, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.

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Concussions are another serious risk associated with rear-end collisions. A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, typically due to a blow to the head. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some may experience long-term effects such as chronic headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

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Spinal cord damage is another potential consequence of a rear-end collision. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to partial or complete paralysis. In some cases, spinal cord damage can be permanent and require lifelong medical care.

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It is important to note that even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries. In fact, some studies have found that low-speed impacts can actually be more dangerous than high-speed collisions due to the way the body absorbs the impact. Additionally, certain factors such as the position of the headrest and the use of seat belts can impact the severity of injuries sustained in a rear-end collision.

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Prevention of Rear-End Collisions

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Fortunately, there are steps that drivers can take to prevent rear-end collisions. These include:

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• Avoiding distractions: Drivers should avoid using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.

• Maintaining a safe following distance: Drivers should leave at least three seconds of following distance between themselves and the car in front of them.

• Adjusting speed for weather conditions: Drivers should slow down when driving in rain, snow, or fog, as these conditions can make it more difficult to stop quickly.

• Regular vehicle maintenance: Drivers should regularly maintain their vehicles, including checking brakes and tires, to ensure they are in good working order.

• Never driving under the influence: Drivers should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

In addition, new vehicle safety features are being developed to help prevent rear-end collisions. These include automatic emergency braking systems, which can detect when a collision is imminent and automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of the collision.

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Establishing Liability in a Rear-End Accident

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The presumption of fault in a rear-end accident is that the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault. This presumption exists because the driver of the rear vehicle has a duty to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them and to stop or slow down in time to avoid a collision. The driver of the front vehicle, on the other hand, has the duty to maintain a reasonable speed and not to make sudden stops or turns.

Although there is a presumption of liability against the rear vehicle in a rear-end accident, it is still essential to collect and present evidence that demonstrates the fault of the other driver. This evidence may include:

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1. Police report: If the accident was severe, the police would be called to the scene, and they would create a report of the accident. The police report will include details such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and statements from the drivers and witnesses.

2. Eyewitness testimony: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable information about how the accident occurred. Their testimony can help establish fault and prove liability.

3. Video footage: Many intersections have cameras that record traffic, and if the accident occurred near an intersection, there may be video footage of the accident. The video footage can provide clear evidence of how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

4. Damage to the vehicles: The damage to the vehicles can also provide evidence of how the accident occurred. If the front vehicle was hit from behind, the damage will typically be to the rear of the vehicle. The damage to the rear vehicle will typically be to the front of the vehicle.

5. Medical records: Medical records can provide evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident. The medical records will detail the nature and extent of the injuries and the treatment required.

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In summary, rear-end car accidents may seem straightforward at first glance. However, these cases can be deceptively complex for the various reasons explained above.  Additionally, insurance companies will still attempt to downplay your injuries or attribute your injuries to something other than the accident.  All of this makes it crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can navigate these complexities and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.