Rear-end collisions are extremely common. In 2019, according to information from Louisiana State University, there were over 15,200 injuries caused by rear-end collisions statewide, resulting in 80 fatalities. Every year in the United States, there are around 1.7 million rear-end accidents in total, according to The Washington Post.
Like many car accidents, rear-end collisions are avoidable. The Washington Post goes on to report that around 80% of rear-end accidents could be avoided with collision avoidance systems or, better yet, safer driving practices. This information corroborates with research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which states 94% of all collisions can be tied back to driver error.
Unfortunately, even though rear-end collisions are common, they are not without their share of injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, you may want to consider working with a lawyer who can help you recover the cost of your accident-related expenses.
Contributing Factors in Rear-End Collisions
The NHTSA reports that rear-end collisions are, in fact, the most common type of collision, accounting for nearly 29% of all reported accidents. One of the leading contributing factors to rear-end collisions is distracted driving. While this could include cellphone use, the NHTSA’s research notes that in their study, over 60 different distracted driving practices contributed to the frequency of rear-end collisions. Driving, coupled with another activity, could be why rear-end collisions are so common.
Other causes for rear-end collisions can include, but may not be limited to:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failing to adjust to traffic patterns
- Inclement weather, such as rain or snow
- Engaging in road rage
- Failing to signal when merging
- Failing to maintain a roadworthy vehicle
Many people often assume that a rear-end collision is caused by the driver who struck the car in front of them. While this may be true in many cases, it cannot be said for every rear-end collision. Liability for a rear-end collision could fall onto whoever acted negligently.
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Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
The Mayo Clinic reports that the most common rear-end collision injury is whiplash. This condition is caused when the ligaments in the neck snap back and forth beyond a person’s usual range of motion, causing chronic pain and discomfort.
Other frequent injuries seen in rear-end accidents can include, but are not limited to:
- Injuries to the upper body and abdomen from the seat belt, including broken ribs, clavicle damage, and shoulder injuries
- Injuries to the lower back from sudden impact
- Broken nose and other disfigurements from the airbags being deployed
- Fractures to bones, specifically the arms after being jolted forward
- Cuts from glass breaking, which may affect vital organs or arteries
- Sprained muscles in the neck or back
- Burns, if the collision caused a fire
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you should always seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. Some conditions, like spinal cord trauma, do not manifest symptoms for a few days following a collision. To promote your health and wellbeing, even if you are able to walk away from the accident scene with no complaints, you should still consult with a doctor.
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Liability in a Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions account for countless personal injury cases every year. Many victims may be eligible for compensation related to their accident-related expenses.
If you choose to pursue compensation from the at-fault party, you could recover the cost of:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Emotional trauma
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Disability
A personal injury lawyer can review the evidence in your case to determine who can be held responsible for your losses. You may be able to resolve your case either through an insurance settlement or court award. However, under Louisiana Civil Code 3492, you only have one year from the date of the collision to take your case to court. For this reason, you may not have a long time to pursue litigation.
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Rear-End Collision Lawyers Fighting for Victims’ Rights
Here at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our attorneys know exactly how common rear-end collisions are. We understand how these types of cases unfold and can serve as your guide throughout the legal process. When you work with us, our legal team can assign liability, calculate the cost of your incurred expenses, and represent your interests in court, if necessary.
For more information about how our legal team can help your rear-end collision case, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
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