According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end accidents represent the most common type of collision, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic accidents.
Knowing what occurs in rear-end collisions can help you understand the reasons why these accidents can be so serious.
Rear-end accidents can be dangerous to the passengers as well as the driver in the front vehicle. People in the lead car have little warning, with no time to take evasive action or ready themselves for a collision. This means that they quite often absorb the physical forces released in the crash with their bodies, resulting in serious injuries.
During a rear-end collision, a great deal of energy is transferred from the rear vehicle to the leading one. All moving objects possess what is called kinetic energy, and the amount of this energy depends on how fast the vehicle is traveling and its mass. Because of this, vehicles that are traveling at high rates of speed and those that are heavier cause much more damage.
Types of injuries in rear-end accidents
Rear-end collisions tend to result in some predictable types of injuries to passengers. If the front vehicle is stopped, it will remain so until an external force is applied. However, when it is struck from behind, the vehicle occupants will first be forced back into their seats as they move towards the impact, placing immense strain on their necks and backs. When their vehicle is thrust forward it will cause them to move forward until they are stopped by anything inside of the car, including airbags, seatbelts, dashboard, or steering wheel. This movement and striking of objects inside the vehicle can cause other injuries to the head, chest and neck.
The most common types of injuries that happen in rear-end accidents include: whiplash and other neck injuries; head injuries; back injuries; traumatic brain injuries; thoracic injuries (from seat belts); and knee injuries.
Injuries can be even more severe when the front vehicle is at a complete stop while the rear vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed. However, rear-end collisions at low speeds can still cause accidents because of the effects of the physical forces that are released.
Whenever someone is involved in a rear-end accident, it’s a good idea to get a medical examination to identify any injuries and receive appropriate treatment.
Who’s at fault in a rear-end accident?
Rear-end accidents often do not go to trial and are settled out of court because it’s clear that the driver of the trailing car was at fault. Insurance companies want to settle those types of claims quickly because they know that a jury verdict may be higher than the settlement. They also realize how much time, effort, and money is involved to get the case fully ready for trial.
While most rear-end accidents are the fault of the trailing driver, the assessment of error isn’t automatic. If the leading driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence or “brake checking” the vehicle behind them, they hold more responsibility for the crash. Contributory and comparative negligence laws may change who is primarily at fault for the accident, reducing or eliminating the recoverable damages for the lead driver.
In California, injured parties can pursue compensation from any at-fault party involved in the rear-end accident. That compensation is reduced by the percentage the driver is legally responsible for the crash and the circumstances leading up to it.
Insurance company offers
Insurance companies are well-versed in how much a rear-end accident is worth before they offer you an initial settlement figure. They know their initial offer is low — but they’re hoping you will jump at it.
Instead, talk to an attorney about a more realistic value of what your rear-end case might be before you agree to anything. You need to account for medical treatment you may need in the future, too.
It may take some time to learn how your accident will affect your life moving forward. Your doctors and your attorney need time to evaluate these aspects of your case to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.