Not all car accidents are created equal. A fender-bender for example, rarely involves serious injuries or involvement from injury attorneys. Pedestrian collisions on the other hand often involve lawyers and result in severe injuries, and occasionally, fatalities. One type of accident that varies widely in its outcomes though is a rear-end collision.
According to the Road Safety Toolkit, a rear-end collision is a crash that:
“involves one vehicle or road user running into the back of another vehicle or road user. This can occur when the front vehicle slows down or stops, or because the following vehicle is traveling faster than the front vehicle.”
These accidents can happen because of sudden stops due to road debris or upcoming obstacles. They can occur when a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road.
They can also happen when a driver is following too closely behind another vehicle, driving while distracted, is under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol, or is speeding/driving recklessly.
That scenario is what we’ll be discussing at length in this post.
Rear-end collisions are a big problem in Tampa Bay.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents in Tampa Bay. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) over 30% of all vehicle crashes in Florida are caused by one car hitting another from behind.
This is an especially common scenario on highways like Interstate 4 where heavy stop-and-start traffic can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions, or worse, vehicle pileups.
What causes this kind of accident?
The most common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- tailgating (a driver following too closely behind another)
- speeding
- distracted driving
- sudden braking by the vehicle in front
- sudden lane change (“cutting off” another driver)
- foul weather (rain, snow, ice)
While there are outlying circumstances that could lead to a rear-end collision (i.e., malfunctioning brakes on the rear driver) these are uncommon and not likely to be the reason behind a rear-end collision.
What types of injuries are caused by a rear-end collision?
Did another driver rear-end you? Injuries sustained can vary in type and severity. Some of the ones we see most often are:
Rear-end collisions can lead to serious injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash leads to symptoms like neck pain back pain, stiffness, nerve damage, and more. It’s a common injury we see in all kinds of accidents, not just rear-end collisions.
Fractures
Depending on the nature of the collision, victims sometimes receive fractures in the neck, back, or arms.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions and other head injuries are frequently reported after rear-end collisions. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a more serious repercussion of an accident and usually have long-term (or even lifelong) consequences.
Airbag Injuries
When an airbag deploys, it often causes damage to the face and/or arms of those in the front seat. Most often, doctors see contusions and abrasions to the face and arms, broken noses, etc.
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a rear-end collision?
First and foremost, you call for emergency services if there are any injuries. Following the initial accident and medical treatment, you need to call your lawyer. As the victim of a rear-end collision accident, you deserve assistance with, and compensation for, injuries, damages, and trauma.
Your lawyer needs:
- details of your accident including the date, time, location, and brief account of the collision
- a list of all injuries (and resulting treatments)
- an explanation of how the accident has impacted you physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, etc. How well are you managing your life after the accident?
- documentation and evidence from police, doctors, therapists, witnesses, etc. Any photographs, videos, or paperwork (physical or digital) should be given to your lawyer.
- insurance information – both your auto insurance and health insurance, and auto insurance information of the at-fault driver(s)
This information is key to your case, and your lawyer needs it to seek the settlement you deserve.
How does Brooks Law Group help accident victims?
Following a rear-end collision, the team at Brooks Law Group is ready to fight for you. If you suffer from injuries after a crash and aren’t sure where to turn, you only need to pick up the phone and call us. Your consultation is free, and you’ll have a chance to share information about your case with an experienced car accident lawyer. Following this initial meeting, we’ll look at your case, and discuss your best options moving forward. If you choose us to represent you, affording our help is no concern. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless we win. We truly care about getting the best possible outcome for YOU so you can heal and move forward with life.
When accidents happen, Tampa Bay victims turn to Brooks Law Group. When you need help around the table, or in the courtroom, you can always Look to Brooks.
