There are many different types of car accidents, but what all share in common is that they cause distress and destruction. Rear-end car accidents are among the most common in Florida and other areas. These are the facts about this type of collision.
How rear-end accidents happen
Rear-end car collisions occur when one vehicle strikes another from behind. In most cases, they are caused because a front vehicle suddenly stops or a vehicle behind travels too fast. However, some of these motor vehicle accidents happen when cars move at slower speeds.
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, rear-end accidents account for around 30% of all motor vehicle accidents and 7% of road fatalities. Negligence is the top cause of these collisions; distracted driving, fatigued driving, driving under the influence, speeding and tailgating are some of the biggest factors leading to rear-end accidents.
Injuries caused by rear-end accidents
A rear-end collision can result in serious injuries even if a vehicle travels slowly. One of the most common is whiplash, caused by the head and neck violently jerking forward. After a few days, the victim can feel pain and stiffness in their neck.
Spinal injuries are also common after a rear-end accident. If the impact is strong enough, it can cause the person’s body to jolt while they’re secured in their seatbelt. Broken bones sometimes occur after the victim’s body is forced forward. Facial injuries and fractures develop when a person’s face hits the steering wheel or dashboard or after the airbag deploys.
Airbags can also lead to lacerations and other soft tissue injuries. Sometimes, a person could even develop traumatic brain injury if they hit their head during the accident.
It’s impossible to control what other drivers do, but you can avoid hitting another vehicle from the rear. If you get hit, however, seeking medical attention is crucial.