Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
An accident can happen in an instant. One minute, you are driving along or stopped at a traffic light, and suddenly, boom, you are hit from behind. Getting hit in a rear-end collision can be traumatic, and it can also result in serious and painful injuries. A rear-end collision can hurt the driver as well as any passengers in your vehicle. If you were hurt in a rear-end accident, you may be owed compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will assist you with your claim.
About Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Almost a third of all vehicle accidents in the United States are rear-end collisions. A rear-end accident happens when a driver hits another vehicle from behind. The front of one vehicle hits into the rear of another. The severity of the crash depends on a variety of factors, such as the speed at which the vehicles are traveling and the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
What Causes Rear-End Collisions?
The majority of rear-end collisions are caused by the vehicle in the back. The driver that hits the vehicle in front of them may have been following too closely, not paying close enough attention, or might have been impaired. Generally, the person who hits the rear of another vehicle is responsible for the damages they caused as long as they were found negligent. Some rear-end collisions are minor, and some are much more serious. In some cases, the insurance company may classify a rear-end accident as a “fender-bender,” even if the accident resulted in serious injuries. There could be some limited incidents where the driver in the rear was not negligent or responsible for the accident.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can result in some of the most serious and painful injuries. Neck, head, and back injuries are the most common types of injuries that may occur as the result of a rear-end collision. Whiplash is an injury that happens when the neck and head are jolted forward, as happens when hit from behind. Neck strain may also happen. If a person isn’t wearing a seatbelt, the force of the hit could cause their head to hit the windshield. All of these injuries are considered serious and require immediate medical treatment and ongoing care.
You May Be Owed Compensation After a Rear-End Collision
If you are the victim of a rear-end collision, you may be owed money for your injuries and damages. The negligent party is responsible for any injuries and damages that occur as a result of their actions. Damages include such things as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. With the help of a qualified personal injury attorney, you must prove the other driver’s negligence as well as the injuries and damages you sustained as a result. It is best to discuss the accident with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your options and how to proceed with your claim.