A rear-end collision is a traffic accident wherein a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Nearly one third of all motor vehicle accidents are the result of rear-end collisions according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Common causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting, reading, eating, etc.)
- Heavy traffic
- Road rage
- Mechanical failure
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If the driver behind you was following too closely to allow adequate time to stop before colliding with you for any reason, that driver is typically at fault for the accident. If a car hits you from behind, it will almost never be your fault. One basic rule of the road in Florida is that you’re supposed to leave enough room in front of your car to stop when the car in front of you stops suddenly.
Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. Even low impact rear-end collisions can cause injuries that can result in permanent disability. Traumatic injuries occur in both high impact and low impact rear-end collisions. It is always important to seek medical attention following any type of motor vehicle accident, including a rear-end collision.
Common injuries often seen in rear-end collisions include:
- Closed head injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries and/or spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs
- Knee injuries
It is important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. You should not be required to bear the financial burden of a car crash that you did not cause. The physical and emotional pain cannot be undone; however, you can receive compensation for these damages from the at-fault driver in addition to your out of pocket expenses.
Attorney Chelsie M. Lamie is a personal injury attorney located in Safety Harbor, Florida. Please call 727-501-3464 for a free consultation. You can also learn more about Attorney Lamie at www.chelsielamie.com.