The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end car accidents are the most common type of collision. Rear-end crashes can cause substantial injuries and even death. The term “fender-bender” downplays the severity of many rear-end collisions. While some rear-end crashes are minor, they can still cause significant damage to your vehicle and your health.
A rear-end collision happens when a driver hits the vehicle directly in front of them from behind. Sometimes, the force of the hit will push that vehicle other vehicles, causing a multi-vehicle accident.
Rear-end collisions often happen at red lights, stop signs, or when traffic slows due to traffic congestion or road work. These collisions may occur at low speeds but also happen when a speeding car on a highway cannot stop in time for the slower traffic ahead.
There are many other variations of rear-end crashes. In almost all cases, a rear-end crash will cause an accident with vehicle damage and bodily injuries. The collision’s severity depends on road conditions, how fast the vehicles were traveling, and even the types of vehicles involved.
The most devastating accidents occur when a fast-moving vehicle hits a stopped car. The force of the collision can be devastating. Any rear-end collision can cause one or both vehicles to slide, run off the road, veer into a neighboring lane, or even roll over.
Studies show that rear-end collisions total about 1.7 million each year in the United States. Nearly 29 percent of all car accidents are rear-end collisions, according to the NHTSA. Most of these accidents fall under a few common causes, as follows:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that 87 percent of rear-end collisions happen because of a distracted driver. Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, including:
Studies show that the majority of Americans lack adequate sleep. The problem is that a fatigued driver is an unsafe driver. Fatigue causes delays in reaction time, failure to make good driving decisions, and it can lead to a driver falling asleep. All of these can contribute to a serious rear-end collision.
Some drivers still get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Impaired driving has many consequences, including serious injuries and death caused in rear-end collisions.
A driver who operates their vehicle above the speed limit is a danger to everyone on the road. They often lose the ability to stop the car in time or otherwise control their vehicle, leading to a rear-end collision and serious injuries.
Reckless driving is a danger to any motorist in the path of this type of driver. Reckless drivers will often tailgate, upping the likelihood for a severe rear-end collision.
When it is rainy, foggy, snowy, or icy, motorists must change their driving for the new conditions, especially slowing down. Many do not, making stopping the vehicle more difficult and causing a rear-end accident.
Rear-end accidents are much more than minor fender-benders. An injury caused by someone plowing into the back of your car can cause lasting chronic conditions. That is why anyone involved in a rear-end crash should always see a doctor. Some injuries take time to develop, such as hours, days, or even months after the accident.
Common rear-end crash injuries include the following:
In a rear-end accident, your head will often move violently forward and backward, causing neck injuries, such as whiplash. Whiplash and other neck conditions damage the soft tissue in the neck, such as tendons and ligaments. Sprains and tears can also occur. Neck injuries often result in intense pain, stiffness, and limited neck movement. A person will often need physical therapy and time off from work.
The back muscles, joints, and soft tissue could be affected in a rear-end accident. The force of a back-end collision can fiercely strain the upper, middle, or lower back, causing all types of debilitating injuries. Physical therapy, time off work, and ongoing treatments can help, but the person may also need back surgery.
The force of a rear-end accident can cause a driver or passenger in the front vehicle to strike their heads on nearby objects, such as the steering wheel, a windshield or window, the roof of the car, or the seatback. Sometimes, just a sharp jolt of the head can cause a brain injury. From concussion to traumatic brain injuries, the effects of a rear-end collision can be devastating and lifelong.
The spinal cord is made up of delicate tissue and discs. Even the slightest rear-end collision can compress or otherwise damage a disk or soft tissue. Spinal cord injuries can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Injured drivers will often need to spend a lot of time in the hospital and rehabilitation and may live with permanent disabilities.
The force of a rear-end collision is often enough to deploy an airbag, which could injure bones in the face, hands, or arms. Legs and knees will often be forced into the dashboard or a seatback, causing fractures. Any broken bone will cause temporary or lasting effects, some requiring surgeries and long recovery periods. A person may also never regain their range of motion or remain without pain.
There is little a person can do to avoid being hit from behind. Even if you see a car coming at you in your rearview mirror, you most likely will not have the time or room to react.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid being the cause of a rear-end accident, including:
It is worth noting that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you cannot receive any compensation in an accident if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. However, do not let that prevent you from pursuing a settlement or lawsuit. Talk to a lawyer about your situation and your options.
Under Pennsylvania law, the driver who causes the rear-end collision from behind is typically at fault. The rationale is that the rear driver should have allowed sufficient room and time to stop before a crash occurs. While this is the truth in most cases, sometimes the driver in front can be at fault for a rear-end accident.
It is worth talking with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer if you hit someone from behind because it may not be your fault. The driver in front could be at fault for rear-end collisions when they:
Other factors can complicate a rear-end collision, including the number of cars involved, road conditions, and other circumstances.
In any case, never admit guilt or responsibility for a rear-end accident when talking with an insurer or any other party. Insurers will try to get you to take the blame, but do not talk to them or accept any settlement without first consulting a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to understand your rights.
No matter how minor or severe the accident, these are the steps you should take if you are involved in a rear-end collision:
Liability in rear-end collisions can be complex. Insurers will often try to get out of paying owed compensation. After rear-end collision, it is worth contacting a car accident lawyer if:
Do not argue or try to negotiate with insurance companies on your own. They will use many tactics that only an experienced car accident lawyer can defend against.
If you have been hurt in a rear-end collision, you may be able to hold the at-fault party liable for your injuries. One of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can review your case. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.
