Rear End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can happen in an instant. You may come to a stop at a traffic light, only to have the car behind you crash into your rear bumper. Or, you may be behind a car, only to have motorist in front of you slam on their brakes unexpectedly. Without adequate warning, you may have no way to stop in time to prevent a collision.

These accidents often lead to finger pointing, with each motorist accusing the other of wrongdoing. Don’t get into a debate. If you’ve been injured, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation to review your situation with a personal injury attorney who has worked on rear-end collision cases for over 38 years. Find out what options you may have for financial recovery.

What Causes Rear-End Collisions?

The National Safety Council reports that each year, there are two and a half million rear-end collisions in the United States. They are the most frequent type of motor vehicle accident. Rear-end collisions occur for a multitude of reasons:

1. Excessive speed of the rear vehicle;
2. Following too closely by the rear vehicle;
3. Distracted driving, including passengers in the vehicle, adjusting the radio, or personal grooming;
4. Texting while driving or hand-held cell phone usage;
5. Aggressive driving.

Occasionally, the fault for a rear-end collision is that of the driver in front, when that vehicle stops short for no apparent reason, or has no taillights, but that is the exception rather than the rule, and in a substantial majority of rear-end cases which are litigated in court, the rear driver will be found 100% responsible for the collision.

Serious Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Collisions

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we understand that our clients can suffer severe injuries even in what are known as “low speed impacts.” Manufacturing specifications for rear bumpers only require that they are able to withstand a 5 mile per hour collision without noticeable damage; for the most part, these bumpers are designed to protect vehicles, not the occupants of those vehicles.

In a rear-end collision, the energy from the rear car is transferred to the car in front, causing a shock to the front car passengers who are frequently unaware that they are about to be struck. In the collision, the bodies of the occupant(s) in the front car are precipitated forward, at the same time that the head is whipped backward. When the front car stops moving after the impact, the passenger’s head changes direction and is now thrown over their torso.

These sudden, forceful and jarring motions cause an “acceleration/deceleration injury”, more commonly known as “whiplash.” This can be a very painful injury that may require weeks of rest and can severely limit range of motion. In addition, other common injuries in these collisions include:

• Back Injuries. A rear-end collision can cause severe stress on the spine, leading to injuries such as herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or muscle strains. A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between the vertebrae slips out of place, potentially putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms. In severe cases, a spinal cord injury could result in paralysis. The spine is much more delicate than steel and metal, and particularly in collisions in which the occupant had some preexisting injury to their spine, or has degenerative arthritis, even in a “low speed impact”, they are more susceptible and more likely to suffer significant and long-term injury to their lumbar and cervical spine in a rear-end collision than someone with no prior injuries.
• Head Injuries. Although head trauma is less common in rear-end accidents compared to other types of collisions, it is still a serious concern. The sudden jolt can cause the head to hit the steering wheel, window, or other parts of the vehicle, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even if the head does not strike an object, the force of the collision may cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to a brain injury that can cause cognitive problems, memory loss, and other serious consequences.
• Neck Injuries. While whiplash can be one of the most common neck injuries, rear-end accidents can also cause other neck injuries, such as ligament sprains or fractures. The sudden motion from the collision can strain the muscles or ligaments in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty turning the head. Severe neck injuries may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
• Chest Injuries. Chest injuries can occur when the chest is slammed against the seatbelt or steering wheel during a rear-end collision. This can lead to bruising, broken ribs, or internal injuries. Fractured ribs can be particularly painful, making it difficult to breathe deeply or move comfortably. Sometimes, the force of the impact could damage internal organs such as the lungs or heart.
• Shoulder and Arm Injuries. The force from a rear-end collision can cause the body to be thrust forward, leading to shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or fractures. Additionally, the arms may be injured when the driver or passengers try to brace themselves during the impact. Injuries to the shoulders and arms can significantly impair mobility and functionality, sometimes requiring physical therapy or surgery. These injuries may also prevent a car accident survivor from returning to work until the injury heals.
• Facial Injuries. In rear-end collisions, passengers may be thrown forward into the vehicle’s dashboard or steering wheel, leading to facial injuries. These can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken noses, fractured eye sockets, or dental injuries. Facial trauma often requires immediate medical attention and can leave lasting scars or affect one’s ability to speak and eat properly. In severe cases, facial injuries can result in vision loss.
• Psychological Injuries. The emotional impact of any car accident can affect personal relationships, mood, and the ability to sleep. Victims may suffer depression, anxiety, personality changes, and other conditions that can make everyday activities impossible.
• Knee and Leg Injuries. In some rear-end accidents, especially when the impact is significant, the knees or legs may slam into the dashboard. This can result in knee sprains, fractures, or ligament tears, among other injuries. These injuries can limit mobility and cause long-term pain. Some require extensive rehabilitation, casts, surgery, and other treatment.
• Soft Tissue Injuries. Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness.

If you have suffered any injury, always get medical advice as soon as you can. Starting treatment promptly can improve your medical outcome.

Will My Insurance Company Protect Me?

Auto insurance companies are notorious for minimizing the severity of injuries suffered in rear-end collisions if there is little visible damage to the rear of the first car. While you pay premiums to your insurance company, the insurer is not beholden to you. In fact, the insurance company works for their shareholder and their job is to keep shareholders happy by maximizing profits.

Insurance companies are required to follow the law and act in good faith, however. Working with a car accident injury attorney can ensure your insurer follows the rules.

If you are involved in a rear-end collision, there are several things that you should do immediately to protect your right to fair compensation:

• Contact 911 and report the accident immediately;
• Seek immediate medical treatment as many injuries such as concussions are often not readily apparent but require prompt attention;
• Have photographs taken of the rear of your vehicle, the front of the negligent driver’s car, the scene of the accident and any roadway debris to the extent possible;
• Report the accident to your insurance company to obtain a no-fault claim for medical and hospital treatment;
• Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company claim representatives;
• Do not give a recorded statement to anyone; and
• This is crucial: Absolutely, 100% do not sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.

When you are in an automobile accident, truck, or motorcycle crash, contact the personal injury legal team at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation to discuss your case in detail with one of our experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable litigators.