Rear End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when one automobile impacts the rear bumper of the vehicle directly in front of it. Typically, sudden deceleration by the first car initializes the chain reaction in which the following car cannot apply breaks in time. This can often result in a multiple-vehicle accident.

Rear-end accidents are especially likely to occur at intersections, on highways and highway off-ramps, and in heavy-traffic areas. Often the more deadly rear-end crashes occur in roadway-construction areas or work zones. For this reason, all drivers should be extremely cautious when driving through these areas.

These types of car accidents can occur for a myriad of reasons, but some of the more common causes of rear-end crashes are as follows:

• Inattentive drivers
• Drivers following too close (tailgating)
• Accelerating rapidly behind another vehicle
• Speeding

Drivers should remember that heavier vehicles have a much longer stopping distance due to the size and maneuverability of the vehicle and should afford themselves plenty of space and time when slowing down.

According to the United Transportation Union, rear-end collisions occur every eight seconds in the United States. On average, 2.5 million rear-end collisions occur each year and account for approximately one-third of all car accidents. A recent study indicated that approximately 2 million rear-end collision accidents were recorded in the United States in one year.

In almost every rear-end accident, it is the driver that hits the vehicle in front who is considered at fault for the accident. The rules of the road require drivers to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the lead vehicle. If a rear-end crash occurs, the rear driver by definition did not leave a safe following distance. In some instances, however, the driver in the front plays a role in causing a rear-end crash. This can occur, for example, when the lead driver cuts off another vehicle or slams breaks without reason. Drivers should have an Alabama car accident lawyer represent them in a rear-end accidents. An attorney will help you understand your rights and maximize your compensation. Typically, individuals and attorneys who do not have experience representing victims of automobile accidents have little or no idea as to how to assign a fair and reasonable value to the injuries.The car accident attorneys at Hollis Wright are well accustomed to handing, and recovering damages in, rear-end car collisions.

Rear-end accidents can cause injury both for the driver in the lead and for the driver in the rear vehicle. Some of the common injuries that occur as a result of a rear-end crash include:

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries after a rear-end crash. It occurs when your neck is thrown forward then backward too quickly, damaging the spinal discs, muscles, ligaments and soft tissues in the neck. Whiplash can be a persistent and ongoing problem but is unfortunately difficult to prove. Because of this, many insurers are reluctant to pay claims arising from whiplash. An Alabama rear-end car accident attorney at Hollis Wright can help you to make a claim arising from an accident that causes whiplash;
• Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash is the most well-known type of soft tissue damage, but other soft tissue injuries can also occur and are common in rear-end crashes. Soft tissue injuries can even occur when an accident occurs at slow speeds since the muscles, ligaments and joints in the body can absorb the impact of a crash;
• Air bag injuries: Young children, especially, are at risk of being seriously injured, or even killed, by an air bag that deploys. Air bags commonly are triggered by rear-end crashes, including those that occur at slow speeds.

• Spine injuries: Some of the more significant types of injuries associated with rear-end collisions involve herniated or bulging disks in the spine. These spinal injuries often require surgery to correct the problem. A herniated or bulging disk can cause tingling and loss of feeling in the extremities as well as unbearable pain and discomfort. These injuries along with a surgical procedure can result in serious permanent injury.
• Bone fractures, back injuries, lacerations & brain injuries: Those who are victims of a rear-end crash can also suffer other common auto accident injuries, including bone fractures, back injuries, lacerations and brain injuries. The more serious the injury, the more compensation the victim deserves to receive.

Regardless of whether you were the driver in the front or in the rear, an Alabama rear end collision car accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. can represent you and help you to obtain the maximum compensation available given the circumstances of your case. At Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C., our dedicated and experienced Birmingham car accident lawyers are here to help you with your case. Please contact us now for a free consultation. You can also reach us at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or fill out this form for a free case evaluation.