Car accidents can have a devastating impact on all involved, especially when serious injuries or fatalities occur.
Rear end auto accidents are a common type of collision and can happen at any time to anyone. Whether injuries are minor or serious, victims of rear end auto accidents deserve compensation.
At Douglas & London, our team of attorneys are experienced in getting the maximum settlement for those injured in rear end auto accidents in and around New York, NY. If you have been involved in a rear end auto accident, contact our legal team to learn more about your rights.
Causes of Rear End Auto Accidents
Rear end accidents can happen to anyone, even good drivers. Because rear end collisions come from behind, it’s sometimes impossible to avoid.
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- Distracted driving: Distracted driving occurs anytime a person operating a motor vehicle loses focus on driving. Some examples of distracted driving include talking to passengers, texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio station, eating, or looking away from the road for any reason.
- Tailgating: Tailgating, or following too closely, can lead to rear-end collisions especially when the leading car needs to make a sudden stop. A tailgating car may not have enough time and distance to stop before hitting the car in front.
- Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make good decisions while driving and delays reaction time. Drivers under the influence may be too slow to brake, inaccurately judge distance, or fall asleep behind the wheel, all of which can lead to rear-end accidents.
- Abrupt braking: Quickly stopping, though generally not the sole cause of a rear-end collision, can contribute to a rear end accident occurring.
- Poor weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as fog, rain, snow, high winds, or icy roads can make the roads slick and decrease visibility, making it difficult to stop or see cars in front of you.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents
Rear end collisions, like all traffic accidents, can lead to serious or fatal injuries. However, most rear-end collision injuries occur within the soft-tissue. Some common injuries include:
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- Face and head injuries: Face and head injuries can occur in rear-end collisions. The force of a deploying airbag can cause cuts and bruises on the face or scalp. In some collisions when the airbag doesn’t deploy, the driver’s face may hit the steering wheel or the dashboard. The force of impact can fracture the nose, cheek, or even jawbone.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully moved back and forth, like a snapping whip. The symptoms of whiplash often include neck pain, stiffness of the neck, and headaches.
- Back injuries: The impact of rear-end collisions can cause the spine to compress. The disks within the lower back of the spinal column may also become herniated or bulge and may require surgery to correct.
Who’s Liable?
In most rear-end accidents, the driver who drove into the rear of another vehicle is held responsible for the accident.
In some situations, the driver who was rear-ended may be determined partly responsible. For example, if the driver in front was driving recklessly, or abruptly stops in the middle of the lane and doesn’t turn on his or her hazard lights, the rear-ended driver may be held partially liable.
Contact Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a rear-end auto accident, the attorneys of Douglas & London can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (212) 566-7500 to schedule your private consultation.