Rear-end crashes occur all the time. They sometimes result in no more than property damage, while in other situations minor injuries may occur. In more severe instances the outcomes can be dire. Such was the case one June 2019 evening in Pine Belt, when a Ford Escape careened into the back of a Volkswagen Jetta. The collision caused both vehicles to veer off the roadway, where the Volkswagen bowled into a tree, resulting in one fatality. If this scenario is something that sounds familiar, you may benefit from a visit with a local attorney.
About Rear End Crashes…
The majority of rear end collisions occur during peak traffic hours, not surprisingly. While they are spread out relatively evenly in terms of weekday driving, there is a slight uptick each day as the week progresses, with a dip in these incidents on weekends.
It may astonish some to learn that nearly nine in ten of these incidents occur during daylight hours, and almost 90 percent occur on dry pavement. Where do these accidents occur? Data reveals the following:
- Over half of rear end collisions occur where there is no control present;
- Over one-third transpire at traffic signals;
- The remainder of these incidents occur at stop signs, rail crossings, roundabouts, and other locations.
While roughly 80 percent of these incidents result in just property damage, the remainder lead to injuries that require medical attention, or, in the ultimate insult, death.
Factors Leading to Rear End Collisions
So what leads to these oh-so-frequent collisions? Driver error is almost always the problem, with a number of issues plaguing drivers, ranging from distracted driving (accounting for nearly three-fourths of collisions), to tailgating. Other problems on the road include DUI’s, speeding, failure to signal, mechanical failures, and fatigued driving.
Common Injuries
Many factors play in to they types of injuries that may result from rear-end collisions. Vehicle speed, whether or not individuals were properly restrained with seatbelts, the types of vehicles involved, and position within the vehicle struck are all things that influence the types and severity of bodily harm that may be incurred. We often hear about whiplash following rear-enders. This is a common neck/back injury that results from violent shaking that happens when a vehicle is slammed from behind. But there are plenty of other physical grievances that may arise, including:
- Brain injuries due to blunt force trauma;
- Injuries to internal organs;
- Broken bones;
- Abrasions and contusions, particularly when individuals are ejected from vehicles.
What Now?
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a rear end collision that resulted in serious outcomes, moving forward may prove to be difficult, draining, and frustrating. At the law office of Derek L. Hall, PC, our Jackson rear-end collision attorneys understand precisely what you’re going through, and our heavy hitters will go to bat to collect the damages you deserve. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation.
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