Rear-End Collisions Can Be Much More Serious Than They Appear

These types of accidents rarely make the news or even capture much attention from those who see the damage. Rear-end collisions between two cars or between a car and a truck often do not look like they are very serious. They are common. Many times, people think of them as “fender-benders.”

But even though rear-end collisions often do not look serious, they often lead to surprisingly severe injuries. It is essential to be aware of the steps you can take to prevent injuries in rear-end collisions and to protect yourself if you have been involved in this type of car accident.

What Happens in a Rear-End Collision

A typical rear-end collision involves two vehicles in the same lane of traffic, one directly behind the other. Both vehicles are moving in the same direction, so when they collide, the force is not multiplied the way that is in a head-on or t-bone collision. However, the impact still unleashes compound physical forces that often lead to significant damage and injuries.

Rear-end collisions occur because the vehicles involved are traveling at different speeds, and usually something happens to suddenly amplify that difference. The vehicle in front may slow or stop suddenly. Or the vehicle behind might accelerate. Both drivers might adjust their speed at the same time.

The Impact

Regardless of the reason for the collision, when it occurs, the vehicle behind strikes the vehicle in front. That causes the front vehicle to jerk forward abruptly and then come to a stop just as abruptly. This jerking motion transfers energy from the vehicle to the bodies of the driver and passengers. Those in the front vehicle experience three sudden movements as their bodies fly forward, get released backward, and then are forced to a stop. The driver and passengers in the rear vehicle experience trauma as their bodies absorb the force of the impact all at once.

When drivers and passengers wear seatbelts, their bodies are held in place to match the vehicle’s motion, but their arms, legs, neck, and head are not restrained; as a result, these body parts can fly forward, extending far beyond their usual range. Seatbelts and airbags can save the drivers and passengers from experiencing a full impact with the dashboard or seat in front of them, but the trauma of their bodies against the safety devices can crush internal organs and bones.

Objects in the Vehicle Can Become Deadly

In the Atlanta suburbs, we often spend so much time in our vehicles that we carry stuff with us that we need for the whole day. This includes cell phones, purses, laptops, water bottles, food, and workout bags. Some people also use the car for storage, as it’s more convenient to keep items we need within reach. Many of us have tools, flashlights, first aid kits, coins, and emergency supplies in our vehicles. And of course, we use our vehicles to transport goods home from the store, such as groceries.

Instead of storing articles in the trunk, we keep them nearby in the backseat or on the floor. Of course, with the popularity of SUVs, minivans, and hatchbacks, we often don’t have the option of securing items in the trunk.

While it is convenient to have our belongings close at hand, they can also become deadly projectiles in a rear-end collision. The impact can force articles through the air with immense speed and power. Fatal injuries have occurred when a laptop computer from the backseat became airborne in a collision and struck the driver in the head. Even something as harmless-sounding as a plastic water bottle can strike with the force of a 40-pound weight in a rear-end collision occurring at only 30 miles per hour. At higher speeds, of course, the damage can be much greater.

You can prevent the risks caused by flying objects by taking steps to secure these objects whenever possible. If you have a trunk, store items there. Place smaller items in a console or glove compartment while driving. Every time you exit the vehicle, remove all unnecessary items, including trash.

Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Whiplash is the injury that most people associate with rear-end collisions, and although this injury can lead to long-term complications, it doesn’t strike people as terribly serious. However, rear-end collisions frequently lead to other injuries that can cause permanent disabilities.

Accident victims can suffer traumatic brain injuries that impair the ability to reason and concentrate, making it impossible to work or focus on anything. Rear-end collisions can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. Victims often suffer complications such as problems with circulation, bladder, and bowel control that can lead to further injuries and serious detriment to the quality of life.

It is also common for rear-end collisions to cause back injuries, including spinal fractures and herniated discs. As time goes on, these types of injuries often cause increasing pain and disability. Victims of rear-end collisions also suffer damage to the face, eyes, and ears, damaging the senses and leading to permanent disfigurement.

Get Full Compensation for Long-Term Needs After a Rear-End Collision

After a rear-end collision, many accident victims do not realize the complications they are likely to face in the future. Instead of healing, their injuries often grow worse over time. An experienced car accident lawyer at Michael M. Day Law Firm understands the full range of long-term consequences of the injuries in these types of collisions. Our team can work to ensure that you receive full compensation to provide for future needs and offset intangible losses such as pain and emotional suffering.  

Insurance companies often try to take advantage of the victims of rear-end collisions, pressuring them to accept a small amount to settle their claim before they have time to learn the full extent of their injuries and how those injuries will affect their lives in the future. Once you’ve accepted money from the insurance company, you cannot go back to ask for more later, so it is important to calculate the full value of your claim before you accept a settlement. For a free consultation to learn what your claim may be worth after a rear-end collision, call us at 404-480-4284 or contact us online now.