Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents on our roads, and far from being mere fender benders, they are also some of the most dangerous accidents out there. Getting hit from behind is often the result of the rear driver’s distraction – or another form of driver negligence.
If you another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a rear-end collision, 388CEDA offers comprehensive medical services that include modern pain management practices, and we can also recommend – upon your request – an experienced car accident attorney to help with your legal needs.
Being Hit from Behind
When you drive, you – just like every other driver – owe a considerable duty of care to everyone else on the road, and this duty includes following the rules of the road and reacting safely to whatever you come upon on the road. For example, you may find that you need to suddenly slow down or stop for any one of the following reasons:
- A forward car accident in your lane or near your lane
- An emergency vehicle on the road
- A sudden obstacle in the road, such as debris dropped by another vehicle, a broken-down vehicle, a very poorly maintained piece of road, or anything else
- A sudden change in the weather that decreases visibility and/or that requires you to slow down significantly
- A forward vehicle that you can’t get around and that suddenly slows to a near stop
- An animal that darts into the road or that appears on the road ahead
There are any number of reasons for having to suddenly slow or stop on the road, and not only must you be prepared to do so but the driver behind you must also. If not, dangerous rear-end collisions are a near certainty.
Rear-End Collisions Are Far from Uncommon
The Insurance Information Institute (III) shares that, in 2018 alone, there were 2,439 fatal rear-end collisions and that these rear-end accidents accounted for 7.2 percent of all fatal crashes that year. This makes rear-end collisions one of the most-common forms of fatal car crashes. These statistics help highlight the fact that when you’re in your car, you’re exceptionally vulnerable to the negligence of other drivers, including those who are coming up from behind.
Safety Measures
A few safety measures that you can take to help protect yourself from life-threatening rear-end collisions include:
- Never shoehorn yourself into traffic – always leave plenty of space between your own vehicle and forward and rear vehicles.
- Always slow down as slowly and as smoothly as you possibly can – providing rear motorists with the opportunity to follow suit.
- Always use your blinkers when changing lanes or making a turn and turn on your emergency flashers if you come upon an emergency stopping situation.
Being proactive when it comes to safety on the road is always in your best interest.
Distracted Drivers
When it comes to rear-end collisions, one of the most common culprits is distracted drivers. In order to drive safely, motorists must commit their full attention to the job at hand. Motorists who allow anything to distract their attention away from driving safely make accidents far more likely – and rear-end collisions may be the most common form of distraction-related accidents. While there are plenty of distractions out there to go around, the most common by far and the most dangerous is texting (and other smartphone activities).
Prevailing wisdom finds that it takes an average of about five seconds to read or write a text and that, during this time (when traveling at highway speeds), a motorist can travel about the length of a football field with nary an eye on the road, which is a recipe for disaster.
Serious Injuries Common to Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can lead to myriad dangerous injuries, but there are a few very serious injuries that are very closely associated, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
Don’t Wait to Call 388CEDA
Rear-end collisions are as dangerous as they are common, and if another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in such an accident, 388CEDA offers a suite of modern medical services that include highly effective pain management techniques.
If you also need an experienced car accident attorney to help you address your car accident claim and help you protect your legal rights throughout, we can recommend one upon your request. To learn more about how we may be able to help you, please don’t hesitate to call us 1-800-388-CEDA today.
*388CEDA is not a law firm or an attorney referral service. 388CEDA does not provide legal advice, services, or legal representation to anyone including but not limited to visitors to this site or individuals/persons responding to our advertisements. In Florida, 388CEDA provides the following types of physician services: M.D., Orthopedic Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, & D.C., Chiropractic Physicians that document and treat individuals that have suffered injuries. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call one of our agents at 388CEDA. We work with experienced attorneys.
