Rear-end collisions are considered one of the most dangerous types of car accidents due to the severity of the impact and the potential for life-altering injuries. One of the main reasons why rear-end collisions are so dangerous is the difference in speed between the two vehicles involved.
Often, the vehicle that rear-ends another is traveling at a higher speed than the one they hit, resulting in a more forceful impact. The force of the collision can cause considerable damage to both vehicles, leading to extensive property damage and potentially serious injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision in Arizona, the personal injury attorneys at Torgenson Law can help.
A rear-end collision is a type of automobile accident in which one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. It is the most common type of accident on the road, occurring when the driver of the following vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance or is unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Rear-end collisions often happen at intersections, traffic lights, or in heavy traffic conditions where sudden stops or slowing down are required.
In a rear-end collision, the impact is typically absorbed by the rear of the vehicle struck, potentially causing damage to its bumper, trunk, or rear lights. The severity of the collision can vary, ranging from a minor fender bender with no injuries or minimal damage to a higher-speed crash resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The force of impact can cause whiplash injuries to the occupants of the vehicle hit, especially if they are caught off guard or not properly restrained.
Rear-end collisions are often caused by the following factors:
The driver of the following vehicle is typically considered at fault for a rear-end accident because it’s their responsibility to maintain a safe distance and react to the actions of the vehicle in front.
However, there can be exceptions to this rule if the driver ahead suddenly and unexpectedly stops or if there are other contributing factors present, such as road hazards, emergency vehicles, or other obstacles forcing sudden braking.
Rear-end collisions can indeed be quite dangerous, leading to significant injuries and even fatalities. The impact can vary in severity depending on the speed at which the striking vehicle was traveling, but even low-speed rear-end collisions can result in grave consequences.
One of the most dangerous aspects of these types of accidents is that the impact in a rear-end collision is usually unexpected and sudden, catching the driver and passengers off guard. This can lead to a decrease in reaction time, preventing individuals from bracing themselves or taking evasive action, which can exacerbate the injuries sustained.
The force of impact in a rear-end collision is often so significant that the vehicle struck from behind is subjected to a powerful acceleration force, pushing it forward unexpectedly. This force can cause the occupants to be pushed forward and then quickly jerked back when the car is impacted, resulting in injuries like whiplash or even more severe spinal cord damage.
Another reason rear-end collisions are dangerous is the potential for a domino effect. If a vehicle is struck from behind, it can propel that car into the vehicle in front of it, initiating a chain reaction of collisions. This can lead to a higher number of injuries and a more extensive accident scene.
Additionally, it’s common for rear-end collisions to occur at high speeds, especially on highways and freeways. The higher the speed at impact, the greater the force exerted on the vehicles involved. This can lead to more severe damage to the vehicles and, consequently, more severe injuries to the occupants. The force of impact can result in the compacting of the rear car, causing the structure to collapse and potentially trapping individuals inside.
Common rear-end collision injuries can vary in severity and may depend on factors such as the speed of the collision, the size of the vehicles involved, and whether or not the occupants were wearing seat belts.
One of the most common injuries resulting from a rear-end collision is whiplash. This occurs when the force of impact causes the head and neck to snap forward and then backward quickly, causing strain and damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and reduced range of motion.
Back injuries are also common in rear-end collisions. The force of impact can jolt and compress the spine, leading to herniated discs, spinal fractures, or damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can transform into chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
In addition, occupants in rear-end collisions may also suffer from shoulder and chest injuries. The impact can cause the upper body to jerk forward forcefully, leading to bruising, contusions, or fractures in these areas. Airbag deployment can also cause chest injuries, such as broken ribs or bruised sternum.
Head injuries can also occur in rear-end collisions, especially if occupants are not wearing seat belts or if the impact causes their heads to strike the steering wheel or dashboard. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and facial fractures are all possible in these circumstances.
The average claim settlement for a rear-end car accident can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the accident, the extent of damage to the vehicles involved, the injuries sustained by the occupants, and the city in which the accident occurred.
In general, rear-end car accidents are typically the fault of the driver who rear-ends the vehicle in front, as they are considered to have failed to maintain a safe distance or were driving attentively. As a result, the driver who caused the accident is typically held liable for the damages and injuries incurred by the other driver.
The settlement amount for a rear-end car accident would typically cover the costs associated with vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the accident. Insurance companies usually consider these factors when determining the settlement amount, along with any applicable state laws and guidelines.
However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not your friends. Their job is clear, and that is to pay the smallest amount possible for the accident caused by their insured. If you have been involved in an accident, it’s essential to call the experienced Arizona rear-end collision lawyers at Torgenson Law for a free case evaluation. We will go over every aspect of your accident and guide you in the steps that need to be taken to claim compensation for your injuries and damages.
It is important to note that the average claim settlement can also be affected by the insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver. If their policy limit is not enough to cover all the damages and injuries sustained by the other driver, then the settlement amount may be lower than expected. In these cases, the injured party may have to seek additional compensation through their own insurance or through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
If you or a family member has been injured or damaged by a rear-end collision, call the rear-end collision lawyers that Arizona residents rely on to get results. Torgenson Law has protected the rights of Arizona drivers for over two decades. Our experienced staff will evaluate every detail of your incident and map a path towards getting you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, reach out to us online or call us at 602-726-0747 and allow us to help you get justice for your pain and damages.