Houston, Texas Rear-end Accidents
According to the NTSA, rear-end collisions make up almost 1/3 of very vehicle accident that occurs across our nation. When more that one vehicle is invoved in a car accident, the statistic increases. Almost 50% of every accident involving two vehicles is some store of rear-end collision. Most of the accidents occur at interections, stoplights, and stop signs. Even perceived low speed accidents can cause severe injuries because the forces that are exerted on the body when these collisions occur.
Why do most rear-end accidents happen?
Our experience has shown us, that certain circumstances can trigger a rear end collision:
- Following too closely. Most of the time a rear end incident occurs, the vehicle from behind is either following too closely or not allowing enough space between the two cars in order to stop in the event there is a need to quickly stop. In Houston we called this tailgating. This means that the person driving behind the front car is so close that they’re almost “kissing” the tailgate of the car in front of them.
- Distracted Driving. We all see it every day. The data supports that almost half a rear end, collisions are a result of the rear driver not being able to stop fast enough. Often times the rear driver is distracted by something other than what is going on on the road. These distraction include Occupancy in the car, eating and cell phone use. Some data supports that up to 90% every year and accidents are result of cell phone use.
- Cell Phone Use. All those cell phone use in texting is really a sub part of distracted, driving, so many accidents are caused by cell phone use. It certainly deserves its own category. The data supports that cell phone use continues to cause rear-end accidents.
- Adult Men aged 24-35. Men between the ages of 24 and 35 are 20 times more likely to be involved in a rear end collision than any other group. It’s no surprise that their insurance premiums remain higher than average.
- Daylight Hours. Our experience along with the data indicates that more rear end collisions happen during the day than at night. Common sense, my dictate that there’s a higher chance of a rear end, collision happening in the evening, but the data indicates the contrary.
Mechanical failures, aggressive, driving in road and weather conditions can also cause rear-end collisions as well.
Rear-End Collision Responsibility
Most people without extensive experience in this area automatically assume that the person who hits the car from behind is automatically at fault. While is the general rule, there are multiple potential exceptions. The front driver could he help responsible if the following is true:
- Faulty brake or running lights in the front car.
- If a car becomes disabled, but was not moved out of the road.
- If car remains in the roadway, stopped without its warning or indicator lights.
- If the front driver suddenly stopped or reversed the car.
Typical Injuries in a Rear-end Accident
As we’ve explained, previously, in our experience liability, and a rear end, collision should be somewhat clear. Once liability is established, we must consider the damages. Keep in mind that some injuries take a few days to present themselves because the nerves and adrenaline that are triggered after experiencing an collision.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries. When the neck, head or spine is snapped forward by the sudden impact, this can cause a whiplash injury. These injuries can occur in low speed and high speed crashes.
- Back Injuries. The force of a rear-end collision can put a massive amount of pressure and stress on the back and spine. This pressure can cause fractured vertebrae, compress inter vertebral discs, injure a spinal disc, and strain back muscles. This pressure can lead to ruptured or herniated discs. If pain or numbness radiates down there extremities, spinal or back injuries could present that are impinging on your nerves.
- Head and Brain Injuries. Loss of consciousness is a sign that a head injury could be present. Often, the emergency room will diagnose a concussion. A concussion should always be investigated further because they can indicate the presence of a traumatic brain injury or a TBI is present.
- Wrist and Arm Injuries. Some of the driver has their hands on the wheel when the impact occurs. Because of this, injury to the arm and wrist can occur. Also, our experience shows taht when someone can see the collision right before impact, they tend to “brace” themselves which can lead to additional injuries because they are tensed up at impact.
- Airbag Injuries. Airbags deploy rapidly do to a “gun shot” that releases the airbags and expands it in a millisecond. Often this expansion can lead to burns to the passenger or drivers face or arms. Also, the the airbag can also injure your body when it deploys.
If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, we want to work for you and make it right. Our experience lawyers can show your options for obtaining a full financial recovery. Call Today 1-800-99-FITTS.
