The Dangers of Rear End Auto Accidents
The legal team at the Foley Law Firm is committed to injury victims based in and around Scranton. Skilled legal counsel and guidance is imperative following serious injuries, particularly when there is a major motor vehicle collision. Serious auto accidents can lead to life-changing injuries and even death. Having an attorney on your side can make the litigation process far easier to negotiate.
With this in mind, let's consider rear end auto accidents and what those entail.
Defining Rear End Auto Accidents
A rear end auto accident refers to cases in which the back of a vehicle is struck by another vehicle. This may occur when the vehicle that is struck is in motion or when the vehicle is stationary. In general, the most severe kinds of rear end auto accidents occur when a stationary vehicle is struck from behind at high speeds.
Common Causes of Rear End Auto Accidents
Some of the most common causes of rear end auto accidents include the following:
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Driver Distraction – This is a broad term that is used to describe various behaviors by motorists in which their attention is diverted from the road ahead of them. Any kind of distraction can lead to collisions with a vehicle in front of you. In recent years, one of the most common and dangerous forms of driver distraction has involved texting while driving. This should be avoided at all costs even if cellphones are essential for your everyday needs.
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Brake Failure or Malfunction – When a person's brakes are defective or fail completely, running into the back end of a vehicle is much more likely. This is common sense given the added stopping time and stopping distance. Be sure to get your brakes serviced regularly.
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Tailgating Other Vehicles – Tailgating refers to following vehicles that are ahead of you at very close proximity, not leaving enough of a car length to ensure proper braking time. Tailgating at high speeds is very dangerous and a major cause of severe rear end accidents.
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Drunk Driving – When people drive while under the influence of alcohol, their reaction times are affected as well as their decision-making skills. This can definitely result in serious rear-end collisions if drivers are not careful.
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Poor Road or Weather Conditions – When roads are slippery due to rain and snow, or when road maintenance is such that there is poor traction, rear end auto accidents are more likely to occur.
Injuries That Can Occur During Rear End Auto Accidents
While bruises, cuts, and broken bones are a possibility following any sort of injury, rear end auto accidents are commonly associated with whiplash and spinal cord injuries.
Whiplash is a particular set of spinal cord injuries in which the cervical area of the spine (the upper portion that comprises the neck) is suddenly snapped and extended beyond its normal range of motion. This can lead to major problems with neck movement, as well as nerve damage and impairment of the shoulders and arms.
Learn More About Your Legal Options in an Auto Accident
If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a serious auto accident, be sure to contact our personal injury attorneys today. The entire team here at the Foley Law Firm will work closely with you so that negligent parties are brought to justice.