Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of car crashes. They are also one of the most frequent sources of long-term injury and other health complications. These incidents occur when two drivers collide with one being struck from the rear. These incidents are best regarded as serious until proven otherwise. Underestimating their impact can cause additional problems.
Arming yourself with good information is a wise step for minimizing the fallout would you suffer such an incident. Contacting a Boca Raton Car Collision Attorney with experience and a solid reputation is a good start for arming yourself against such an event. They’ll schedule you for a free consultation, and from there you can learn what legal options may be available to you.
Here are some key factors you’ll want to keep in mind when considering how serious rear-end collisions are:
Physical Damage
Rear-end collisions are known for causing immediate physical harm to victims. Even at speeds that seem tame, the immediate and long-term effects of injuries frequently seen in these incidents are known to be debilitating.
The most common injury connected to rear-end collisions is whiplash. When a vehicle is impacted from behind, those inside can have their necks jerked back and forth suddenly and forcefully. This is known to damage the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, cognitive and memory problems, and more.
Read-end collisions are also often the source of fractures, back injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries are known to cause great pain and discomfort, and often extensive medical treatment like surgery, rehab, and time away from work will be the result. All of these factors are known to negatively impact a person's quality of life.
Financial Peril
The financial implications of rear-end collisions are known to range from minor to devastating. Seemingly minor incidents can demand service to the rear of a vehicle. This can mean replacing minor parts like a bumper, a tail light, or a quarter panel. Depending on insurance details and the make and model of the damaged vehicle, costs could quickly rise.
Additionally, the total cost of medical bills from injuries sustained by rear-end collisions can be astronomical. Expenses like emergency room visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and medication all add up quickly. Should the injured party be uninsured, underinsured, or unable to work, they may love their job altogether.
Long-Term Health Impact
It's important to keep in mind that the effects of rear-end collisions often persist long after the initial impact. In the aftermath, many individuals experience chronic pain and ongoing health issues resulting from their injuries. Chronic neck pain and back pain are two frequently seen examples. Such injuries are known to severely affect a person's daily life and overall well-being.
To make things worse, the fallout of a rear-end collision could include psychological damage. Survivors have been known to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety related to the trauma they’ve suffered during a crash. The road to recovery for these victims often includes years of therapy or counseling to heal the damage that’s been done to them.
Safety Measures for Mitigating Rear-End Collisions
To reduce the seriousness of rear-end collisions, both drivers and vehicle manufacturers can take several safety measures. Defensive driving techniques, advanced safety features in automobiles, regular vehicle maintenance, and public awareness are all factors that can help to prevent rear-end collisions before they happen. Applying these factors can look like:
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Maintaining safe following distances
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Avoiding distracted driving
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Remaining alert
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Using automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems
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Collision avoidance systems
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Quarterly tune-ups
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Driver education courses.
