A rear-end collision takes place when one vehicle hits a second vehicle directly in front of it. Normally, this sort of car accident is caused by the sudden braking of the vehicle in front and the amount of time that the car behind has to come to a halt before crashing into its rear end.
If both the vehicles involved are of a similar size, the extent of the damage to each of them will be almost the same. But if one of them is significantly bigger the smaller one will be damaged the most. Injuries normally sustained by the driver and passengers of the vehicle in front are much more severe than the rear vehicle as they are unexpectedly hit from behind while those in the rear car can see what is happening and can prepare by bracing themselves.
Injuries
Auto rear ends are strengthened so that a minor hit should be of little significance. However, even low-speed rear end accidents can cause some quite severe injuries to passengers such as:
- Soft tissue damage to the neck
- Lumbar spine soft tissue injury
- Spinal cord injury.
- Head and face injury
Often these injuries require a long recovery period, which can be a financial burden on the victim. There are the medical costs to consider and the loss of wages too.
Compensation
If you or a family member has suffered an injury in a rear-end accident you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. In 99 percent of cases, the driver who actually performs the rear-end is to blame. As long as the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to a compensation payment from the person who caused your injury.
Often, personal injury victims are not aware how serious their injuries are until several weeks have gone by. People are not constructed to take the sudden shock of a rear-end collision, so if involved in this type of accident medical attention should be sought immediately even if there is no visible sign of injury.
Be wary of any conversation with an insurance agent
Once your accident has taken place and it is clear that you have been injured, you might be approached by an insurance adjuster who will try to offer you a token payment to offset your suffering at the hands of someone else. You shouldn’t be tempted into taking any offers as most likely it will be a fraction of what you are entitled to.
An attorney will ensure that you get a compensation payment that fits precisely the nature of your injuries and no less. You aren’t expected to suffer financially if the accident was not your fault and you are legally entitled to a compensation payment as well. It is simply a matter of piecing together all the evidence and presenting this to the party at fault. If the person refuses to accept liability then a court case maybe necessary before a compensation claim is settled. A lawyer experienced in the complexities of a rear end accident will ensure that justice is done so that you can get on with your life once again.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact an experienced Car Wreck Attorney.
