What Happens After a Rear End Collision?

One of the most common types of auto accident is referred to as a rear ender, also known as a Rear End Collisions. This frequently occur when a car stops suddenly and a car crashes unexpectedly into the car in front of it. This category of accident can also be referred to as a "whiplash accident", due to the subsequent type of injury resulting from a rear end collision.

Inattentiveness, or driver distraction is usually the cause of such rear enders. Many times, the fault lies with the rear driver. Driver distractions such as fiddling with the radio, talking with passengers in the car, and particularly cell phones can all lead to trouble. These distractions can lead to rear end collisions because they take the driver's attention away from where it should be - on the road in front of them.Generally speaking rear end collisions are thought to be the fault of the rear driver. However, there are some circumstances when that is not the case. If the forward driver creates a hazard by stopping suddenly with no apparent reason, the rear car driver cannot reasonably be expected to avoid a collision. In this case, the fault for the rear ender may be with the forward driver.

The National Safety Council reports that there are more than 2.5 million rear end collisions in the United States every year, which makes them the most commonly occurring auto accident. When one car runs into another from behind, the front bumper of the rear car comes into contact with the back bumper of the car in the front. This action transfers all of the force from the rear car to the forward car. This sudden, powerful jolt, even if at a low speed, can cause an amazing amount of damage to the cars involved. Most rear bumpers today are designed with a rear end collision in mind. They are designed to protect the occupants of the car as much as possible. This would be the ideal scenario, but is not in reality the case with most cars. Government regulations state that a rear bumper absorb a 5-mph collision without visible damage. Most rear end accidents occur at a much faster rate of speed than 5-mph, thus resulting in significant damage to the vehicles involved, as well as injuries to the car occupants.

Whiplash, a very common injury for the driver and occupants in the front car is often not readily apparent. It is caused by the impact of the collision hitting the cars and forcing the body to try to absorb the impact. This invariably causes the neck to "snap", in an unnatural motion, thus straining and causing the injury known as whiplash. Initially, after the shock of the accident, you may be so relieved that the injuries do not appear to be very serious, or that the damage to the car isn't more severe that you may think you are in the clear. However, by the next day, you know that something is wrong. You don't feel right at all, and may not have any idea about what is wrong. It is vital that you seek proper medical treatment. Untreated, a whiplash injury can be serious and a source of pain for years.

If you have been involved in a rear end collision, it is important to know that you do have rights. All too often, insurance companies try to negotiate the smallest claim possible, particularly if there is little apparent damage which has been done to the car. Do not try to deal with the insurance company on your own. Find a good personal injury attorney to help you get the best settlement possible.