Careful driving requires that drivers keep their full attention on the road while driving. However, this happens far less often than it should. Today, many drivers engage in some distracting behavior another that diverts the driver's attention from the road. Distracted drivers are more likely to cause an accident, and the number of accidents has increased as a result.
Rear-End Crashes—a Regularly Occurring Problem
The government, on its website distracted.gov, defines distracted driving "any activity that diverts attention from driving." Drivers are becoming increasingly more distracted. This is true for a variety of reasons but none other factor is more at fault than technology; the government states that texting is the most "alarming distraction." Still, activities such as speaking to others in the car, fidgeting with music/radio, and even eating or drinking can be considered distractions because they divert the driver's full attention from the road.
Rear-end crashes occur with regular frequency. According to government studies, rear-end collisions may account for nearly 30 percent of all car accidents. Studies have found that between 76 and 87 percent of all rear-end collisions involve some form of distracted driving!
Teens have shown a susceptibility to distracted driving. Almost 6 of 10 accidents involving teenagers also involve some form of distracted driving; in rear-end collisions, distracted driving is involved over 75 percent of the time. In some cases, teens failed to break or steer clear of the car which they overtook.
Distracted driving accounts for nearly 5,000 deaths each year. Even in instances where a life is not lost, a driver or passenger may still suffer injuries as a result of the accident. Typically, the extent of one's injuries will be affected by the rate of speed at the time of impact. And while a majority of rear-end collisions do occur at slower rates of speed, drivers of passengers can still suffer serious, life-altering injuries as a result. Individuals involved in an accident should always seek medical attention.
Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are more commonly referred to as "whiplash accidents." This is appropriate considering that the most common injury associated with rear-end collisions are neck injuries from whiplash. Still, other more serious injuries can occur. Some examples include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head or brain trauma
- Broken bones
- Lacerations or contusions
These injuries can have serious and lasting consequences. Individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries may suffer temporary or permanent paralysis, whether partial or full. Head trauma, which can easily affect the brain, can impair an individual's cognitive abilities. Other injuries can result in significant pain, additional complications, and may force an individual to make difficult accommodations as a result. Therefore, if you are involved in a rear-end collision, seek immediate medical attention. After you have recovered, seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Get Help From an Experienced Richmond Personal Injury Attorney
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions may result in significant injuries, forcing you to incur financial expenses and losses. If this happens, you should seek experienced legal counsel to recover those damages to which you are entitled. The legal team of Emroch & Kilduff is committed to providing you with the legal assistance you need and deserve. Let us discuss your case with you today. Schedule your consultation by calling (804) 358-1568.
