One of the most common accidents on Indiana roadways is when someone rear-ends another driver.
Rear-end accidents are serious but are often downplayed by insurance companies as "fender benders" or "minor" crashes. However, there is no such thing as a "minor" car accident that results in injuries. Crash tests show that a collision at under 10 mph can cause injury symptoms in soft tissues and joints.
Rear-end accident injuries
According to federal data, almost 30 percent of all car accidents in the U.S. are rear-ended crashes. In 2020, there were more than 1.46 million such accidents. That same year, rear-end accidents accounted for 26 percent of all injury-causing accidents and about 7 percent of all fatal crashes.
Many injuries can develop from a rear-end crash - some might be delayed pain injuries. Here are some of the injuries most commonly associated with a rear-end collision.
Whiplash
Rear-end crashes cause about 85 percent of car accident-related neck injuries. This type of pain can mean you have a whiplash or Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) injury. Whiplash can be treated, but even with the best treatment, some people with this injury will never fully recover. If left untreated, whiplash can develop into chronic pain and stiffness.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and head trauma
Common traumatic brain injuries include concussions, comas, brain bruising or bleeding, and puncture wounds. In addition, head trauma may involve a cracked skull or disfigurement. Left untreated, traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent mental and physical disabilities, loss of body function and control, and decreased brain function. Often, these can be life-threatening injuries.
Internal organ damage
Ligamentous attachments in the aorta, liver, spleen, etc., are particularly susceptible to injury in this situation. Always see a doctor after a car accident to protect your health. Then call a lawyer to protect your right to compensation.
Broken bones
Fractured or broken bones may result if your body is thrown against the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or windows or hit by debris flying in the crash. Some of the most frequently fractured bones in a rear crash are the pelvis (hip), ribs, clavicle (collar bone), femur (thigh bone), fibula, and tibia (shin bones), as well as wrist and hand bones.
Why do rear-end accidents happen?
Many factors can contribute to a rear-end crash, but negligence is typically to blame. Some of the most frequent causes of a rear-ender are:
- Tailgating (following too closely).
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding.
- Failure to adjust for road conditions (e.g., going too fast on slick roads).
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Texting and driving.
- All other forms of distracted driving.
Again, you should see a doctor to diagnose and document any potential injuries you may have sustained in your rear-end accident. Then, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney to review your legal rights and options.
Talk to an Indianapolis car accident lawyer today.
At Hocker Law, LLC, our attorneys have an extensive track record of success in Marion County, Allen County, Greene County, and throughout the state. If you were rear-ended and injured in an accident that was not your fault, our Indianapolis car accident attorneys can step in, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule a free case consultation. We have offices in Indianapolis and Greenwood.