Automobile crashes are among the most common accidents that can occur. Though not all vehicle accidents result in injuries, many can inflict serious harm. If you are in an accident, and someone else is at fault for the accident and injuries, you may be able to file a claim for damages.

Consequently, you could be entitled to compensation. When it comes to incidents on the road involving vehicles, rear-end crashes make up nearly one-third of all traffic accidents. It’s important to understand when you would warrant pursuing legal action and what the personal injury claim process looks like with rear-end crashes.

The Causes of Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end car accidents may be common, but several factors contribute to them. Most often, a rear-end crash occurs when the lead car is stationary or moving slowly and the trailing car is going at a faster rate. Tailgating can be a significant problem and is a frequent culprit of rear-end incidents. When one car is tailgating another, it follows at an unsafe distance. If the car in front must stop suddenly, the driver of the car behind won’t have time to bring the vehicle to a stop before colliding.

Speed can be a major cause of rear-end collisions. Even if a vehicle is not following too closely, if it is traveling too fast, the driver will not be able to avoid a rear-end crash. Furthermore, rear-end crashes involving excessive speed tend to cause more serious injuries because of the force and impact of the collision.

An increasing problem for drivers is driving while distracted. A driver may be distracted by talking on a cell phone, checking or sending text messages, browsing the Internet on a smartphone, listening to music, or conversing with or interacting with others in the car. Driving while drowsy is another form of distracted driving. In all cases, the driver is not as alert and aware as he or she should be. These drivers are less likely to notice slowing or stopped cars on the road ahead of them.

Common Injuries That Rear-End Crashes Cause

Rear-end crashes make up nearly one-third of all traffic accidents. They can also cause various types of injuries. Perhaps the most common is whiplash. This is an injury to the neck, upper back, or shoulder. It happens when the head and neck suddenly snap forward. Whiplash can happen even in slow-speed rear-end accidents. Whiplash can be painful and inhibit flexibility and range of motion in the neck. If you suffer whiplash, you may experience dizziness, headaches, tingling, and weakness.

Concussions and other head injuries can potentially be even more serious. These are common in rear-end collisions when the victim’s head hits against the window, dashboard, or headrest in the vehicle. An object in the car could also hit a person in the head, causing a concussion or similar injury.

Broken bones can also be a result of rear-end accidents. Fractured ribs might be the most frequent type of break doctors treat following a rear-end car crash. This often happens in such situations when an airbag deploys and punches the person in the chest. Seatbelts can have the same effect. Broken legs and arms are other types of fractures that are consequences of these car accidents.

What You Can Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Rear-End Crash

If you suffer injuries in a rear-end car accident, it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will determine whether the other driver is liable for your injuries. In your case, if you can show that the at-fault party was negligent, you may sue for damages related to your medical care. For example, you may ask for compensation to pay for medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor’s office visits, surgeries, medical equipment, and medication.

If your injuries forced you to miss time at work, you may be able to recover the pay you lost. In cases where severe injuries will not allow you to return to your regular employment, you may be eligible for future lost pay compensation. In addition, you can claim pain and suffering damages if the rear-end accident has caused you mental and emotional anguish.

With rear-end crashes making up nearly one-third of all traffic accidents, it is not surprising that serious injuries can result. Fortunately, financial compensation may be available to help you pay for medical costs and other damages you suffer. A personal injury lawyer can help you decide whether you are a good candidate to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party in your accident.