CAR, TRUCK, AND MOTORCYCLE CRASHES Chris Stolmeier
The Most Common Type of Car Accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the United States. In fact, rear end collisions make up 29% of all car accidents in the United States.
What Is A Rear End Collision?
A rear end collision occurs when one vehicle contacts the rear end of the vehicle directly in front it.
Rear end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the United States because while driving, a driver is most likely to be in front of or behind another driver. It is far less likely that the average driver will encounter a vehicle that is turning in front of him or a vehicle that is coming head on at him. As a result, rear end collisions are and will always be the most common type of car accident in the United States.
Additionally, the following are other reasons why rear end collisions are the most common type of car accident.
- Intoxicated Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy Driving
- Tailgating
- Hard Braking By The Lead Car
What Are Common Injuries In A Rear End Collision?
Common injuries in a rear end collision include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is the most common type of injury associated with rear end collisions. During a red end collision a victim’s head will be violently thrust backwards against the head rest. This movement will stretch the soft tissue in the neck, causing injury. Whiplash can be mild or severe depending on the speed the offending car was traveling as well as how big the offending car was. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 80% of victims who suffer whiplash will experience pain and soreness for a week, while 50% of victims who suffer whiplash will experience pain and soreness for more than a year.
- Back Injury. A victim can also suffer back injuries as a result of a rear end collision. Similar to whiplash, a victim can suffer soft tissue injuries to his back. Additionally, a victim can suffer skeletal injuries if the rear end collision is severe enough.
- Spinal Cord Injury. A victim of a rear end collision can also suffer a spinal cord injury depending on the severity of the accident.
- Brain Injury. A rear end collision victim can suffer a brain injury when the victim’s head makes contact with the air bag, steering wheel, or the head rest.
- Face Injures. A victim can suffer facial injuries cause by a deployed air bad or making contact with the steering wheel.
- Chest Injuries. The air bag can also cause chest injuries when it is deployed.
- Hand, Wrist, or Arm Injuries. During a rear end collision a victim’s body will be forced forward. A victim’s hands, wrists, or arms can make contact with the steering wheel or dashboard and be injured.
- Knee Injuries. A rear end collision victim can suffer knee injuries when the victim’s body is forced forward and the victim’s knees contact the underside of the dashboard.
- Seat Belt Injuries. A victim can suffer injuries from a seat belt including bruising and broken ribs.
Contact Stolmeier Law
Stolmeier Law is a family owned and operated law firm. We have over 35 years of experience serving car accident and other personal injury victims in San Antonio and South Texas. We know what it takes to take on and defeat the high priced defense attorneys, and we have the record to prove it. Our reputation has been built on standing up against big insurance companies and standing shoulder to shoulder with injured car accident victims. So if you or a loved one has suffered life changing injuries in a car accident, contact Stolmeier Law. Let this family fight for you.