Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of automobile accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions accounted for 32.5% of all motor vehicle collisions in 2019. Although many rear-end collisions occur at slower speeds (fender benders at stop lights), resulting injuries may still be severe. If you are involved in any type of wreck, contact an experienced auto accident attorney for the advice and guidance you need.

5 Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can be caused by a variety of factors, but understanding some of the more common causes of these accidents can help you avoid them yourself:

1. Distracted Driving: In today’s fast-paced world, multi-tasking is the norm. People commonly text, talk on the phone, put on make-up, eat or drink, and do many other activities while driving. When you do not have your full attention on the road ahead, it is easy to cause an accident. More specifically, the person in front of you stops suddenly, and you only notice it at the last second as you run into their back bumper.
2. Speeding: Driving fast reduces the amount of time you have to react when drivers in front of you slow down or stop. If you are speeding and unexpected traffic conditions occur ahead of you, your speed can increase the likelihood of a crash occurring.
3. Driving Under the Influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous to you and everyone else on the road. Drugs and alcohol significantly impair your judgment and reaction time, which drastically increases the chances of a crash.
4. Weather: When the roads are wet, slippery, or icy, drivers need more time and distance to fully stop. Many rear-end collisions are caused by slippery road conditions and the driver’s failure to leave sufficient distance to stop before hitting the vehicle in front.
5. Vehicle Malfunctions: Many drivers do not properly maintain their vehicles. As a result, bad tires, malfunctioning brakes, or other vehicle maintenance issues can prevent a driver from stopping properly, resulting in a rear-end collision.

Types of Injuries that Commonly Occur in Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can result in many different injuries. However, due to the trajectory of motion, there are several that commonly occur:

• Whiplash. A rear-end collision causes the driver’s head to whip back and forth violently, causing injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues.
• Soft tissue injury. Being rear-ended in your vehicle can cause strains in various places all over your body.
• Head injuries. In severe cases, a driver can suffer a head injury ranging from a concussion to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Head injuries can be caused by slamming into the steering wheel, the windshield, or even the impact of the airbag.
• Back injuries. Any time you are in a car wreck, it can place strain on your back. Injuries can range in severity, but back injuries are typically very painful and require a significant time period for recovery.
• Injuries to the Face. Drivers suffer lacerations, bruising, dental injuries, and facial fractures during rear-end collisions.
• Broken bones. All car accidents have the ability to break bones because the body is slammed around into hard surfaces. Whether you fracture your arm, leg, hip, or ribs, the damage can be severe and even require surgery.

If you have been injured in a car accident, even a slow-speed rear-end collision, seek legal help from a personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle can help ensure you receive the proper medical care you need and recover the compensation you are entitled to receive for your damages.

Contact Auto Accident Attorneys Who Care

If you have been involved in an automobile accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver it is important to have effective attorney representation. At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle, our auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys have been representing injured victims of automobile accidents and insurance disputes for over 60 years. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at (405) 692-7676 to schedule a FREE consultation.