A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. From 2012 to 2014, nearly 50 percent of all two-vehicle accidents were rear-end collisions. Each year, these collisions resulted in more than 1.7 thousand fatalities. According to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “87 percent of rear-end crashes involved a driver failing to attend to the traffic ahead,” meaning that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of these collisions. In high-impact rear-end collisions, several different types of injuries can result, including:
- Whiplash
- Back and spine injuries
- Neck injuries
- Skull and brain damage
- Facial injuries
- Arm, hand, and wrist injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Seat-belt injuries
According to physicists, “rear-ending a stationary car while traveling at 30 miles per hour is equivalent . . . to crashing into a wall at 15 miles per hour.” The majority of the force is absorbed by the stationary vehicle. So, if the stationary vehicle is smaller or less rigid than the moving vehicle, it could be subject to devastating damage. Certain types of cars with smaller rear-crumple zones, such as minivans, have a higher risk of being involved in fatal car collisions. A rear-end collision could result in deadly fuel-fed fires for the infamous Ford Pinto.
Focusing on the road ahead while driving is always important to avoid being involved in a rear-end collision. This is especially true for new and inexperienced drivers, who are more likely to be distracted.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Every driver must drive responsibly. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a rear-end collision caused by the reckless or careless actions of another driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact the New York car accident attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP at (212) 779-0057 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team today.