Rear-end crashes are sometimes considered minor because they usually occur at lower speeds. The fact of the matter is that these can be very dangerous crashes because the physical trauma for the people in the front vehicle can be considerable. Oftentimes, those individuals aren’t expecting the impact, so they’re not braced for it.
One of the more common injuries that occurs during a rear-end crash is whiplash. This occurs when the head is flung forward and backward because of the impact of the wreck. That motion causes damage to the ligaments, muscles and other structures in the cervical spine. While it may not seem like a serious injury, whiplash can lead to prolonged pain and reduced mobility.
Primary cause of rear-end crashes
Drivers not paying attention and failing to react in time to the vehicle in front of them stopping or slowing down is the primary cause of a rear-end crash. Distraction is a factor in many of these crashes, and those wrecks are all preventable. Other causes, such as driver fatigue, may also be present in these cases.
Victims of rear-end crashes may not notice the symptoms of an injury at the scene of the crash. Having an evaluation for potential injuries right away is often beneficial. Additionally, they should seek medical care if they notice any pain or limited mobility in the days after the crash. The care they receive, along with other expenses of the crash, may lead to significant financial trouble. They may opt to pursue a personal injury claim to help recover those damages from the party who was liable for the crash.