Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle October 07 2020 5:41 pm

Rear-end collisions are as common as they are dangerous, and they often lead to serious, even life-threatening injuries. Far from being the fender benders that many people associate them with, rear-end collisions rank among the most common fatal accidents on our roadways.

Many people are under the misguided perception that rear-end collisions are nothing but minor fender benders – when, in fact, they are not only the most common type of accidents on our roadways but are also some of the most dangerous. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in a rear-end collision, it’s in your best interest to reach out to an experienced Kansas car accident attorney today. 

Rear-End Collisions: The Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that – based on data from 2017 – rear-end collisions make up 7.2 percent of the total number of fatal car accidents, and the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute shares additional statistics on the matter, including:

• Rear-end accidents account for a full 25 percent of traffic accidents.
• Of all the injuries caused by rear-end accidents, neck injuries are the most common.
• Rear-end collisions are five times more common in urban areas than they are in rural settings, which highlights the dangerous role that driving too close to the car ahead can play in these dangerous accidents.  

Rear-end collisions present their own special brand of danger.

Common Injuries Associated with Rear-End Collisions

The immense direct impact of a rear-end collision can lead to any number of serious injuries, including:

• Neck Injuries – As mentioned, neck injuries are the most common injuries associated with rear-end accidents, and they tend to be quite serious. Neck injuries are slow to heal, are extremely painful, and can lead to a seriously decreased range of motion and even to chronic pain. 
• Broken Bones – Broken bones are another common injury associated with rear-end collisions. The immense impact of being thrust forward from behind leaves the occupants of the forward car in a rear-end collision vulnerable to broken bones. Broken bones are extremely painful injuries, are slow to heal, and when they heal poorly, they can lead to chronic pain and even to disability.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries – When the occupants of the forward car in a rear-end accident are thrust forward, they are vulnerable to having their heads whip forward and violently hit the dash or back seat, which can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Because these injuries affect the brain, they tend to be not only extremely serious but also extremely unpredictable.  

You Need an Experienced Kansas Car Accident Attorney on Your Side

Rear-end accidents happen frequently, and they are often quite dangerous – even fatal. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a rear-end collision, the dedicated car accident attorney at Pyle Law in Kansas is committed to skillfully advocating for your rights in support of your case’s most positive outcome. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 620-374-9299 today.