Rear-end collisions are some of the most common motor vehicle accidents. In addition to physical injuries, these collisions can leave the driver emotionally shaken. They usually happen when a driver is following another driver too closely or is driving too fast to stop.
The driver who hits the car in front of him or her is usually liable and if he or she was negligent, may be responsible for compensating the other driver. Negligence means that the driver failed to exercise appropriate care that would be expected in those circumstances.
There are some situations where the driver may not be at fault for hitting the car in front of him or her. For example, this could happen when there is a chain reaction. If one car breaks quickly and a second must as well, a third car could hit the back of the stopped second car and push it into the back of the first car. The liability may then be on the third driver for the damage.
Injuries and next steps
A driver who is hit in a rear-end accident may suffer from whiplash, which can cause spine and ligament injuries, neck pain and headaches. Victims can also experience head trauma, scarring, fractures and broken bones.
It can be helpful for the person who is hit to create a record of what happened. If possible, he or she should write down what occurred, take pictures or otherwise document the damage and take down notes from witnesses.
If a person has been injured in an accident, an experienced attorney can provide representation and pursue compensation on his or her behalf.