Every day, thousands of people are injured in rear-end collision accidents throughout the nation. Rear-end collisions make up the majority of all car accidents throughout the state of Nebraska, and as a result, many personal injury claims are filed each year from such accidents.
As a victim of a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
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Rear-End Collision Injuries and Recovery
While rear-end collisions can be so slight that they cause little to no damage, others can be quite severe, taking into account the speed of both vehicles. A vehicle traveling up to 40 miles per hour which collides into the rear of a parked vehicle can lead to very serious injuries for the occupants of both vehicles.
Rear-end injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Injuries from air bag deployment
Many of these injuries can take months, and even years to recover from. As a victim of a rear-end collision, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries from the responsible party.
Rear-end collisions are one of the easier car accidents to pinpoint fault, since the driver of the rear vehicle is always considered to be at fault for the accident.
Insurance companies will often try to settle with the victim of the accident. However, it is important to keep in mind that the goal of insurance companies is to pay out as little as possible.
Therefore, insurance companies most often attempt to settle at a lower amount in an attempt to coerce the victim to sign the settlement with the promise of immediate payment.
While a personal injury action may take several months to resolve, you will end up with the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The amount of compensation you receive will be based on the following:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to better guide you regarding your personal injury claim as related to your unique situation.
Damages to Look for After a Rear-End Car Accident
As a driver involved in a rear-end car accident, you might immediately notice cosmetic or more significant vehicle damage from the impact, as well as signs of a physical injury. It is important, however, to keep an eye out for delayed or hidden damages after a rear-end car accident, as well. These collisions can cause more damage than you might initially realize.
Hidden vehicle damage is a significant concern after a rear-end car accident. Hidden damage is especially common after a minor collision, such as a low-speed fender bender, as an auto mechanic may not fully assess the vehicle for hidden damage – or the owner of the car might not take it to an auto shop at all.
Common examples of hidden vehicle damage that may exist after a rear-end car accident are:
- Frame damage: Damage to the frame of your car may not be immediately noticeable, as it may be concealed beneath a plastic bumper. If the collision bent or damaged the frame, however, it can throw off the alignment as well as put more stress on other aspects of the vehicle. A vehicle with a damaged frame may also not hold up properly in a subsequent car accident.
- Suspension problems: The suspension is what provides a smooth drive and easier handling of the vehicle. If a rear-end collision affects the frame of a vehicle, it could cause wear and tear on the shocks, struts, and other parts of the suspension system. This can make the vehicle less comfortable and more difficult to control.
- Engine damage: (drivetrain, transmission, etc.). A rear-end car accident can affect the mechanical aspects of an engine in a way that may not be immediately apparent but will eventually be noticeable when serious problems arise. Even a minor car accident could lead to leaked fluids and latent engine damage
- Electrical damage: Electrical issues can be caused by a rear-end collision if the crash jars or loosens the wires that connect the car’s brake lights, taillights, or battery. These problems may not be immediately apparent if the wires slowly get looser over time.
The possibility of hidden vehicle damage is why it is important to have your vehicle carefully inspected by a licensed professional after a rear-end collision. Even if it looks fine from the outside, it may have internal problems that ultimately compromise its safety, comfort, and durability.
If hidden damage is discovered, including the price of repairs, vehicle replacement, and/or the lost resale value of your vehicle on your insurance claim.
2020 Rear-End Collision Statistics
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident and frequently occur due to driver distraction or driver inexperience.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration completed a study in 2003 to better understand the cause of rear-end collisions and how to prevent these accidents going forward. The end conclusions of the national study found that the majority of rear-end collisions involved teenage drivers or drivers over the age of 70.
Teenager drivers are often the likely cause of many car accidents due to their lack of experience in anticipating an accident, as well as ongoing distractions.
Nebraska statistics seemed to match the national trend. According to the most recent study by the Nebraska Department of Transportation High Safety Office, teen drivers made up about 26% of all rear-end collisions in the state in 2020. This represents a high number out of the total population involved in rear-end collisions, indicating just how important it is to maintain focus while driving.
The majority of rear-end collisions are caused by one driver’s distraction, even if it is only a second glance away from the road.
Contact Our Omaha Rear-End Collision Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured in a rear-end collision, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at the Knowles Law Firm. Our Omaha personal injury attorneys have years of experience in handling rear-end collision claims and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Rear-end collisions are unfortunately common accidents, but we recognize that your case is unique and often involves an adjustment to your daily life as you recover from your injuries.
Contact our Omaha, Nebraska law firm today for your initial free consultation.
