Have You Been Injured In a Rear-End Accident In Ocala?
Injuries sustained from a rear-end accident can range from minor to severe, even fatal. Including the back and neck, arms, legs, hands and wrists, and the face and head, these injuries can be painful and debilitating.
Rear-end car accidents account for 2.5 million of the nation’s more than 6 million which take place every year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation[1] Federal Highway Administration. In 2015, 374,033 auto collisions [2] took place in the state of Florida.
What you need to know about Types of Injuries
The most prominent type of injury suffered in a rear-end collision is damage to the spine as the result of compression, and whiplash. Whiplash [3] happens when the sudden stopping force of an accident causes the head to be jerked forward or backward in a whipping motion, and this injury alone accounts for more than 20 percent of all rear-end injuries.
When the extremities of a person, such as the arms and legs, as well as the fingers, hands and wrists, are involved in a heavy impact, a number of injuries can occur. The force of the arms on the steering wheel, or the force of an airbag deploying, can lead to trauma. In the same way, the legs can be impacted by the sudden stop, or by deformation of the vehicle’s interior.
The same can be said for damage sustained by the head and face. Hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, can impact the head, possibly leading to brain injury, broken facial bones, or even a detached retina.
Car Crash Causes in Marion County
Any number of factors can lead to a rear-end collision. The most common cause is a sudden obstruction in the path of the vehicle that was not expected by the driver, such as auto collisions in traffic ahead, unexpected road construction, or objects that the driver failed to see because they were not paying attention.
It is a well-known fact that distractions while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and even interacting with other passengers, can all lead to a collision. In some cases, a flagman directing cross-traffic, such as dump trucks, may step into the path of a vehicle in motion. In turn, the driver may slam on their brakes, causing vehicles behind them to crash into them.
Defects in the road are another cause of rear-end collisions. Potholes, trees or bushes obscuring vision, broken traffic lights, and road signs can be contributing factors. These conditions can be worsened by dangerous weather conditions, which can also cause visibility and drivability issues.
If a vehicle has broken brake lights, drivers will often not know that it’s stopping. By the time drivers behind the vehicle figure out that they are supposed to stop, they may not have the time to brake successfully.
It should come as no surprise that drinking and driving is a common cause of rear-end accidents. An intoxicated driver’s reflexes are significantly slower. Between the effects of alcohol on judgment and reflexes, the ingredients for collision are abundant.
Contact an Ocala Rear-End Collision Attorney
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, you likely sustained serious injuries as well as extensive damage to your vehicle. The experienced rear-end collision attorneys at Meldon Law can review your case and obtain the compensation to which you are entitled to for your accident injuries as well as lost wages and other damages. Call our office today for a free consultation at 800-373-8000 or use our online form.
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