Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Purposeful negligent driving and unintentional human error often lead to rear-end collisions that could cause minor injuries, severe injuries, or even fatalities. It’s important to note that not only serious collisions cause injuries.
Below are the most common injuries that rear-end collision victims may face:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Leg and/or hand injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
Drivers or passengers involved in a dangerous rear-end collision may require special hospital treatment or hospitalization. Those involved in fender-benders also require medical attention, as they can cause less noticeable, but just as significant, injuries.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions have been reported to be the most common type of collision that occurs in the US. While driver negligence is the most common cause of such collisions, there are other contributing factors.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions in the State of New Jersey include:
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Speeding past the limit
- Speeding in poor weather
- Driving too close to the vehicle ahead
- Poor weather conditions, such as icy or slick roads
- Driving while tired or drowsy
- Driving while intoxicated
- Turning without signaling
- Reversing without looking behind
- Stopping suddenly without warning
Understanding the causes of rear-end collisions can help prevent the frequency of such accidents. Even the most careful drivers, however, can find themselves on the front end or the rear end of a collision. There are important steps to take to protect yourself if you fall victim to a rear-end car accident.
What You Should Do After a Rear-End Collision Injury
Immediately after a traumatic rear-end collision, you may be in shock or injured. The most important thing to do first is to have your injuries examined by the paramedics on the scene.
Besides that, if you have suffered minor injuries, there are several steps you should take that will help you with your insurance claim or lawsuit:
- Write important information surrounding the circumstances. Note the date, time, and location of the car accident. Take into account the road and weather conditions.
- Take photos of the car’s damage. What may look like a minor fender-bender could lead to major car trouble such as misalignment, exhaust pipe damage, engine problems, or frame damage, to name a few. These could cost thousands of dollars to fix in the long run.
- Exchange information with the other parties involved. Obtain the contact details of the other driver(s). Get their insurance information as well as their license plate number.
- See a medical professional as soon as possible. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel you’ve sustained any injuries, it’s best to have a medical professional examine you. It is critical to ensure that you are not suffering from internal injuries that could lead to a serious medical condition. Injuries such as soft tissue damage or brain trauma may not show immediate symptoms.
- Consult with an experienced car accident injury attorney. Speak to one of our lawyers and find out about your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t let the insurance companies bully you into settling for compensation that doesn’t fully cater to your needs.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you evaluate the extent of your injuries, the damages incurred, and what this accident could cost you in the long run. He or she can also determine liability in your case and negotiate on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Who is At Fault in a New Jersey Rear-End Collision?
One common misconception in such an instance is that the driver in the car behind is at fault, based on the assumption that the person was driving too close or recklessly. This is not always the case.
Determining who is liable in a rear-end collision can be one of the most complicated aspects of a personal injury case. If the driver of the vehicle ahead was driving recklessly, he or she could be held responsible. However, if the driver in the vehicle behind displayed reckless actions like texting while driving or disregarding road signs, then that person could be found liable.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a rear-end collision in New Jersey, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. Injuries and other accident-related expenses could prevent you from going to work and taking part in day-to-day activities. If a rear-end accident occurred and you were seriously injured, you could receive monetary compensation to help you and your family through this difficult time.
What Happens When Multiple Vehicles Are Involved in a Rear-End Accident?
The determination of fault becomes more difficult when multiple vehicles are involved. In this case, the parties involved can share a proportion of the responsibility through a settlement. Assuming all the vehicles involved are insured, multiple vehicles would mean multiple insurance policies. An experienced rear-end car accident lawyer with top-notch negotiation skills could help you maximize the compensation for your damages.
A rare event can occur when someone causes multiple cars to rear-end each other due to a mechanical defect. If they have faulty brakes, brake lights, or hazard lights that are not working, liability may rest with the manufacturer, car dealership, or auto repair shop. The more complex your case is, the more you need a highly skilled and dedicated personal injury attorney on your side.
What Economic or Non-Economic Compensation Can You Receive in NJ?
New Jersey is a no-fault state. This means each party in a rear-end collision receives compensation from their auto insurance company regardless of who is at fault. However, if you have sustained severe injuries or meet the monetary threshold, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver to recover additional damages.
If you file a claim or a lawsuit, you could receive compensation depending on the extent of your injuries and the damage. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we are ready to help you navigate legal proceedings and achieve the best results for your injury claim or lawsuit.
Victims of rear-end collisions can seek compensation for damages listed below:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Medications
- Specialized medical equipment
- Lost wages or salary from missed work
- Emotional distress
In the State of New Jersey, you can sue for emotional pain and suffering only if there is substantial emotional and mental harm, such as if you have experienced a life-altering situation. It is also important to note the type of insurance policy you have when seeking compensation for emotional distress from the insurance company. Your selected plan may have limitations. However, you can seek compensation for suffering from the driver at fault.
Rear-end collision claims or lawsuits are not always straightforward. After a devastating accident, you need someone to help ease the stress of the losses you’ve sustained and receive compensation. Judd Shaw Injury Law will be your knight in shining armor.
Contact New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we seek to protect our clients and make a positive emotional impact. We are proud to fight for personal injury victims in New Jersey. Our promise to you—the Judd Shaw Way—is the highest level of service and the best results tailored to each client’s case.
Dial 1-866-909-6894 or complete the free online form to contact our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers. We’re available 24/7 and our offices are conveniently located in and around New Jersey. You can come to us or we can serve you from the comfort of your home virtually.
Contact Judd Shaw Injury Law today to get started with your claim or lawsuit.