Rear-end car accidents are among the most common types of accidents and the third-most fatal. Reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that in 2019, there were 2,346 fatal rear-end collisions. Though T-bone and head-on collisions are considered more deadly, a rear-end crash often still results in severe injuries and typically have the highest number of injuries reported since these types of car accidents are the most common.
If you or someone you love is injured in a rear-end collision, it’s crucial that you get in contact with a skilled Maryland personal injury attorney. The injuries and damages that result from a rear-end collision can be extensive, costing thousands of dollars in car repairs and medical bills.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, we have years of experience helping car accident victims suffering from a rear-end car accident. We understand how emotionally and physically damaging an accident can be and are here to help you receive the compassionate care and service you need to win your case and get the compensation you deserve.
How Maryland Rear-End Collisions Occur
Often, the two most common causes of rear-end collisions are tailgating and distraction. However, these accidents can happen for various other reasons as well. It simply depends on the circumstances. Rear-end collisions are also more prevalent during times of heavy traffic.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:
Tailgating
Often, most rear-end collisions occur because one car was following too closely to another. This can happen when traffic is congested, but it also happens when a driver is purposely riding too close behind another because they are speeding and want the other car to move out of their way. People also tailgate during moments of road rage to pester other drivers.
Distraction
Distracted driving is the second-most common cause of rear-end collisions. When a driver takes their focus off of the road, even if just for a moment, they can miss that the driver in front of them has put on their brakes. Texting and driving, for example, is a common issue today and often leads to rear-end collisions. Other distractions can include: talking with other passengers, looking in the mirror, messing with the radio, reaching for something on the floor or in another seat, and dealing with children or pets in the car.
Speeding
Vehicles traveling at high speeds have a harder time coming to a stop when necessary. If a car is going too fast when another driver hits their brakes or merges in front of them, it can result in a rear-end collision. Speeding, in general, is a common contributing factor in most types of collisions and can also result in more severe injuries due to the forceful impact that occurs when traveling at high speeds.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving and road rage often lead to rear-end collisions as well. Aggressive and reckless drivers will often follow too closely behind other drivers, weave in and out of traffic, cut drivers off, and speed, among other various aggressive driving actions. These behaviors can easily result in a rear-end collision.
Impaired Driving
Drivers who are impaired due to drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications have slower reaction times and reduced awareness. If a driver were to come to a stop in front of them or pull out in front of them, they might not be able to react in time to avoid crashing into them. Impaired drivers may also fall asleep at the wheel, which can also lead to a rear-end accident.
Bad Weather
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can contribute to accidents like rear-end collisions. When the roads are slippery, cars require a longer stopping distance. Unfortunately, many drivers do not give themselves the space they need, and when a vehicle in front of them comes to a stop, they are likely to slide and crash into them. Rear-end collisions are especially common when there is both heavy traffic and bad weather occurring at the same time.
Injuries That Can Result From Maryland Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collision injuries can vary depending on factors such as how fast a car was going when it was hit or when it hit another vehicle. Speed isn’t the only factor that will determine the extent of someone’s injuries, but it is a factor to be aware of when assessing injuries. Another factor to look at is when multiple rear-end collisions occur in a pile-up; the injuries can also be more extensive.
In Maryland, our attorneys see many victims with severe injuries such as the ones listed below. Though some are worse than others, recovering from any injury can be challenging, especially if it leaves you unable to work. If you’ve suffered from an injury due to a rear-end collision, our team at Zirkin & Schmerling Law can fight for your rights to get you the compensation you need while you focus on rest and recovery.
Common injuries that can result from Maryland rear-end collisions include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Head injuries are common in car accidents. When another vehicle hits you from behind, it can cause your body to jerk back and forth, resulting in your head slamming against parts of the car, such as the steering wheel, the window, or the headrest. When this happens, internal brain damage can occur.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that result from car accidents like rear-end collisions. Similar to what was described above, when the body experiences the force of an impact, the head can move rapidly back and forth, which can injure the soft tissues in the neck. Whiplash can be minor or extremely painful and result in muscle spasms any time you try to move.
Back Injuries
The force that travels through the body when your vehicle is hit from behind can also affect that back area. Back injuries from rear-end accidents can include muscle strains and tears as well as more severe injuries such as herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
Fractured Bones
Various parts of the body can be affected by a rear-end collision. When these body parts come in contact with a part of the vehicle, it can result in fractures and broken bones. If the car is crushed due to the collision, the bones can also be crushed and broken.
Lacerations and Bruising
Bruising, or contusions, occurs when the layers of the skin are damaged from being hit or bumped. In a car accident, there is any number of things you can hit your body against that can cause you to bruise. Cuts and scrapes, as well as deep lacerations, are also common especially if there is any broken glass from the windows.
Facial Injuries
Rear-end car accidents can also cause facial injuries. When you are hit from behind, it can cause your head to slam forward against the steering wheel, which then causes facial injuries. You can also damage your face by hitting it against other parts of the vehicle or broken glass.
Determining Fault After a Rear-End Collision in Maryland
Generally, in most situations, the driver who ran into you will be the one held liable for causing the accident. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of them. So, if a driver hits you, it is likely because they were following too closely or were distracted.
Maryland follows the contributory negligence standard. Unfortunately, if a driver is found to be even 1% at fault and contributed to the accident, they will not be allowed to recover damages. Again, this includes the driver who was hit. This is why it’s crucial for injured drivers who were rear-ended to consult with an attorney. An experienced attorney can work with you to ensure the driver who hit you carries the blame so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Maryland Rear-End Collision Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Maryland rear-end collision, our team of dedicated, experienced, and compassionate attorneys can help. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with an injury claim while trying to recover from an accident. Our team can help you through this trying time and handle all of the challenging legal issues while you focus on rest and recovery.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, we will fight to win you the compensation you deserve. We understand how drastically a victim’s life can be altered by a tragic accident. Contact us or call our car accident lawyers at 410-753-4611 to set up an appointment with one of our personal injury attorneys today.
