The larger and heavier the vehicle that hits you, the worse a rear-end accident can be
Rear-end accidents can happen in many different situations. For example, you might be stopped at a stop sign or a light when a vehicle comes from behind and slams into you. Or, you might be hit by a tailgater while going 60 miles an hour on the highway.
When it comes to the severity of a rear-end accident, it’s all about the momentum of the vehicle that hits you. Momentum has two components: mass and velocity. The more mass a vehicle has (the heavier it is) and/or the more velocity it has (the faster it is traveling), the harder it will hit and the more damage it will do.
The most damage will be done by heavy vehicles traveling quickly. In other words, by big rig trucks.
Why Big Rigs Are at Risk for Rear End Accidents
There are many different challenges associated with driving a big rig truck that can make them more prone to having a rear end accident. For example, because they are so large and heavy, big rigs can be difficult to maneuver. They take more time to start and get up to speed, as well as more time and distance to stop. Trucks have large blind spots that add to the difficulty of maneuvering, as drivers have more trouble staying aware of traffic conditions around them.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
According to the National Traffic Safety Bureau, rear-end accidents cause about 500,000 injuries each year, in addition to some 1,700 fatalities. In addition to the sort of broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue injuries that can occur in any kind of car accident, rear-end accidents typically involve whiplash injuries.
Whiplash injuries are caused by sudden impacts that cause the head to jerk violently back and forth on the neck. This stretches and tears the muscles and ligaments in the neck, as well as creates the potential for brain injuries caused by the brain bouncing around inside the skull. Whiplash injuries are possible even in slow-speed accidents. The symptoms can range from minor stiffness to symptoms like severe neck pain, restricted mobility, and headaches. In some cases, symptoms may linger for months.
Get Compensation for Your Rear-End Accident
The vast majority of rear-end accidents are caused by other drivers, not the driver who was rear-ended. This means that If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
