Avoiding a Car Accident During Rush Hour Traffic
by
Christopher Hoffmann on Dec. 16, 2014
Accident & Injury Car Accident Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: While many rear-end collisions are relatively minor, others are serious that cause severe injuries and extensive property damage.
Rear-end collisions are a common occurrence in the United States. These accidents are a harsh reality facing people who travel daily during rush hours or who drive in a busy city. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 28 percent of all accidents occurring on U.S. roads are rear-end collisions. A large percentage of rear-end collisions happen in bumper to bumper traffic. Rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon is the perfect time for rear-end collisions. During rush hour, many people are in a hurry to reach their destination, and are either distracted or fail to notice that the car in front of them has come to a stop.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
In a rear-end collision, the driver of the vehicle that hits the car from behind would generally be liable for the accident. There are many factors that can lead to a rear-end collision including:
- Tailgating or following too closely.
- Drastic changes in speed or over-speeding that makes it difficult to stop in time.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Driving under the influence or when intoxicated.
- Tire problems or brake malfunctions.
- Poor weather conditions that alter road conditions and limits visibility.
Common Injuries Resulting From Rear-End Collisions
Each rear-end collision is different and can causes various types and severity of injuries. However, there are some types of injuries that are most common in rear-end collisions.
- Whiplash.
- Joint damage.
- Nerve damage.
- Herniated disks.
- Damaged ligaments.
- Brain damage.
- Other spinal complications.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
- Do not follow too closely.
- Obey traffic signals and signs.
- Be aware of your car’s position in relation to other objects on the roadway.
- Avoid distracted driving.
- Do not trust other drivers to be as responsible a driver as you are.
Rear-end collisions may cause injuries that can affect your life for a long period of time. You may have to spend significantly on medical treatment and rehabilitation and may even lose the ability to work. It is important to obtain full and fair compensation to cover all the costs associated with the injuries. In doing so, the legal guidance and support of a St. Louis car accident lawyer is essential. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242.