Rear End-Collision Injuries and How You Can Recover
The last thing you expect when sitting at a traffic light is for your car to be hit from behind. However, rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents in the United States. They can cause serious injuries even when the vehicle at fault is traveling at a slow speed.
Your injuries are not always immediately evident but can lead to extensive losses. You may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. To protect yourself and your rights, seek medical attention and contact a compassionate Colorado personal injury attorney experienced in handling rear-end crashes.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when two vehicles are traveling in the same direction. If the following car travels faster than the car in front of it and makes physical contact with that car, a rear-end collision occurs. Occupants of both vehicles can be injured.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions are:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence of illegal substances
- Aggressive driving
- Rapidly changing lanes
- Inexperienced drivers
Sometimes, a rear-end collision can begin a chain reaction of secondary accidents. This can result in a pile-up of vehicles and even injure pedestrians and cyclists if the vehicles crash into sidewalks and bike paths. Refraining from the above behaviors can help lower your chances of being involved in a car accident.
Colorado has diverse driving conditions, including busy city streets and mountainous highways. Even if you have been driving for years, you should periodically review Colorado driving laws to help you drive safely.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can lead to death or life-changing injuries. However, most victims of rear-end collisions suffer non-life-threatening harm. Even if your accident initially seems minor, it can result in serious damages.
Some types of injuries caused by rear-end crashes include:
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones and fractures
Unfortunately, rear-end collisions sometimes result in death. If you have lost a family member due to a car crash, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Know What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision can leave you bewildered and wondering what to do.
If you are able, you should take the following steps after a car accident:
- Stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident or as closely as is safely possible.
- Exchange information with the other drivers involved. Colorado law requires you to provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license information after an accident.
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured to the extent you are able.
- Take photographs of the damage. Even if you think the damage is minor, you may discover later that your injuries are more significant.
- Get medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you have been injured, you should get checked by a medical professional after a rear-end collision.
- Speak to an experienced Colorado car accident attorney to protect your rights.
Do not hesitate to protect your health and right to compensation for your injuries. Your accident may seem like a minor fender-bender. However, your legal rights are important, and you should proactively seek compensation for injuries caused by a negligent driver.
Contact a Colorado Car Accident Attorney For Help After a Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions can cause serious damage, even at low speeds. Victims of rear-end crashes often have whiplash, soft tissue damage, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and broken bones. Sadly, some rear-end collisions result in death or life-changing injuries.
If you were injured, you should seek immediate medical attention. You may realize hours or days later that your injuries were more severe than you first thought. Soft tissue injuries may become symptomatic days later but can leave you with lifelong pain and impairment.
Even if you think your rear-end collision was a minor accident, you should get checked out by a medical professional. You should also seek the guidance of an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney to protect your health and your legal rights.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Lakewood, CO, and need legal help, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Matos Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Matos Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakewood Office
550 S Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80226
(720) 912-7274
Hours: Open 24/7