Did you know that rear-end accidents account for about 29% of traffic collisions? But the rear-end accident injuries vary in severity.
Some people make a quick recovery, while others need extensive treatments. Some may also have long-term disabilities.
However, rear-ended collisions are a commonly misunderstood type of car accident. Most movies scenes try to depict rear-end collisions to generate laughs with the “victims” faking injuries.
The insurance industry promotes such images since rear-end crashes are common. The insurance companies always want to avoid or cut liability or what they have to pay.
Those who think rear-end accidents are not serious have only seen or been through a fender bender accident. But have you seen the carnage a tractor-trailer causes after slamming into a passenger car from the back at a red light?
Keep reading to know the common rear-end collision myths.
Myth 1: It’s Always the Rear Driver’s Fault
Most people think that the rear driver is always at fault in a rear-end accident. But, there is always no exemption from liability for both parties involved in a rear-end accident.
There are instances when the lead driver can be responsible for the collision. Such instances include:
• Reversing or braking suddenly
• Driving with damaged brake lights
• Not using hazard lights when the vehicle malfunctions
An experienced rear-end car accident lawyer may argue that such actions contributed to the accident. When arguing against such presumptions, ensure you have legal representation.
Insurance companies are quick to assign blame to the rear driver.
Myth 2: There are No Major Damages from Rear-End Accidents
People think that a rear-end accident isn’t a serious concern. Though some fortunate victims happen to walk away from the accident, it’s not always the case.
Rear-end accidents involving cars at high speed cause severe injuries and serious property damage. Victims will suffer shoulder, neck, and head injuries from the lead car’s rear since the accident.
One of the most typical injuries from rear-end accidents is whiplash, which brings us to our next rear-end accident myth.
Myth 3: Drivers with High Head Rests Can’t Suffer a Whiplash Injury
When a car gets smashed from behind, it lifts upwards, lowering the seat by about 2-3 inches. When the impact force combines with the forward momentum, the vehicle occupants “ride up” in the seat.
When the motion happens, the headrest no longer protects the head and neck of the occupants. The headrest might become a pivot enhancing the stress on the occupants’ necks.
True, the headrest can limit cervical acceleration and deceleration incidence. But, that can only work when you adjust the headrest in the appropriate position to serve such a function.
Many vehicle occupants forget to adjust the headrest routinely. The victims do not think of protecting the neck and spine in case of a collision.
Myth 4: There Is No Need for an Attorney
Most people think that liability is automatic once you’re in a rear-end accident. That’s because, in most cases, the accident’s liability is pretty straightforward.
And, if the liability is clear, many people think there is no need to hire a rear-end accident lawyer. But, even though the driver’s insurance company accepts the blame, it does not mean you will receive adequate compensation for damages.
It’s always a nice idea to work with an experienced accident lawyer after a rear-end collision.
Myth 5: Since the Victims didn’t Complain Immediately after the Crash, the Injuries Were Probably Minor
Note that whiplash symptoms may take hours or days to appear once an accident occurs. And the symptoms will begin to come and go or even become increasingly severe over time.
Victims need immediate medical attention since such injuries don’t exhibit vivid symptoms. You should disclose all the accident symptoms even though they seem minor.
You also have to follow through on all diagnostic testing and treatments.
Myth 6: Victims of Rear-end Collision Should Have Visible Injuries
The collision will push the victim’s vehicle forward during a rear-end accident. The seat then pushes the occupants forward at the same speed as the vehicle.
Any unsupported head will hang in space for some seconds before snapping back. Inertia then makes the head move forward again as the vehicle seeks to stop.
The victim’s head will rapidly move forward if the car pushes into another car, wall, or pole. The fastback and forward motion of the head damages some soft tissues in the neck.
The damage may cause impingement syndrome, which causes pain in the shoulders. The accident might also cause brain injuries once the brain collides with the skull.
We cannot see both brain injuries and soft tissue injuries with the eye even though the injuries are real. Also, an MRI or CT scan might or might not reveal the injuries.
But, medical science has made it possible to observe the injuries with diagnostic equipment.
Consider Seeking Help after a Rear-End Accident
Now that we have debunked the above rear-end accident myths, you know what to do in such an eventuality. You need financial compensation if you get injured in a rear-end accident due to another driver’s reckless or negligent action.
An auto accident lawyer ensures they handle the case correctly, investigate fully, and you get the best settlement.
At Georgia Auto Law, we are auto specialists who know what it is like to deal with serious injuries. We will immediately assign you to a dedicated legal team that will be available 24/7.
Contact us today to begin your auto accident legal claim.