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Baltimore Rear-End Accident Lawyers
hurt in an accident?
CONTACT HYATT & GOLDBLOOM
Serious Rear End Accident Lawyer in Baltimore
Rear end accidents, the most common car accident in the world. But, just because these accidents are common, the severity and damages that may occur can be just as devastating as a head on collision or vehicle rollover accident. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that over 28% of car crashes are rear-end accidents and over 2000 people are killed each year due to this type of collision. This type of accident most commonly happens in heavier traffic when the trailing driver is not paying attention to the car in front of them. Although this isn’t always the case, a large portion of rear end accidents can be contributed to the other driver’s negligence and can create a strong case for a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one have been injured in this type of accident, contact a dedicated Baltimore rear end accident lawyer at Hyatt & Goldbloom.
Common Causes Of Rear End Accidents in Baltimore
Major cities like Baltimore are especially prone to rear end accidents due to the number of drivers and the close quarters associated with the Baltimore City streets. Rear end collisions can happen for many different reasons, but below are some of the more common causes:
Drivers Following Too Closely
Maryland law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Allowing for a three to four second trailing distance gives drivers the time and space needed to safely adjust their speed in case of changing traffic patterns or an abrupt stop from the vehicle ahead. This distance becomes even more essential during bad weather or periods of heavy traffic when it can be even harder to stop in time and avoid a car accident or truck accident. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more time needed to completely stop.
Rubbernecking
Distracted drivers may not realize you’ve stopped for a stoplight, stop sign, or for traffic, especially if the other driver is looking to the left or right of their car and not keeping their eyes front and center. When they fail to recognize slowing or stopped traffic, the driver is more likely to drive into the back of the vehicle ahead of them.
Texting And Driving
As texting while driving has become more widespread, so too has driver inattention. Due to this Maryland has passed strict texting and driving laws forbidding any kind of texting when operating a vehicle. If the driver who caused a rear collision was found to be texting when the accident occurred, their consequences will likely become even greater.
Sudden Stops
When a vehicle stops suddenly, the cars behind them must adjust quickly to prevent a collision. However, just because you may need to abruptly stop your car, does not mean that you are at fault for the accident. If the trailing driver is not prepared to stop in time or is simply not paying attention to their surroundings, a rear end crash is likely to occur and that driver may be at fault. This particular cause of rear end accidents is often muddy and can lead to a “he said she said” scenario. That is why it’s so crucial to have an experienced Maryland rear end accident lawyer by your side to help you navigate these tricky legal waters.
Impaired Driving
Drivers who consume alcohol or drugs and decide to get on the road often cause severe and fatal accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to the other driver being under the influence, speak with a Baltimore DUI lawyer immediately.
Common Injuries from a Baltimore Rear End Accident
Rear end accidents can be incredibly dangerous and leave unsuspecting victims with lifelong injuries and mental trauma. Although both drivers may be injured in the collision, the stationary motorist is often the one who endures the worst injuries. There are many injuries that can result from a rear end accident, but there are a few very common injuries that many victims of these accidents will have. Not to mention, these injuries can have a significant impact on how much your rear end accident settlement could be worth.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash describes the pain and stiffness in the victim’s neck and shoulder area that occurs when they are suddenly and violently thrown forward by the force of the rear end accident. The quick and violent movement forces the neck and spine far beyond their normal range of motion causing serious damage to both areas. According to the NHTSA, 20% of all motorists involved in rear-end accidents suffer a whiplash injury. Among those, almost 80% experience pain and soreness that lasts longer than a week following the accident.
Back Injuries
When your car is struck from behind, the abrupt force of the impact can seriously injure the victim’s spine. The human spine is a delicate and fragile formation that isn’t capable of withstanding impacts that man-made machines can create. The impact from a rear end accident can compress the spinal cord and cause serious injuries to the discs, joints, and nerves in your back. Because the spine and neck are so critical to functioning in everyday life, these injuries can completely alter your life. Speaking with a Baltimore rear end accident attorney is critical to receiving justice for your pain and suffering.
Head and Face Injuries
Most vehicles are equipped with airbags that are designed to protect the head and face in the event of a Baltimore car accident. However, just because you have an airbag does not mean that it will completely protect you from injury. If the rear-end accident occurs at high speeds, and the airbag does deploy, it poses its own serious risks. It’s common to see serious injuries caused by the airbag because of the velocity of impact.
Arm and Hand Injuries
Because most victims are grasping the steering wheel when they’re hit by a rear-end crash, injuries to the arm, shoulders, hands, and wrists are very common. The brute force can cause these body parts to jerk violently, jam into something, get pinned, or even break in some cases. These types of injuries may not sound as serious as others, but living without full range of motion or pain in your arms or hands can be detrimental to your everyday life.
Seatbelt Injuries
Seatbelts are essential for roadway safety, but although these can save lives in accidents, they can also create serious injuries. A rear-end collision causes your body to thrust forward against the seatbelt upon impact. Although this may prevent your face from hitting the steering wheel, the seatbelt may lacerate your skin, bruise your body, or contribute to whiplash.
Rear End Accident Statistics
As mentioned above, rear-end accidents are the most common types of car accidents, especially in a densely populated city like Baltimore. Due to the inherent nature of these collisions, accident victims do not have the chance to make any evasive maneuvers or brace themselves for the impact. Most rear end accident victims have no idea the impact is coming until it’s too late, which can lead to even more serious types of injuries. Unsuspecting victims often have a good case for personal injury claims, that’s why speaking with an experienced Baltimore rear end lawyer should be one of the first things you do after the accident.
According to a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents are responsible for more than 7% of all traffic-related fatalities and almost 20% of those fatalities involving two-vehicle collisions. Another recent statistical study by The Washington Post found that over 1 million rear end accidents occur in the US each year and more than 2,000 of them result in death.
Contact A Baltimore Rear End Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have endured a serious injury in a rear-end accident, there are likely more complex legal issues involved than you may imagine. You should immediately contact a Baltimore rear end accident attorney at Hyatt & Goldbloom for assistance following an accident. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve handled countless rear end accidents in Baltimore and have helped hundreds of clients regain financial compensation for their injuries.