How Serious is a Rear-End Collision in the Metro New York Area?

 Posted on March 14, 2024 in Car Accidents

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents. In some cases, these collisions are fairly minor, causing only a dented bumper. However, rear-end collisions can be much more serious than a typical “fender-bender.” People can get seriously injured when the car they are in is hit from behind by a careless driver. Whiplash, while sometimes treated as a joke in sitcoms, can be a major injury when certain types of bodily harm result from a person’s head and neck being thrown forward and then backward. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, it is important to contact a Greenwich, CT, car accident attorney right away so a lawyer can begin gathering evidence promptly.

Factors in How Serious a Rear-End Car Crash is

A rear-end collision is more likely to cause serious bodily harm if the driver in the vehicle behind was:

• Driving drunk - Drunk drivers are far more likely to cause an accident than sober drivers, which is why driving under the influence is illegal. While a sober driver is likely to at least attempt to start braking before impact, a drunk driver may not react in time to brake at all, causing a much harder impact. 
• Speeding - Speeding drivers may hit other cars from behind at a faster speed because they cannot slow down in time. 
• Ignoring weather conditions - Drivers need to start braking earlier when it is snowing, or the roads are wet. A driver who does not take weather conditions into account might lose control of his or her vehicle and cause a more serious crash. 

Major Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Serious injuries often seen after rear-end crashes include:

• Head injuries - Contusions, which can be caused by a person’s brain bouncing against the inside of his or her skull during an auto accident, are common in rear-end accidents. 
• Neck injuries - The neck is often the affected body part in whiplash injuries. Neck injuries in their more severe forms can lead to long-lasting pain, surgeries, or even paralysis. 
• Seatbelt injuries - Getting rear-ended can throw a person in the front vehicle into their seatbelt. This can cause broken or bruised ribs and sometimes even cardiac events. Internal bleeding is also seen in some cases. 

Contact a Greenwich, CT, Car Crash Lawyer

Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC is the oldest and largest law firm in Greenwich, CT. Our experienced Metro New York Area car wreck attorneys will work to get you the financial settlement or award you need. Contact us at 203-661-6000 for a free consultation.