What Is the Most Common Type of Accident?

When you learned to operate a motor vehicle, you were probably told to drive defensively, keep your eyes on the road, and never to drive if you were drunk or on drugs. What some driver's education classes won't tell you is what types of accidents are the most common and which kinds happen the least often.

According to Kirakosian Law, rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the United States. When you think about it, this is hardly a surprise. Rear-end accidents can be caused when a person brakes unexpectedly or when the driver behind them is tailgating. In addition, they can happen if the person is texting while driving and cannot look up in time to see the car in front of them. Back-end collisions can also happen in heavy traffic when somebody pulls in front of another car too quickly.

Common Injuries

Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, and if you suffer one, you should go to the doctor right away.

Whiplash

Whiplash and similar injuries to the neck are typical after a rear-end accident.  It is caused when the head is snapped back and forward very quickly. Even if a person is rear-ended by a slow-moving vehicle, they can still get whiplash.

The ligaments in the neck can be stretched in such an accident, and that can cause soft-tissue injuries. Injuries such as this can be chronic, and they may not manifest immediately. You may not feel pain for several weeks after your accident and then suddenly feel pain in your neck.

Injuries to the Spine

Bulging and herniated discs are very common injuries after a rear-end collision. There are disks that sit between the vertebrae of the spine. They are gelatinous in their consistency and will protect you from shock. When a car rear-ends you, they can be knocked out of place or even ripped open.

The fluid they are filled with may even leak and rupture. As you can imagine, this can be very painful. It can also cause stiffness and numbness in your back.

In severe cases, a rear-end accident may cause paralysis. It can also cause you to lose functions in a body part or organ.

Injuries to the Wrist

When a person is driving, their hands are on the steering wheel, and a rear-end impact can forcefully jolt the driver. A person's arms may stiffen when they realize they have been hit, and that can cause a broken wrist or injuries to the arms.

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, it is very important to collect evidence of your injuries as you go through the treatment process. The testimony of witnesses is very important, and so are any pictures that you may have taken at the scene. It is also important to save all of the medical bills that you have and keep the receipt for any medications that you may have taken.

You should hire a trained personal injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will have years of experience in talking to insurance adjusters. They will be able to get you the compensation you need to take care of your losses.