Few things will get a motorist’s heart racing like the sound of squealing tires coming from the vehicle behind them. The feeling of not having control of the situation, with seemingly little to do but wait for the impending rear-end crash, can bring fear to even the most experienced driver.
The Denver injury attorneys at Lonn Heymann Law Firm, P.C. realize that rear-end and “T-bone,” or broadside collisions happen through no fault of the victim, and can cause serious injury or even the loss of a life.
Almost one-third of all motor vehicle crashes are rear-end collisions, according to The National Transportation Safety Board, (NTSB). Additionally, research has shown that large, commercial vehicles were involved in 40 percent of those crashes, due in part to the extra stopping distance needed by big rigs and semi tractor-trailers.
| • Safely utilize your mirrors to monitor traffic patterns and abnormalities adjacent to and behind your vehicle.
• Keep a consistent and steady pace with surrounding traffic, always allowing adequate space between yours and other vehicles. • Discourage tailgaters and aggressive drivers by slowly reducing your speed, using your turn indicator and changing lanes. • Slightly tap your brakes to flash your brake lights if you see upcoming traffic congestion, or stopped traffic ahead of you. • Don’t position your car within a nearby vehicle’s blind spot. Should that vehicle suddenly enter your path, your abrupt brake application may cause an impact from the car behind yours. Source: Adapted from information provided by Allstate Insurance |
A study of rear-end accidents conducted by the NTSB found that in every crash reviewed, the major contributing factor was misperception about the conditions ahead by the driver of the following vehicle.
There are several factors that can lead to a rear-end collision, including rainy or ice-slicked roads; tailgating and aggressive driving; impaired visibility caused by sun glare, fog or smoke; distracted drivers; and drivers who simply fail to realize that traffic has slowed or stopped ahead.
In Colorado, treacherous winter storms can severely impair visibility on the roads and highways, and a rear-end collision can turn into a chain reaction, multi-car pile up.
Even a safety-related device like a traffic signal can actually increase your risk of being involved in a rear-end collision. A publication produced by the Colorado Department of Transportation concluded that adding a traffic signal at an intersection can actually cause an increase in rear-end crashes.
Conversely, the same report points out that the addition of a traffic signal at an intersection will decrease the instance of another type of accident, most often referred to as broadside, or “T-bone” crashes.
The Colorado Department of Transportation spent six years examining a 2.21 mile section of State Highway 70B in Mesa County. Of a total of 368 crashes, the most, (39%), were rear-end collisions, while the second highest occurrence was broadside accidents, (24%).
Denver personal injury lawyers know that rear-end and broadside accidents can cause severe, debilitating injuries, and even death. Some common injuries include:
• Whiplash, which is an injury to the neck caused by the sudden forward jarring of the head. The alarming fact here is that pain involving the neck may not be immediately evident after a rear-end or broadside accident – it could manifest itself several months after the crash.
• Spinal injury and damage
• Herniated discs and associated injury
• Head injuries, in some cases caused by the head striking the vehicle’s head restraint.
• Damage to the ligaments and muscles surrounding the head and neck.
(Source: Spine Research Institute of San Diego)
The dedicated team of Denver personal injury attorneys at Lonn Heymann Law Firm, P.C. have years of experience defending the rights of those injured in motor vehicle crashes. By contacting our firm today for a no obligation consultation regarding your accident, you will be on your way in your fight for the justice you deserve.
