We Tennesseans are constantly on the go. Our cars and trucks are our primary mode of transportation, which means we have to deal with other drivers. We cannot always be safe on the road because we cannot control the actions of others. One common type of auto accident is a rear-end crash or collision.

The most persistent kind of automobile accident, rear-end crashes involve one vehicle’s front bumper hitting another vehicle’s rear bumper. We also call these crashes “whiplash accidents” since the driver of the front vehicle often experiences a whiplash injury, or his or her head rapidly turning to his or her vehicle’s front and then to his or her vehicle’s rear.

What causes a rear-end crash?

Most often, tailgating leads to a rear-end crash. Distracted driving is another main cause of these kinds of accidents. Sometimes the two drivers will simply feel a little “fender bump,” but rear-end auto accidents can be pretty serious. The severity of the crash, and the ensuring injuries you might sustain in such an accident, depend on:

• The difference in the involved vehicles’ speed
• The size(s) and weight(s) of the vehicles involved in the crash
• Where exactly the vehicles were hit
• Where and how exactly were the drivers’ and passengers’ heads restrained
• The angle and height of the seats’ back section(s)
• Whether the seats performed how they were designed to

Serious injuries in rear-end collisions

Both drivers and passengers can suffer various minor and major injuries from a rear-end collision. For example, a rear-end crash can cause:

• Muscle tears and over-stretching
• Spinal fractures
• Traumatic brain damage
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Nerve damage

Staying safe while on the road

Drivers should check their mirrors frequently and maintain safe distances in order to minimalize rear-end crashes. Checking mirrors and maintaining safe distances help improve reaction time, enabling drivers to brake and halt sooner and more safely. In addition, drivers can flash their vehicles’ brake lights at least twice if the vehicles behind them are tailgating or increasing their speed. Flashing brake lights helps prompt other drivers to also brake and thus helps decrease, but not eliminate the likelihood of a rear-end crash.

If you were in a rear-end auto accident in Knoxville, and sustained an injury as a result of the accident, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Banks & Jones may be able to help you. Please contact the Knoxville auto accident attorneys of our firm, or call 865-546-2141. We proudly serve the people of Knoxville and the greater Knox County area.