Rear-end Collisions: Causing Injuries and Deaths

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Rear-end collisions are the most common types of accidents in Ontario involving more than one vehicle. According to statistics compiled by the government, of the 35,972 motor vehicle crashes last year in the province, 9,821 of them were rear-end collisions in which people were injured or killed. Understanding the causes of rear-end crashes and how the courts determine who is at fault could help if you are injured and want to make a claim for compensation.

Proving fault when accidents occur

Compensation for injuries received in a motor vehicle accident depends upon proving fault on the part of one or more of the drivers in causing it. Proof is in the form of evidence, including:

• Testimony from witnesses
• Video recordings from surveillance cameras
• Statements made by drivers to police
• Results of police investigation

Drivers must operate their vehicles according to generally accepted rules of the rule. In Ontario, basic rules of the road are found in the Highway Traffic Act. Violation of one or more of the rules of the road that causes a rear-end collision, such as tailgating or driving while distracted, could result in a court finding such conduct to be negligent and order the offending driver to pay compensation to anyone injured.

Common causes of rear-end collisions

Rear-end crashes are so common because it does not take much to cause one. Common causes of these collisions include:

• Following another vehicle too closely
• Distracted driving
• Carelessly changing lanes
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Impaired driving

The vast majority of rear-end collisions are the fault of the driver of the car or other vehicle making contact with the rear of the one in front of it, but this is not always the case. A sudden stop by the car in front could contribute to causing a crash. This would also be true in situations in which the vehicle in front abrupt changes lanes.

Types of injuries in a rear-end crash

Injuries to the neck and spine are common when one vehicle slams into the rear of another. It happens so quickly and without warning that occupants of the front vehicle have little or no chance to brace or otherwise prepare for the impact. As a result, a person’s head and spine move about with such force as to cause the following injuries:

• Concussion and head trauma
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Whiplash and spinal damage
• Damage to internal organs

If a passenger or driver hits the steering wheel, window or frame of the vehicle, the injuries could include facial fractures, damage to the teeth and mouth, and lacerations.

Victims of rear-end collisions can also suffer from paralysis or other forms of disability causing them to miss time from work or be unable to ever work again. The true extent and severity of the injuries might be revealed for days or weeks following the accident. It is essential for a person involved in a rear-end collision to seek medical attention immediately to have the injuries evaluated by a physician and receive the appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Personal injury lawyers can help

Rear-end crashes took the lives of 32 people in Ontario last year. Thepersonal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamondhave years of experience pursuing claims for compensation for victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers. When deaths occur, they offer advice and guidance while representing grief-stricken family members of the victims to obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a rear-end collision, contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.