The Dangers of Rear-End Collisions at Intersections

A Nashville car accident lawyer can help you get the best possible case outcome

Rear-end collisions at intersections are common and often lead to serious injuries. While some consider these types of car accidents minor, the impact can be serious, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Drivers often find themselves in such situations due to sudden stops, distractions, and misjudged speeds.

Knowing the risks and taking steps to avoid them can keep you safer on the road.

What makes intersections high risk for rear-end collisions?

Traffic congestion is often heaviest at intersections, particularly during rush hour. This mix of stop-and-go traffic and shorter following distances creates prime conditions for rear-end collisions. With more cars stopping and starting, drivers must stay alert to avoid rear-ending a car in front of them.

Additionally, sudden stops are frequent at intersections, especially as drivers approach a yellow light or wait for pedestrians. Drivers who follow too closely often have no time to brake, which makes rear-end collisions almost inevitable in heavy traffic.

What injuries are common in rear-end collisions at intersections?

Rear-end collisions can cause injuries ranging from minor to life changing. These accidents might seem low risk, but they often have lasting effects.

Whiplash and neck injuries: Whiplash occurs when a sudden force jerks the neck back and forth, as the body is thrust forward upon impact. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Back and spine injuries: The impact of a rear-end collision can harm the spine and result in herniated discs or even fractures. Spine injuries can affect mobility and sometimes require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Head and brain injuries: If a driver’s head hits the steering wheel or headrest, concussions and brain injuries can occur. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can lead to memory issues, mood changes, and difficulty focusing.
Chest and rib injuries: Seat belts can sometimes cause chest and rib injuries in rear-end collisions. The force of impact may bruise or fracture ribs, which can make movement painful.

What factors contribute to rear-end collisions at intersections?

Several factors influence how and why rear-end collisions happen at intersections. Each can impact a driver’s ability to respond in time to avoid a crash.

Driver distractions

Texting, adjusting in-car technology, and other forms of distracted driving increase the risk of rear-end collisions at intersections. When a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, they may not see a car stop suddenly in front of them. Distractions take valuable seconds away, which makes it difficult to respond in time.

Speeding and tailgating

Speeding and tailgating reduce a driver’s reaction time and control. Drivers who follow too closely or exceed the speed limit at intersections risk rear-ending another vehicle if traffic suddenly slows.

Mechanical issues

Cars with faulty brakes or worn tires pose a risk, especially in high-traffic areas. Mechanical issues make it harder for drivers to stop in time and can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Regular vehicle maintenance helps prevent these problems.

What are the legal and financial impacts of rear-end collisions?

In most rear-end collisions, the following driver is considered at fault. However sudden lane changes or erratic behavior may complicate liability. For example, if a driver’s vehicle is hit from behind after cutting someone off in traffic or brake-checking another driver, they may be found primarily at fault.

If you were hit in a rear-end collision that wasn’t your fault, you may claim damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Compensation covers immediate and future costs, so you can make a full recovery. However, getting compensated isn’t as simple as it sounds. Insurance companies often push back on claims to reduce their payouts.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help determine how much you’re owed in damages and collect key evidence to strengthen your case.

What should I do if I’m involved in a rear-end collision at an intersection?

If you’re involved in a rear-end collision at an intersection, follow these steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of recovering fair compensation:

Check for injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call emergency services if needed.
Call the police: Report your rear-end collision to the police right away and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene.
Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries might take hours or days to develop. A medical evaluation also provides documentation linking your injuries to the rear-end collision.
Document the scene: Take photos of all vehicles involved, close-ups of the damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
Collect contact information: Exchange information with the other driver (name, phone, license, insurance details, and license plate number) and obtain contact details from any witnesses present.
Get legal help: An experienced Tennessee car accident attorney can guide you through the claims process, advise you on your rights, and help maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. They can also communicate with insurers on your behalf, protect you from low settlement offers, and represent you in court if necessary.
Follow medical and legal advice: Attend all medical appointments, avoid activities that can delegitimize your claim, and avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney present.
Keep all records: Maintain all medical records, receipts, prescriptions, appointment logs, as well as vehicle repair estimates and pay stubs.

How might insurance companies dispute my rear-end collision claim?

Insurance companies have various tactics to downplay rear-end collision claims. Here are some common strategies they might use:

Disputing the severity of your injuries: They might argue that rear-end collisions, especially at low speeds, don’t typically cause serious injuries.
Shifting blame: Even in clear rear-end collisions, insurers may argue that you contributed to the crash by stopping suddenly or failing to signal. They might try to assign a percentage of fault to you, which can reduce the settlement amount in states with comparative fault laws.
Using delayed symptom arguments: If you report injuries days or weeks after the accident, the insurance company may argue these symptoms aren’t crash-related.
Offering a quick, lowball settlement: Insurance adjusters often propose a fast but low settlement amount to close the case before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or costs.
Questioning medical treatments: Insurance companies may argue that certain treatments such as physical therapy or pain management are unnecessary. They might even enlist their own medical reviewers to suggest you’re over-treating or exaggerating symptoms.

Our law firm is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, having a Nashville car accident attorney on your side can help you level the playing field. The Law Office of Eric Beasley has more than 20 years of experience and a proven track record of successful case results. That includes:

$3.6 million – Verdict for wrongful death in car accident claim.
$2.5 million – Wrongful death in a pedestrian accident by an impaired driver.
$1.25 million – Head-on collision settlement for severe internal injuries.

During your free consultation, you can expect a straightforward, honest discussion about your case. We’ll take the time to review your accident details, answer your questions, and explain potential legal strategies. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Don’t let insurance companies dictate what you deserve. Contact us online or call us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

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