Rear end collisions are one of the leading types of automobile accidents. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a rear end collision occurs every 8 seconds in the US. There are on average 5.5 to 6.0 million accidents a year and of those, 2.5 million are rear collision accidents.

In the US, 80 percent of all neck injuries treated by medical staff are caused by automobile collisions. Of those 80 percent of neck injuries, around 85 percent are caused by rear end collisions. The condition of whiplash is one of the most common types of neck injuries sustained in rear end collisions. Whiplash is caused by the sudden movement of the body in a forward motion while the head remains static for a moment of time as a collision happens. According to the Spinal Research Institute of San Diego, whiplash is the leading cause of neck and cervical injuries.

There are a number of strategies you can use to prevent either becoming a victim of or causing a rear end collision:

  • Stay alert. With common distractions occurring in the cab of a vehicle, this is one of the easiest aspects to overlook. Paying attention to the flow of traffic in front of you and behind you is absolutely essential.
  • Use the 4 second rule. Once a vehicle in front of you passes an object, count to 4 seconds. To keep safe distance behind the car in front of you, your vehicle should be passing that same object by the time you reach 4 seconds.
  • Brake early. Braking early and tapping the brake pedal helps to alert the driver behind you that you’re stopping. Not only does last minute or sudden stopping consume fuel at a higher rate, it also reduces the time the driver behind you has to react.
  • Always use your turn signal. This alerts drivers both in front and behind you of your intentions.
  • Don’t tailgate, and don’t let other drivers tailgate you.
  • And finally, use your mirrors.

Using both your rear-view and side view mirrors frequently helps to keep you aware of surrounding traffic and potential hazards.  While rear end collisions are generally deemed to be the fault of the car causing the impact from behind, if you are the injured party this knowledge is of small comfort when you are dealing with the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

If you have been the victim of a rear end collision, please call the law firm of the Ruth Law Teamto answer your questions and help you get the compensation you deserve. Our law firm has extensive experience resolving rear end accident claims and getting the highest possible financial compensation for our clients. Working with one of our rear end car accident personal injury attorneys can allow you to focus on getting better while we handle your claim and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Call the Ruth Law Team (888) 783-8378 for a free consultation today.