What Can I Do If I Was Rear Ended in Buffalo?

Rear-end collisions in can involve one vehicle striking the back of another vehicle and causing damage to the vehicle. Depending on the force by which a driver is rear-ended by another, physical injuries may occur as well, especially whiplash or scrapes and bruising attributed to wearing a seat belt. Causes of rear-end car accidents include not paying attention to the road (distracted driving), speeding, following too closely, or possibly neglecting to repair worn or faulty brakes.

Whiplash and Seat Belt Injuries

Drivers and passengers wearing seat belts when their vehicle is rear-ended may suffer bruising, skin scrapes/burns or even minor fractures if they are rear-ended forcefully. Although seat belts are designed to prevent you from being tossed around inside a car or ejected, they do not always protect your upper body from being forced forward due to a car hitting the back of your car.

Whiplash involves a strain/sprain of the neck muscles that often includes damage to ligaments, discs and spinal nerve roots. Drivers or passengers of a vehicle struck from behind can have their heads abruptly forced forward and then abruptly snapped backward.

Also called “acceleration-deceleration disorder,” whiplash can be a debilitating injury requiring weeks of treatment and possibly physical therapy. In some cases, symptoms of whiplash do not emerge for many hours following an accident. When they do, whiplash victims suffer severe neck stiffness and pain, chronic headaches, numbness/tingling in the hands and arms and dizzy spells.

What Can Drivers Do If They are Rear-Ended?

The first thing to do is make sure anybody who needs medical help receives treatment. Call police as soon as possible before anything changes regarding the scene of the accident. Some drivers who hit the back of another vehicle admit guilt right away (“I was on my cell phone” or “I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking, it’s my fault”). Others may not be ready to admit fault. It is important to document any statements and report them to the responding police officer.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

For professional legal assistance in obtaining compensation for injuries due to a car accident, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer. The compassionate and experienced lawyers at William Mattar law offices are here to help. Consider calling today to schedule your free appointment with one of our car accident lawyers. We may be able to help you receive compensation for your bodily injuries. Contact us 24/7 at 844-444-4444.