Spokane rear-end collisions are, unfortunately, not an uncommon experience. In some cases, both parties are unhurt, and there is only minimal damage to vehicles. In other cases, rear-end collisions can cause life-altering health problems. Rear-end collisions can also be fatal; in fact, they account for over 17% of all motor vehicle deaths. 

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Common causes of Spokane rear-end collisions include:

  • Tailgating. Many drivers do not keep a safe distance from a vehicle in front of them. In such instances, drivers are unable to brake in time if the vehicle in front has to stop right away. 
  • Aggressive driving behavior. Aggressive drivers may be driving too fast to stop in time. They may also tailgate the vehicle in front of them and be unable to prevent a collision if the other vehicle stops unexpectedly. 
  • Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even trying to settle an argument taking place in the back seat can cause a driver to be unaware of what’s going on around him or her. This can lead to a rear-end accident if a driver does not brake in time.
  • Drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is never a good idea. Your reflexes are slower than usual, and you will be unable to brake in time to prevent an accident.
  • Icy, snowy, or wet roadways. Dangerous roads can cause rear-end accidents even if drivers are going slow and driving as safely as possible. 
  • Speeding. Speeding drivers often can’t brake in time to prevent an accident, even if they are paying attention to the road. Such accidents can be particularly dangerous because being hit by a speeding vehicle can cause serious injury. 

Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents 

Whiplash is the most common injury caused by a rear-end accident. It can cause damage to the neck and/or spine as well as the muscles and tendons near these parts of the body. Symptoms of whiplash include pain, swelling, headaches, and a stiff neck. In most cases, a person will feel better in a few weeks. In other cases, the injury can take months or even years to heal. 

Concussions are also common after a rear-end accident. In such cases, the brain is jostled inside the skull. Symptoms can include nausea, headaches, amnesia, slurred speech, sensitivity to light and noise, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms may occur right away or later on. A rear-end collision attorney in Spokane will always recommend seeking medical help immediately after an accident even if there are no severe symptoms. The medical tests will serve as evidence in court, so the other party cannot claim the injuries were caused by another incident. 

A rear-end accident can also cause musculoskeletal injuries. These include broken arms, wrists, and/or hands, pain, inflammation, and tenderness. The crash may also jolt the spinal cord, causing a fracture, slipped discs, and/or other related injuries. These injuries cannot only disrupt daily activities but also make it impossible for a person to work and earn an income.

Contact a Spokane Car Accident Attorney to Obtain the Compensation You Deserve

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, get in touch with a rear-end collision attorney in Spokane as soon as possible. A good attorney will review your case to determine who is responsible to pay compensation for the accident. In most cases, it would be the other driver’s insurance company. However, in some cases, another party may be at fault, such as a vehicle manufacturer. 

Spokane car accident lawyers will also collect evidence on your behalf. This includes eyewitness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Spokane car accident attorneys will then try to help you negotiate a fair settlement with the other party. If this isn’t possible, your lawyer will take the case to court to help you claim the compensation. 

Craig Swapp & Associates has a team of Spokane car accident attorneys with many years of experience and a winning track record. Our team provides fast, efficient, yet compassionate services designed to meet the needs of each individual we work with. If you have been injured in a rear-end car accident or lost a loved one as a result of such an accident, get in touch with us to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment at your convenience. 

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp