Car accidents occur every single day in the United States. A vast majority of these collisions are rear end accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also known as the NHTSA, 40 percent of around six million collisions that occur in the United States are those that involve one driver rear ending another.

Rhode Island rear end motor vehicle accident law

““Under Rhode Island law, “[w]hen a case includes a claim or defense resulting from a rear-end collision between vehicles, a prima facie case of negligence against the driver of the car in the rear is established * * *.” Maglioli v. J.P. Noonan Transportation, Inc., 869 A.2d 71, 75 (R.I. 2005). http://www.ripersonalinjurylaw.com/car-accident-injury-law-1/

Every eight seconds, someone is involved in a rear end car accident

Approximately every eight seconds, someone is involved in a rear end car accident. That means that there are such accidents taking place just as you are reading this sentence. Sadly, the number of rear end accidents on the road only continues to increase because of the number of people using smartphones while driving. Distracted driving accounts for a majority of accidents on the road, with the NHTSA reporting that drivers are four times more likely to get into a serious car accident while using a device like a smartphone or mp3 player while behind the wheel.

Other reasons why people get into these types of collisions is because of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, falling asleep at the wheel, speeding in an attempt to beat a red light and aggressive driving where the individual speeds, tailgates and cuts off other drivers. Many people believe that rear end car accidents are the fault of the person hitting another vehicle from behind. However, that is not always the case. For example, if the driver who is ahead suddenly and inexplicably backs up on the street and the other driver doesn’t have sufficient time to react, it can be the fault of the former driver.

“whiplash accident” came to be as a result of rear end car accidents

Of course, there are exceptions to the general rule that a motorist who rear ends another vehicle is always at fault. Most rear end collisions take place with an impact that is less than 10 miles per hour. However, in spite of the slow speed, these car accidents still result in many types of long term injuries to people in the vehicle that is hit. Such injuries can affect the spine, neck, head, brain, knees and even the face. The term “whiplash accident” came to be as a result of rear end car accidents.

If you have been involved in a rear end car accident and suffered any damages or injury, it is important to find the right personal injury attorney to help you. Your lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure that you are protected in a personal injury case.