Rear-End Car Accidents In Baltimore: How They Happen And Your Rights In A Claim
Rear-end accidents in Baltimore are common. If you are the victim of this type of collision, it can feel like it came out of nowhere. One moment, you are sitting in traffic or stopped at an intersection. The next, you may be violently jolted forward by another vehicle because of reckless behavior on the part of the driver.
Unfortunately, in even seemingly minor cases or ‘fender benders,’ the force of the impact can cause potentially serious injuries that jeopardize your health and mobility long after. Our Maryland car accident lawyers explain common causes of these crashes, injuries they can cause, and factors that could impact your rights to compensation.
How Rear-End Collisions In Baltimore Happen
Over 100,000 car accidents happen in Maryland each year, and nearly a quarter occur in Baltimore County, according to reports from the Maryland Department of State Police. Rear-end collisions are among the most likely types of crashes to happen and often occur in stop-and-go traffic, at intersections, and in local parking lots. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as making calls, texting, or using in-car technology;
- Tailgating, which reduces reaction time and increases impact severity;
- Speeding, especially in city traffic or merging onto busy roads like I-83 or the Baltimore Beltway;
- Sudden stops, often in heavy traffic or at pedestrian crosswalks;
- Backing out of parking spaces without checking blind spots or mirrors.
Maryland Rear-End Car Accident Injuries and Your Right to Compensation
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one third of all car accidents are rear-end collisions. These crashes result in injuries that don’t show up right away but, if ignored, could potentially impact your health and mobility for long after. Common types of rear-end car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck strain, leading to stiffness, headaches, or nerve pain;
- Back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal misalignment;
- Head injuries or concussions, sometimes without visible trauma;
- Soft tissue injuries, resulting in strains, sprains and bruising;
- Broken bones, especially in the wrists, ribs, or collarbone.
While it might seem obvious that the driver who hit you is responsible, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws can make these cases more complex. If they can prove you were even partially at fault, it could prevent you from getting the compensation you need to cover your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses.
To protect your rights, report any type of car accident in Baltimore immediately to the police. Document the scene via photos or videos, get contact information for the driver and any witnesses, and seek medical help, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Today
Rear-end car accidents in Baltimore are common and can leave victims with injuries that impact them long afterward. While you focus on your recovery, Maryland Injury Lawyers help you get the maximum compensation in a claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers.
Sources:
mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/Dashboards/CrashDataDownload.aspx
nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/analyses20of20rear-end20crashes20and20near-crashes20dot20hs2081020846.pdf
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
