A recent rear-end collision on I-295 caused the death of 21-year-old Linda Mary Ann Baker. The driver of another car rear-ended her about a mile south of Old St. Augustine Road and caused Baker’s car to slam into a pole on the right shoulder of the road.
While the car accident remains under investigation, police say that both drivers were wearing seatbelts, according to the Florida Times-Union. The accident is a sad reminder of how serious rear-end collisions can be.
Rear-end Collisions Responsible For 28% of Highway Accidents
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 28 percent of highway accidents are caused by rear-end collisions. That’s a lot of accidents, potential injuries and insurance claims. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions:
Sudden Lane Changes. Many drivers don’t use their signals when making lane changes. While there’s nothing you can do about that, staying two car lengths behind other drivers will give you time to respond to their unexpected lane changes.
Defective tires & brakes. When a vehicle has worn tires or brakes, it may prevent the car from handling properly. Have your brakes and tires inspected regularly so that you’ll know when they need to be replaced.
Distracted driving. Distracted driving due to cell phone use and texting has become a serious problem, prompting Florida to ban texting while driving. Other distractions such as eating, talking with passengers and not paying attention also contribute to rear-end collisions.
Driving while under the influence (DUI). Driving while under the influence is illegal, dangerous and can lead to rear-end collisions with grave consequences. In Florida, that means having blood alcohol content (BAC) above .08, or .02 for those under 21.
Speeding. Simply put, speeding limits your ability to stop when needed. Unfortunately, many drivers speed as a matter of course – without regard to other drivers, pedestrians and anyone else who happens to be around them.
Tailgating. Following the car in front of you too closely is a sure way to end up in a rear-end collision. Keep two car lengths between your car and the car in front of you. If the driver behind you is following too close for comfort, pull over and let him pass.
Drivers should always strive to be more aware of their surroundings, drive safely and try to anticipate what other drivers are doing. That being said, rear-end collisions will happen and can result in serious injuries, or as in the case above, death.
Rear-end Collisions Can Result In Serious Injuries
While some rear-end collision victims can walk away from an accident, others end up with serious injuries that can result in significant medical bills and lost income. Those include:
Neck injuries, including whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
One of the key factors in any rear-end collision is that victims may not know the full extent of their injuries for days, weeks or months after the accident. Too many accident victims accept insurance settlements without seeking the counsel of an experienced Florida car accident lawyer who can analyze the situation, review medical records and determine what legal options are available – so that you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you and your family.
A recent rear-end collision on I-295 caused the death of 21-year-old Linda Mary Ann Baker. The driver of another car rear-ended her about a mile south of Old St. Augustine Road and caused Baker’s car to slam into a pole on the right shoulder of the road.
While the car accident remains under investigation, police say that both drivers were wearing seatbelts, according to the Florida Times-Union. The accident is a sad reminder of how serious rear-end collisions can be.
Rear-end Collisions Responsible For 28% of Highway Accidents
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 28 percent of highway accidents are caused by rear-end collisions. That’s a lot of accidents, potential injuries and insurance claims. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions:
Drivers should always strive to be more aware of their surroundings, drive safely and try to anticipate what other drivers are doing. That being said, rear-end collisions will happen and can result in serious injuries, or as in the case above, death.
Rear-end Collisions Can Result In Serious Injuries
While some rear-end collision victims can walk away from an accident, others end up with serious injuries that can result in significant medical bills and lost income. Those include:
One of the key factors in any rear-end collision is that victims may not know the full extent of their injuries for days, weeks or months after the accident. Too many accident victims accept insurance settlements without seeking the counsel of an experienced Florida car accident lawyer who can analyze the situation, review medical records and determine what legal options are available – so that you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you and your family.