You’re just trying to get through your day and get home, but the driver behind you doesn’t seem to believe in leaving more than an inch of space between your bumpers. When you stop at the next light, they don’t.

A rear-end collision can be terrifying, and there is a possibility that you’ll end up with a life-altering injury in the wreck.

What do the statistics say about rear-end collisions?

According to a study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the cause of 29% of all traffic accidents involving serious injuries. Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that they’re also responsible for more than 7% of traffic fatalities.

Why are rear-end collisions so destructive? In general, it’s because of the amount of force that the car (and its passengers) on the receiving end of the crash must absorb. Most of the time, that vehicle is at a full stop, so there’s no chance to evade the oncoming vehicle. With the driver’s foot on the brake, there’s very little “give” on impact, and that tends to lead to significant damage for both the vehicles and people involved.

What kinds of injuries are common?

Spinal trauma is very common due to the force of being propelled forward by the crash and then falling back. Neck and shoulder injuries and trauma to the head and face are also common.

All of these injuries can lead to long-term medical problems and chronic pain. The victims may not be able to work for an extended period of time.

When you’ve been victimized by a careless driver and involved in a serious rear-end collision, you have every right to ask for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. An attorney can show you how.