According to the Lakeland Ledger, at about 3 p.m. on June 13, 2009, Patty Lunsford, 52 of Winter Haven, FL, rear ended a semi tractor trailer while driving her white 1992 Mercury Lincoln.
Michael Strutton, of Wescom, Texas, was the driver of the tractor trailer. He was at a stop light in the center southbound lane of U.S. 27, at the intersection of Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, FL when Lunsford failed to react quickly enough to stop and rear ended Strutton's semi tractor trailer.
Lunsford was flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center after being removed from the wreckage. She was later determined to be in critical condition. Deputies reported that she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. It is unclear how fast she was traveling at the time of impact. Officials report that no one else was required transportation to the hospital.
According to the Office of Health, Safety, and Security (HSS), rear end accidents are the least fatal, but the most occurring type of accident, with approximately 2.5 million happening each year. Speeding, distractions, weather conditions, and vehicle conditions are all factors that contribute to rear end collisions.
Texting, talking on cell phones, tuning the radio/CD, reading books/magazines, and applying makeup are common activities that distract drivers from their surroundings and the conditions on the road.
HSS reports both external and internal factors, which contribute to rear end collisions:
Common External Factors:
Road Conditions. If the road is wet, icy, or dry, it can affect the ability of a person to stop at an appropriate distance from other vehicles.
Weather. Fog, rain, snow, or dust can limit visibility, resulting in a number of potential situations that may result in a rear end collisions.
Vehicle Conditions. Poorly maintained tires are a common factor in rear end collisions, as they can fail to grip the road properly.
Speed. Slow speed collisions can cause significant injury, although higher speed rear ends are more dramatic.
Common Internal Factors:
Position of passengers. Cars are designed to accommodate some of the force of accidents if passengers are sitting in the correct positions, if not, there is risk of significant harm.
Head Rests. Proper head rest positioning can prevent neck injuries and whiplash.
Seatbelts and Airbags. If seatbelts are used properly, they can prevent injury and even death in a rear end collision.
Awareness of the crash. People tend to brace themselves if they anticipate a rear end collision. These extra seconds can make a huge difference in the likelihood of an accident.
As a personal injury attorney practicing in Polk County, FL, I frequently represent victims of automobile accidents. From a practitioner's perspective, I concur with this HSS report. The most common collision in my practice is certainly the rear-end collision.
Often times, there is minimal damage to the vehicles but serious injury to the individual. This can present a challenge because insurance companies tend to undervalue cases if there is minimal property damage. It is critical to seek representation from a qualified attorney who understands the mechanism of the rear-end collision. Experts confirm that the body undergoes an acceleration/deceleration in the rear-end impact, which may result in significant trauma to the body. If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, don't fight the insurance adjuster on your own. Hire a qualified attorney!
