WGNO reported about a car crash in Uptown that injured a New Orleans Police Department officer on December 16. According to the news story, the accident was a “fender-bender” that happened around 7:30 in the morning at the intersections of Freret Street and Robert Street. It appears that a vehicle rear-ended the police unit causing minor damage. The NOPD officer was transported by ambulance to the hospital wearing a neck brace.

Safety Technology for Vehicles

Could technology have prevented this accident? Maybe. There is technology available on some car models that could have prevented the accident; however, the technology is not standard on all vehicles. The good news is that 20 automakers have committed to making automatic emergency braking a standard feature on new vehicle models no later than 2022. The automakers represent about 99 percent of the U.S. automobile market. Therefore, virtually all new vehicles should have AEB systems by the year 2022.

The NHTSA has been calling for the use of AEB systems for several years. According to the NHTSA, AEB systems can help prevent or reduce the severity of rear-end crashes like the one in the news story above. Two AEB systems described by the NHTSA as having the potential to save lives and “reduce moderate and less severe rear-end crashes” are dynamic brake support (DBS) and crash imminent braking (CIB).

A dynamic brake support system is designed to automatically supplement the driver’s braking if the driver applies the brake but not hard enough to avoid a collision. Crash imminent braking systems are designed automatically apply the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle if a crash is imminent and the driver does nothing to avoid the collision. In both cases, the systems can help reduce the number or rear-end crashes or reduce the severity of crashes by stopping the car before the crash or reducing the speed before impact.

Rear-end crashes have increased recently due to the number of distracted drivers. Even though these types of motor vehicle accidents are often referred to as “fender-benders,” the potential for traumatic injuries is substantial, especially whiplash and closed head injuries. By making AEB systems standard on all vehicles, auto manufacturers can greatly reduce the number of people who are injured in rear-end accidents.

Do I Need a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for A Rear-End Crash?

While most rear-end crashes are the fault of the driver who collides with the car in front, not all rear-end accident claims are clear-cut. Insurance companies fight rear-end accident claims, especially in the case of whiplash or other soft tissue damage. Therefore, it is always wise to consult with a New Orleans car accident attorney if you were injured in a rear-end crash. Having an experienced attorney who understands how to fight insurance companies on your side gives you a better chance of receiving full compensation for your injuries.

You can contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a  free consultation by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. Because your first appoint is free, you have no reason not to speak with an experienced NoLA car accident attorney before you decide regarding your car accident claim. Get the facts from someone who has your best interest as his to priority rather than an insurance adjuster who is looking out for the insurance company.