Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was hospitalized after a rear-end crash on Interstate 93 in Manchester, New Hampshire on Saturday night. Reports say he suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra and other injuries after the SUV he was riding in was struck from behind at high speed. See coverage from KTLA, Reuters, and New England outlets WMUR and WCVB. ReutersWMURWCVB

What happened (and why it matters anywhere, including Los Angeles)

According to state police and Giuliani’s team, troopers were handling a domestic-violence call on the opposite side of I-93 when a Honda HR-V rear-ended a Ford Bronco carrying Giuliani a little before 10 p.m., injuring three people. Early reporting indicates non-life-threatening injuries and that the crash does not appear targeted; the investigation continues. CBS News and WCVB summarize the police account. CBS NewsWCVB

Rear-end collisions are common in big metro areas like LA, and even “routine” impacts can transmit serious force through the spine. This case is a high-profile reminder to treat back pain after a crash as urgent and to document everything for insurance and potential claims.

Rear-end crashes: what the safety data shows

• Rear-end collisions account for roughly 30% of all crashes in U.S. datasets analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). See NHTSA research summaries here and here (PDF). CrashStatsNHTSA
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and forward-collision warning meaningfully cut rear-end crashes with injuries; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found injury crashes drop ~42–47% with autobrake systems. Read the IIHS analysis and see new AEB rulemaking news reported by AP. IIHS HLDIAP News
• Seat belts save lives in every seat. NHTSA’s overview on seat belt safety explains back-seat belt use and outcomes; NHTSA research also details rear-seat belt effectiveness (technical paper PDF). NHTSACrashStats

Understanding the reported injuries

Giuliani’s team reported a fractured thoracic vertebra and additional lacerations/contusions. Thoracic fractures often result from compression forces in rear impacts. Stabilization with a back brace is common when the fracture is stable; imaging and follow-up determine return-to-work timelines. Clinical specifics vary per patient, but early evaluation and consistent follow-up are key. See general background via the news reports above and NHTSA’s guidance on post-crash care/EMS (what bystanders and systems can do immediately). EMS.gov

What to do after a rear-end collision in LA

1. Get medical care now. Back and neck injuries can escalate 24–72 hours after impact.
2. Photograph and preserve evidence: vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, traffic controls, and visible injuries.
3. Collect information: drivers, plates, VINs, witnesses, and the police report number. NHTSA’s Uniform Guidelines underscore the importance of thorough crash investigation. NHTSA
4. Protect your claim: avoid recorded insurer statements until you’ve spoken with counsel.
5. Follow through on imaging and referrals. Gaps in care can undermine injury claims.
6. Check your coverage: UM/UIM, MedPay, and umbrella policies often matter in serious spine cases.

Liability & insurance in rear-end cases (California perspective)

In California, the following driver is presumed negligent in classic rear-end scenarios, but expect defenses about sudden stops, unsafe merges, or defective brake lights. Multi-vehicle chain reactions raise comparative fault and apportionment issues. When rentals or commercial vehicles are involved, additional coverage layers may apply. Tech like AEB (see AP’s AEB rule coverage) and forward-collision warning (see IIHS) can also factor into defect or negligence theories. AP NewsIIHS HLDI

How Manoukian Law Firm can help

If you were rear-ended in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, our team moves quickly to:

• Secure and preserve video (nearby businesses, dashcams) and the full police report
• Request all insurance policies (including UM/UIM) and rental/commercial addenda
• Obtain and analyze imaging and medical records with treating physicians and experts
• Build damages through spinal-injury documentation, future care costs, and wage loss

Start here: Free consultation or call (818) 676-9734.