Rear-end collisions are all too common. When a vehicle strikes another vehicle from behind, serious injuries can result. Unfortunately, these types of crashes are often the result of drivers simply not paying attention or failing to leave enough space between themselves and the car ahead. Because of the jarring nature of a rear-impact crash, even low speed rear-end crashes can result in lasting and painful injuries. Here, we will detail some of the more commonly sustained rear-end collision injuries.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes can range from low speed fender-benders to high speed impacts, but the fact remains that the possibility of sustaining an injury is high, particularly for all those involved.
Whiplash
Whiplash, in particular, is a common injury sustained in rear-end collisions. The injury is named such because it results from the sudden whipping motion that a person’s neck and body make when being jolted from behind. Whiplash involves trauma to the neck and shoulders as well as the upper back and can cause pain and tingling in the arms, shoulders, and neck.
Those suffering from whiplash may also experience numbness, weakness, headaches, and muscle spasms. The injury can have lasting effects that span weeks to years.
Spinal Injuries
Neck, back, and spinal injuries in general can also be the common result of rear-end collisions. Beyond whiplash, an accident victim may sustain a severe spinal injury such as a herniated disc. The spinal discs are between each vertebrae to provide a cushion between the bones.
When a disc becomes herniated, it can be incredibly painful and lead to friction between the vertebrae. Debilitating paid can result as can weakness and numbness. In severe cases, spinal injuries may lead to paralysis.
Broken Bones and Fractures
As drivers and vehicle passengers try to brace themselves for impact, hand, wrist, and arm injuries as well as leg and foot injuries may result from the rear-end collision. The body tenses up to brace for impact and makes these areas of the body particularly susceptible to injury.
There may be broken bones, fractures, or soft tissue injuries. Bone fractures may also occur in the rib area due to the seat belt restraining them upon impact or upon airbag deployment.
Facial Injuries
Because rear-end collisions jolt vehicle occupants forward, facial injuries are also common results from this type of crash. Lacerations or bruises may be sustained when a person’s face impacts with the steering column or other surface of the car. Alternatively, windows may shatter upon impact and lead to facial cuts.
More severe head injuries and even traumatic brain injuries are also common rear-end collision injuries. When the head is forced forward and snaps backwards, then this inertia can cause the brain to violently slam into the skull leading to trauma.
Internal Damages
On top of all of this, a rear-end collision accident victim may sustain internal injuries. Damage to internal organs may be the result of such a crash. They may be at risk of internal bleeding. Such injuries must be treated immediately as they could be fatal without emergency medical care.
Contact BoyesLegal, Personal Injury Attorney
If you have sustained injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of another, do not delay in reaching out to the dedicated legal team at BoyesLegal, APC. Contact us today.