Many victims of car accidents often ask: What kind of injuries occur the most often in a rear end collision? There are numerous kinds of injuries you get from a rear end collision, most common among them being whiplash, concussion, disfigurement, and broken bones. Rear-end collisions ordinarily occur when an unfocused motorist runs their vehicle into the back of another.
According to the Washington Post, approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur on US roads every year. If you have been involved in this kind of car accident, you can learn more about the injuries you can sustain. This way, you can determine whether you are in a position to file a claim for damages.
The Kind of Injuries You Get from a Rear End Collision
When rear accidents happen, the force can throw you violently into the dashboard, windshield, and steering wheel, hence causing severe injuries. There are several kinds of injuries that you can consequently suffer.
Whiplash (Neck Strain or Sprain)
The cause of whiplash is the quick forward and backward jerking of your head when a rear-end accident happens, according to Mayo Clinic. The injury can make your neck sore, and your head becomes challenging to turn. A rear end collision can also headaches, neck pains, and shoulder pains.
If the accident caught you off guard, your injuries are likely to be more severe than for the driver who saw it coming. This is because your spine was not stable, as it did not brace itself against the imminent impact.
Concussion (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Regardless of the extent of the collision, you must take head injuries seriously. Even if the airbags deployed adequately, do not quickly rule out the impact on your head. According to the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, concussions are a severe form of injury you may receive from a rear end collision. They occur most often when drivers hit their head hard on either the back of your headrest or steering wheel.
There are several common symptoms of a concussion after a rear-end accident, including:
- Headaches
- Memory loss and confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Impaired speech
- Tiredness and dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Delayed response
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Herniation (Disk Bulge)
This condition occurs when the trauma from the accident raptures or tears the outer fiber surrounding your spinal disks. The herniation can occur in your lumbar spine, cervical spine, or thoracic spine.
A herniation can cause tingling, numbness, and severe pain in your legs, knees, feet, or back. In some rare cases, a disc bulge can cause paralysis.
There are cases where the symptoms of herniation are delayed sometime after the initial accident. For this reason, we always recommend that victims of accidents pay close attention to their body for the weeks following a crash.
Spine Injuries
Spine injuries are among the scariest possible consequences of a rear-end accident. Bruises fade and proper care can mend a broken bone, but a spine injury can alter how you live the rest of your life.
There are several symptoms of a spine injury to look out for, including:
- Reduced sensation
- Poor balance
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Paralysis
- Reduced strength
- Severe back pain
- Reduced muscle control (spasms)
Some types of spine injuries that you can get after a rear-end accident include spinal cord injury, spondylolisthesis, herniated disks, and compression fractures.
Facial Disfigurement
Facial disfigurements are injuries drivers may suffer after a rear end collision that can leave you with a broken jaw, nose, or cheekbone. These injuries can pose a bigger problem than just cosmetic appeal.
Injuries of this nature can leave you with chronic medical complications that may demand costly and comprehensive treatment, including surgical procedures.
Safety Belt Injuries
Safety belts save lives during car crashes. However, they can also injure you when you are involved in a rear-end collision.
When an accident happens, the car’s safety belt tightens, intending to stop your body from hitting the windshield, dashboard, and steering wheel. Nonetheless, the belt may cut your skin or bruise underlying organs when you are restrained against the belt with enough force.
Soft Tissues Injuries and Lacerations
The violent jolt that your body experiences when a rear-end accident happens can cause soft tissue injuries. When your body experiences an extreme shock due to the backward and forward jerking, the massive strain can impair your nerves and hinder the proper functioning of your limbs. Even if the car that hit you was traveling at low speeds, the sudden twitching of your head back and forth could cause swelling and flexibility difficulties.
Consider Morris Bart, LLC
Rear end collisions are often abrupt, unanticipated, and violent accidents. Being aware of the kind of injuries you might receive from a rear end collision can help you in case you find yourself in the situation. Fortunately, the Morris Bart law firm is also experienced with accidents like these as well. If you’ve been injured in a rear end collision, we can help you seek compensation for your recovery. Call us today on (800) 537-8185 for legal guidance. All consultations are completely free and no obligation.