What to Know if You’ve Sustained Rear-Ended Collision Injuries
Rear-ended collision injuries can be catastrophic. If you have been injured after being rear-ended by a negligent driver, there are a few things you need to know.
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The Basics of Rear-Ended Collision Injuries
The majority of rear-end collisions usually occur when a leading car is stopped or moving at a slower rate of speed. Although they rarely lead to catastrophic, full-body injuries, the nature of these accidents often results in significant force to the head and neck. From a traumatic brain injury to whiplash causing neck pain and muscle spasms, the types of injuries resulting from a rear-end crash are often life-altering.
Injuries arising from a rear-end accident can be very serious, and that’s why seeking medical assistance immediately is very important. Once you’ve received medical attention, you should contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible to explore your options for financial recovery.
Rear-End Collision Causes
Various factors may lead to rear-end car collisions. Below is an overview of what may cause a rear-end collision.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for a rear-end car collision. Distractions can occur in a variety of ways. It may include a driver eating, talking on the phone while on the road, or falling asleep due to fatigue. All of these may result in rear-ending car collisions.
Speeding
Speeding can result in serious and sometimes fatal consequences. This is due to the greater force of impact arising from the driver not having enough time to slow down before colliding with the car ahead of them. This often results in injuries to anyone present in both of the cars involved.
Hazardous Conditions
Several factors can result in hazardous conditions. It may include a driver driving through unfavorable weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and ice. These weather conditions usually result in slippery roads and poor visibility making it difficult for the driver to maneuver, leading to rear-end collisions.
Tailgating
Tailgating refers to driving too closely behind another vehicle. When a driver is following another vehicle too closely, it may lead to a rear-end car accident. This is because if drivers fail to keep a safe distance from the car in front of them, it may result in less time and space to react to sudden changes or distractions or even the need to stop suddenly.
What Are Some of the Common Rear-End Collision Injuries?
Seatbelts and airbags normally help to reduce the impact caused by accidents. However, the neck, upper back, arms, and legs can be jolted unnaturally because of the force of impact.
Many injuries can be caused by rear-end collisions, but the most common injury is usually a neck strain. It’s very important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible, regardless of how low the impact your body seemingly had in the accident. This is because many rear-end collision injuries, particularly those to the soft tissue of the head and neck, result in delayed symptoms that can worsen if not detected and treated immediately.
Common Injuries Sustained In Rear-Ended Collision
Several injuries can result from rear-end collisions. The list below covers just a few of them.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically caused by an instant, unexpected impact on the body. The spine joints that allow the spine to flex when you bend or twist can become overextended or jolted out of place, causing damage to the spinal cord. This is one of the most severe neck and back injuries and can lead to permanent loss of function below the injury site.
An injury of this severity is most likely to occur when the victim’s vehicle is rear-ended by a significantly larger vehicle, like a semi-truck. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, it is vital that you contact a skilled truck accident attorney.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that result from rear-end car accidents. It normally occurs when the bodies of the driver and the passengers in the car are jolted and jostled with an instant movement out of natural alignment.
The head and neck can potentially collide with the headrest or steering wheel when they are jerked back and forth suddenly. This can result in damage to the discs of the spine, headaches, and neck and back pain. The accident injuries caused by whiplash can often be resolved within weeks or months with proper medical care, including physical therapy, but many accident victims will need to take time off of work to recover and face significant medical bills.
Concussion
Concussions are common occurrences when the head is jolted forcefully and suddenly. Concussions normally lead to brain injuries as the brain is jostled inside the skull resulting in bruising and affecting the tissues. It’s very important to seek medical care if you suffer from a concussion, as it may result in severe long-term complications if left untreated.
Broken Bones
The most common fractured bone in a rear-end accident is often the ribs due to the airbags and seatbelt proximity to these areas. The arms and legs are also prone to injuries if not braced properly for impact or hit against a surface with enough force.
Back Injuries
When your spine is affected during a collision, there are several ways it can be injured. This can result in pain in the back that can even spread to the legs or numbness in several other body parts.
What Damage Can a Rear-End Collision Cause?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash to occur. Apart from leading to serious injuries, rear-end crashes can lead to extensive auto damage. Therefore, it’s vital to look out for both hidden and visible damages in order to take immediate action.
Various Rear-End Collision Car Damages
Several damages can affect your car’s functionality and hence it’s very important to establish those damages to take immediate action. Some of the property damages from the rear-end collision might include:
Electrical Problems
Even the smallest tap can loosen the wires to your taillights, brake lights, or battery. These parts play a major role in your safety, so it’s important to ensure they are intact, and in case of any damage, they get repaired immediately.
Trunk Damage
Trunk damage doesn’t have diverse effects. However, it’s something that should not be overlooked. Apart from presenting safety hazards, they can also reduce the value of your car greatly.
Damaged Engine
The impact of a rear-end collision can damage your car’s drivetrain. It can move the exhaust system forward, leading to damages to the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, muffler, engine mounts, and the pipe that runs to your engine. Once you notice a problem, it’s important to consider taking your car to a technician.
Navigating the Aftermath of Rear-End Accident Injuries
Car accidents can be very frustrating, but if you face one, it’s good to take all the precautions to ensure your safety is well catered for.
In case of a personal injury, visit a medical doctor for evaluation and treatment. For further assistance, call a car, truck, and motorcycle accident attorney if you wish to make a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
With the help of a great personal injury attorney, you may be able to obtain compensation for your losses. Call our law firm today for a free consultation and begin moving forward.
The Orlando Firm are your personal injury attorneys with the experience to win.