What Injuries Can Happen in a Rear-End Collision?

The most common reason that a rear-end collision happens is that a driver isn’t paying attention to what’s in front of them. It only takes a fraction of a second to lose control of a car and slam into the rear-end of the car ahead. The level of damage and injury depends on the force of impact.

In other words, the faster the car is moving, the more you could get hurt.

It is also important to remember that some symptoms of a rear-end collision may not appear until days later. That’s why it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, regardless of how you’re feeling.

Even though wearing seat belts can minimize the injury, a rear-end collision can still cause severe injuries.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries to occur in a rear-end collision. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are over 3 million whiplash injuries each year. These injuries can range from minor injuries that require rest to more severe cases that need immobilization with a neck brace.

Whiplash is also one of those injuries that can take days to manifest. You could experience the following symptoms:

Pain and stiffness in the neck
Headaches
Loss of neck motion
Arm numbness and/or tingling
Shoulder pain
Upper back pain
Pain in the arms
Traumatic Brain Injury

The force of an impact from a rear-end collision can thrust a driver into the steering wheel, or passengers can strike a dashboard or the seat in front of them. If the head is struck, you could sustain a traumatic brain injury. That can mean a mild concussion, severe bleeding, or bruising of the brain.

In extreme cases, surgery and ongoing care may be necessary.

A traumatic brain injury can present the following symptoms:

Headaches
Vertigo
Memory loss
Loss of consciousness
Mood swings
Extreme fatigue
Impaired cognitive function
Vision issues
Speech issues
Face and Eye Injuries

The damage from a rear-end collision is not limited to the car that is struck from the rear. That can also mean pushing your car into another car. That can trigger broken glass from the windows or debris from the dashboard. All of that debris can fly up and lead to cuts and injuries to your face or eyes.

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Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue damage refers to injuries that target your ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. In a rear-end collision, you can strain or pull those soft tissues, which lead to bruising and soreness. Sometimes, a soft tissue injury can go undiagnosed, which can lead to further complications.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Although whiplash is a form of spinal injury, it is more targeted to the neck. A back or spinal cord injury can relate to damage that occurs further down the spine. That impact from the accident can cause damage to the vertebrae, which can lead to nerve damage and possibly paralysis.

Fractures

Your bones are vulnerable in a rear-end collision. You can fracture the following:

Wrists
Hands
Fingers
Arms
Feet
Toes
Legs
Ribs
Hips

The accident can cause a simple fracture where the bone doesn’t break the skin. A compound fracture occurs when the bone breaks the skin.

Fatalities

In the worst-case scenario, a rear-end collision can lead to fatality.

Getting Support for a Rear-End Collision Injury

No matter what type of injury you suffer in a rear-end collision, if another driver’s negligence caused that accident, you’re entitled to seek a remedy. You’d be well served by enlisting the support of an experienced car accident attorney.

That lawyer can act as your advocate and help negotiate a settlement with the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver.

You should not pay for damages from an accident that wasn’t your fault.