What are the Most Common Injuries in a Rear-End Collision?

What are the most common injuries in a rear-end collision? The most common injuries in a rear-end collision include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, and broken bones. 

An experienced New Orleans rear-end accident lawyer can help connect you with healthcare providers in the area and fight to secure compensation to help offset the cost of your medical care.

Rear-End Collisions Can Cause Significant Whiplash

Whiplash is a very common injury in rear-end collisions. When the rear car makes contact with the car in front of it, it transfers energy from its momentum, which pushes the front car forward before suddenly stopping. The motion from the sudden acceleration and deceleration pitches the neck forward and backward, causing whiplash.

While elevated speeds can contribute to severe whiplash injuries, low speeds can also cause significant harm. The force applied to the neck is often more than what it is meant to absorb, causing the muscles to be stretched and become stiff as the muscles stiffen after the accident. These injuries can also cause considerable pain, spasms, headaches, and other symptoms after the accident.

It’s important to be aware that delayed injuries after a car accident are common. Adrenaline and cortisol may block initial feelings of pain, but as they leave the body, pain can set in, and other symptoms can develop. Whiplash injuries may take a few days to develop fully, which is why medical attention is necessary to determine the scope of your injuries and treat the condition early. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries are Common in Rear-End Accidents

It can be difficult living with a brain injury, even a mild one. These conditions can make routine tasks difficult and create limitations you didn’t have before the accident. Head trauma is among the most common injuries to occur in rear-end crashes. The force of impact can cause you to hit your head against the steering wheel, interior cabin, or the force of the impact could cause the brain to strike the skull. 

Traumatic brain injuries can manifest in many different ways and range from minor to severe. The type of damage that was done and the area of the brain affected can make a difference in what symptoms you may suffer. For example, you could sustain a concussion, have bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the brain, or have an object penetrate the skull in some cases. 

These injuries can affect your ability to function physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. It can make communication difficult as well. Brain injuries can also take a toll on your mental health and lead to anxiety, depression, and other mood changes. These types of injuries often require close monitoring and strategic medical care. In some cases, ongoing support may be necessary.

Spine and Back Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

The spine is responsible for passing signals between the brain and body and plays an integral role in key functions. It can also sustain a considerable amount of damage in a rear-end collision. The spine suffers from much the same type of motion and movement during impact as the neck does. This can cause issues with the spine itself or affect other areas of the back. 

A spinal cord injury can create a partial or total disruption of the spinal cord’s ability to function. This can translate to spasms and pain, difficult breathing, paralysis, and other conditions. These injuries require immediate medical attention because they must be treated with care. Quick action can also help minimize the risk of dangerous swelling and infection.

Additionally, nerves and discs can be compressed from a rear-end collision. This can cause intense pain or even numbness. General back pain is also not uncommon and can even contribute to long-term chronic pain. Like brain injuries, spine and back injuries also require extensive care and treatment, including ongoing pain management efforts. 

The Force of a Rear-End Collision Can Result in Broken Bones

Broken bones are common injuries in rear-end collisions. The force of impact and the severity of a collision in an accident can put undue pressure on bones from unnatural positions or from striking against an immovable object in the vehicle. There are different types of bone fractures that may be suffered in an accident, and each can affect you differently.  

Some broken bones require resetting, while others may require surgery to mend. These injuries can take weeks to months to heal, and may never regain their former strength or range of motion. Physical therapy can help minimize these limitations. You may need to have imaging done after a rear-end accident to determine what bones may be broken and the type of break you are dealing with.  

The Importance of Medical Attention After an Accident

These are just a few of the many potential injuries that can be caused by rear-end collisions. Regardless of what injuries you have suffered, it is essential to receive medical attention after an accident. Call 911 after an accident and receive initial care by paramedics. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need immediate emergency care or may be able to schedule an appointment with a doctor. 

If you do not require emergency care, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor within 72 hours of the accident. This gives your injuries time to develop if they weren’t immediately noticeable, but also avoids the risk of complications. Additionally, insurance companies also look at how quickly you received treatment, so acting quickly is recommended to also protect your claim. 

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Will Fight for You After You’ve Been Injured in a Rear-End Collision

When you’re dealing with the stress and pain of rear-end collision injuries, Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can provide compassionate support as we fight to help you recover a settlement that covers these and other injuries and losses. We understand the expense of medical care and what is on the line for you, and we work diligently for you. Reach out to our team today and schedule a free consultation.