Common Injuries From Rear-End Accidents
Accidents involving one car hitting the back of another are quite prevalent in the United States of America. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made it clear that rear-end accidents are the most common types of accidents. It is estimated that rear-end collisions make up nearly 30% of all collisions resulting in a huge number of injuries and deaths every year. Unfortunately, even a low-speed rear-end crash can result in severe injuries because of the forces involved in the crash.
This article discusses some of the common injuries in rear-end accidents.
Common Injuries That Occur in Rear-end Collisions
When a vehicle is rear-ended, the force of the crash puts the body through movement and stress, which can result in different types of injuries. Even with a seat belt on or if an airbag deploys, it is still possible to suffer severe injuries in a rear-end collision.
The following are some of the most common injuries from rear-end accidents;
Whiplash
Rear-end accidents are a major cause of whiplash. This is a neck injury that a person suffers because of a forceful, fast back-and-forth movement on the neck. This sudden movement can result in injuries to the discs, ligaments, nerve roots, intervertebral joints, and cervical muscles in the neck.
Common symptoms of whiplash, according to Mayo Clinic, include;
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Loss of range of movement in the neck
- Tenderness in the shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling in the arms
- Numbness in the arms
While some people who suffer whiplash get better quickly and have no lasting effects from the injury, others continue experiencing pain months or even years after sustaining their injury.
Back Injuries
Even a rear-end accident that occurs at low speeds can cause a severe back injury. The force of the impact can strain your back muscles and fracture your vertebrae. Also, it is possible to suffer whiplash-like back strains and sprains in a rear-end collision.
Head Injuries
After a rear-end collision occurs, and even if airbags deploy correctly, it is possible for a head injury to occur. For example, you could suffer a head injury after getting hit by something that the crash has turned into a projectile. Regardless of how you suffer a head injury in a rear-end collision, the unfortunate reality is that a head injury can take time to heal and have some permanent effects.
Fractures
Broken bones are also quite common in rear-end collisions. Usually, vehicle occupants suffer broken hands, fingers, and feet as they brace for an impact.
Facial Scarring
A person may suffer facial scarring in a rear-end accident if, for example, they are lacerated by broken glass.
An injury from a rear-end crash can result in unexpected substantial medical bills and a lot of pain. Fortunately, you can recover compensation for medical expenses and pain from a negligent party after a rear-end accident.
Contact a Plantation Car Accident Lawyer
Have you suffered any of the injuries discussed in this article or any other injury in a Florida rear-end accident and need help holding an at-fault party liable? Do not hesitate to contact our Plantation car accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder.
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