Suffering Severe Injuries from a Rear End Collision

Suffering Severe Injuries from a Rear End Collision

Rear-end collisions can occur at a variety of speeds, which has a major effect on the damage to the vehicles and severity of injuries to all drivers and passengers.  These types of accidents can occur at full speed when a driver simply fails to stop behind stopped traffic and collides into the stopped vehicle in front of them.  These accidents can also occur at a very low speed, for example, when a vehicle is stopped at a red light behind another stopped vehicle, and the light turns green and the driver mistakenly accelerates the vehicle forward before realizing the car in front of them has not moved yet.  This accident would occur at about five miles per hour or less and would be a low-impact collision.

If you have been in a rear-end collision, regardless of how fast the vehicle was going when it hit you, you may have sustained damages from the crash.  We are a national law firm with attorneys in each state ready to help you fight for your right to compensation.  No matter where you live in the U.S., you can contact one of our attorneys to help assess the facts of your case and advise you of your legal rights.

Types of Injuries That May Result

Just like these types of accidents can happen at a wide variety of speeds, they also result in a wide variety of injuries.  Some of the most common injuries are back injuries, whiplash, concussions, and broken bones.

Back Injuries

One of the most common back injuries typically suffered are back sprains.  Back sprains can occur in three different areas of the spine.  The first is a lower back sprain, called a lumbar sprain.  You may also sprain your thoracic spine, although this is uncommon.  The thoracic spine is the middle of your back.  Cervical (neck) sprains can happen quite often and occur as a result of the impact on your head against the headrest or another area of the vehicle.  Pain medication and physical therapy are prescribed to help resolve back sprains.

Another type of injury you may get due to a rear-end car accident is a herniated disc.  A herniated disc occurs when the soft part inside of the disc that connects the vertebrae in your spine pushes out through a tear into the exterior of your spine.  Occasionally, people who experience a herniated disc do not have any symptoms, but in other circumstances, a herniated disc may be extremely painful and even could require surgery.

Whiplash

Another common injury in rear-end accidents is whiplash.  Whiplash can occur in these kinds of accidents upon impact; your head is forced back and forth.  This sudden movement can cause serious neck pain, and can also cause pain in your shoulders.  Most cases of whiplash can be treated with pain medication and a course of physical therapy.

Concussions

Rear-end car accidents may also cause concussions in injured drivers or passengers.  Concussions occur due to the violent shaking of the head and body that happens upon impact.  These collisions may also cause concussions when a vehicle occupant strikes their head against something in the car.  Concussions can cause a loss of consciousness, but that is not always the case, so it is important to seek medical treatment after an accident if you have been injured, even if it does not seem that serious.  Pain medication, along with rest is the typical treatment for a minor concussion.

Broken Bones

Another serious type of injury that may occur as a result is broken bones.  Depending on the force of impact and the seating position of the injured vehicle occupant, that person can suffer a variety of broken bones, including a broken foot, broken clavicle (neck bone), and even broken arms and legs.  These injuries may require surgery, or may just need a cast and time to heal.


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