Rear-end collisions are very common, often best-known for causing minor fender benders. When a tailing driver hits the back of another vehicle, even at a low speed, the sudden and violent collision can cause a whiplash injury. However, if a tailing driver is speeding at the time of impact, it can lead to more life-altering damages – even death.
Learn more about the serious injuries caused by rear-end crashes and how to protect yourself if a negligent driver rear-ends your car.
Our car accident lawyers in Flint are ready to help accident victims recover compensation for damages sustained in a rear-end crash. Learn if you may have a case by calling our law offices 24/7. There is no cost for this meeting and no obligation to file a claim.
Serious Injuries That Are Caused by Rear-End Crashes
There are multiple injuries that victims can sustain in a rear-end crash, especially if the at-fault party was speeding at impact.
Whiplash Injuries
Frequently, accident victims may sustain a whiplash injury in this type of crash. The rear-end impact throws a victim’s head and neck into a sudden back-and-forth “whip-like” motion. This violent motion, even at a low-speed impact, can cause injury to various muscles, ligaments and nerves in a victim’s head and neck.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are about three million new traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that occur in the U.S. each year. This often-misunderstood injury causes an additional 5 million or more Americans to suffer from some level of permanent TBI-related disability.
In a rear-end collision, a TBI can occur if the victim’s head strikes a hard object within the vehicle. The severity of the injury depends on the speed the other driver was going upon impact.
TBIs cause the brain to hit against the side of the victim’s skull. This motion can result in a life-altering injury, temporary or permanent disability, even death. Some of the symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficulty focusing
- Lack of coordination
- Reduced vision or hearing
Spinal Injuries
There are many severe spinal injuries that can result from your car being struck from behind, including:
- Slipped or herniated discs – A rear-end collision can cause discs to shift, move out alignment, rupture or tear. Without the cushion-like protection for your vertebrae, the bones can press on the nerves, leading to burning, shooting pains and numbness.
- Spinal stenosis – This injury is due to a fracture or dislocation of the spine. Over time, it can cause the bone that surrounds the spinal cord and nerves to narrow, causing weakness, nerve pain, neck pain, tingling in the limbs and numbness.
- Compression fracture – The impact of a rear-end collision can also lead to a compression fracture, often in the mid-back area. This injury is especially painful and can also cause deformity and loss of height in a victim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if the Accident Seemed Minor
After any crash, victims may experience a period of shock. Their adrenalin is pumping, causing them to be less aware of any pain or other symptoms. If a victim does not see blood or bruising, he or she may believe no injury occurred. Unfortunately, the risk of a more serious or fatal outcome is very real if you do not get immediate medical care, such as for:
- Serious head injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Retinal tears
- Hearing loss
Seeking medical attention right away after a crash is critical to protecting your health. Be sure to provide the doctor with helpful details that can help him or her better understand how you were hurt. Important information could include:
- How your vehicle was hit (being rear-ended, for example, indicates a possibility for a head and neck injury)
- Whether you were bumped or hit at high speed
- Whether any part of your body hit another object in the car
- Describe how you are feeling – confused, headache, nauseous, etc.
In addition to protecting your health, getting examined by a doctor immediately helps to protect the value of any future claim. Delaying even a few hours gives the insurance company room to argue that your injuries could have occurred in some other way.
Injured in a Rear-End Crash? Our Attorneys Are Ready to Help
If you suffered injuries after a rear-end accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to seek excess damages in addition to your no-fault benefits claim. Find out if you have a case at no cost to you. There is no obligation to move forward with a claim. If we do represent you, there is nothing to pay us up front or while we work on your case. We only collect our fees if we recover compensation for you.
