Rear-end collisions are more common than many people realize. They occur when one vehicle collides with the back of another. This type of accident can occur if the rear driver follows too closely to someone in front of them or if they are speeding. While many rear-end collisions can be avoided with good judgment, they still occur all the time.
Unfortunately, rear-end collisions can be extremely dangerous. In some situations, they are even fatal. While this is true, most victims of rear-end collisions will experience neck or back injuries.
You have rights and options if you are hit from behind and injured. Get in touch with our Atlanta car accident lawyers at Hines Law so we can review your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
If you are involved in a rear-end collision, some of the injuries you may experience include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is the best known and most common injury caused by rear-end collisions. Symptoms of this include neck stiffness and pain, reduced range of motion in the neck, tenderness in the arms, upper back, or shoulders, fatigue, and headaches.
This injury occurs because of the quick back-and-forth movement of the head when hit from behind. While most people can recover from whiplash quickly, others may face more serious and longer-term complications.
Back Strains
If you are in a vehicle and hit from behind, the tendons and muscles in your back may be injured. The tendons and muscles are usually pulled, twisted, or torn if a strain occurs. This may cause issues with mobility and, in some cases, severe pain.
Back Sprains
Back sprains occur if there is damage to soft tissues or ligaments from the collision. It may cause a reduced range of motion, muscle cramping, and severe pain.
Herniated or Slipped Disc
Everyone has discs in their back that will cushion the vertebrae. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, the discs may move out of place, tear, or rupture. If this happens, the disc will start to bulge out and may start pressing on your nerves, which can cause numbness and severe pain.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition occurs when the bone protecting the spinal cord and nerves narrows. It can put pressure on the nerves and may even result in serious, long-lasting nerve damage. This may occur because of fractures or dislocations that happen in a rear-end collision. Some of the symptoms of spinal stenosis include tingling in the limbs, numbness, weakness, or neck pain.
Spinal Fracture
A spinal fracture may occur if you are rear-ended at a high rate of speed. Usually, a spinal fracture will occur in the lower or mid part of the back. This type of injury can tear, compress, or pinch your spinal cord. While the symptoms that appear because of a spinal fracture depend on the location and severity, some of the most common include muscle spasms, tingling or numbness, neck or back pain, changes in your bladder or bowel, and paralysis.
Compression Fracture
Another type of painful injury that may occur in a rear-end collision is a compression fracture. These are mostly seen in the mid part of the ack. If a compression fracture occurs, it means the bony part of your spine collapses. If this happens, you will likely experience severe pain, loss of height, and deformity.
Brain Injuries
A concussion will occur if your brain strikes the interior of your skull. This type of injury can cause impaired brain function. Some of the most common symptoms include drowsiness, loss of balance, dizziness, and confusion.
If you experience a concussion, the symptoms may last for several weeks. Also, post-concussion syndrome is a condition that may cause long-term mental, behavioral, and physical changes.
Arm, Wrist, and Hand Injuries
If you are rear-ended, you may suffer soft tissue injuries and broken bones in your hands, wrists, and arms. This usually occurs because they try to brace themselves for the coming impact.
Facial Injuries
When you are involved in a rear-end collision, you may experience lacerations and other types of facial injuries if your face collides with the steering wheel or another hard surface in your vehicle. These injuries can also occur because of debris created in the accident, like shattered windows.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Rear-End Collision Case
If you have suffered one of the injuries above in a rear-end collision accident and it was caused by the fault or neglect of someone else, you may deserve compensation. We recommend that you get in touch with us today so we can review your case and help you recover the damages deserved for your injuries and losses. We will fight aggressively to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
