What Are the Most Common Injuries After a Rear-End Car Accident?
Posted in Car accidents on June 4, 2018
There are many types of car accidents, and rear-end collisions are one of the most common. Though these fender bender situations seem simple, they can still result in a variety of injuries. Even a collision at slow speeds can cause serious damage.
Some injuries following a rear-end collision are obvious, while others may be a bit more difficult to recognize. To help you stay aware of potential injury following a rear-end car accident; here are some of the most common injuries you may face.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when an accident jerks a person’s head back and forth with a lot of force. Often, rear-end collisions occur without any warning, so you may not have time to brace yourself for the impact. The back and forth motion of the car as it settles after a collision can result in whiplash.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Neck, shoulder, or arm pain
- Restricted motion in your neck
Having your headrest at a proper height can help reduce whiplash injuries, as it can cushion some of the motion. However, keeping your headrest too low may result in overextension as your neck rolls over the top.
While a little neck pain may not seem important after a car crash, whiplash can lead to serious chronic pain, requiring long-term physical therapy. Even if you only need some medication to recover, it’s best to seek treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from a blow to the head or even conditions similar to whiplash. Unlike outward injuries, where it is easy to see blood and bruising, TBI occurs inside the brain, where it can be hard to observe obvious signs of damage. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Memory lapses
- Lack of focus
- Slurred speech
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Changes in attitude
TBI can be mild or severe, but is dangerous no matter what type of injury occurs. If not treated properly, even minor TBIs can result in lifelong consequences.
Broken Bones
Depending on the intensity of the collision, you may collide with a part of your vehicle or the seat belt may put extreme pressure on your ribs. Loose objects in your vehicle can also fly about in a crash, resulting in broken bones.
The elderly are more at risk for broken bones due to their age. Children and those with healthy bones may be less likely to break a bone, but impacts can still result in soft tissue damage. Seek medical care for any pain.
Spinal Injuries
Among other causes, spine injuries can occur from twisting or overextending your spine. Like TBIs, spinal injuries can have some of the most severe lifelong effects. Compression fractures, herniated disks, and misaligned vertebrae can cause intense pain and may even require surgery to recover.
Spinal cord injuries have some of the most severe effects:
- Deteriorating balance
- Lack of muscle control
- Loss of bladder control
- Pain
- Reduced strength
A worst-case spinal cord injury can even cause paralysis. Be cautious of any back pain following a collision.
Lacerations
Most cars have safety glass to prevent windows shattering in collisions, but lacerations can still occur. Loose objects may fly about and cause a cut, and heavier objects can scrape off skin in passing. Depending on the location of the laceration, you may end up with a scar.
Minor lacerations are treatable with bandages and stitches. A deeper laceration can cause damage far beneath the skin and can require surgery to fix any damaged veins, tendons, ligaments, or arteries.
If you become injured in a rear-end car accident, it is best to seek medical care, even for the smallest of injuries. Some damages are not immediately apparent and can cause extended pain and suffering if not treated properly. Receiving medical help and having a record of your injuries can also help with pursuing a legal claim. If you want to seek compensation for injuries from a car accident, contact our Nashville injury lawyers.