The Most Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents

Injuries can happen from any type of auto collision, but certain injuries are especially common from rear-end collisions. If you or any of your passengers suffer any of these common rear-end collision injuries, you should seek immediate help and contact a tireless car accident attorney who can offer legal assistance.

Common Injuries

Whiplash

Whiplash can occur if the sudden, violent impact from a rear-end collision causes the head and neck to move in a jerky back-and-forth motion. Most cases of whiplash result in neck pain, which may last from a few days to several weeks, but whiplash can also cause headaches, muscle weakness and vision problems. In severe cases, whiplash can cause concussions and even fracture vertebrae in the spine. The injury is also sometimes associated with memory loss or other neurological problems.

Head Trauma

If your head hits the steering wheel or dashboard or you experience whiplash because of a rear-end collision, you may sustain head trauma that requires immediate medical attention. The impact from the crash could leave you with a concussion or skull fracture, and bruising and bleeding from the head are also common. A diffuse axonal injury, which happens when the brain moves rapidly within the skull and can damage nerve fibers, is another form of head trauma that sometimes occurs from rear-end collisions.

Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine and spinal cord are often especially vulnerable to injuries from rear-end collisions, and any spine or spinal cord section that runs along the lower, middle or upper back and up through the neck to the base of the skull can get damaged from impact. Many people who’ve gotten into these collisions suffer from herniated discs or vertebrae fractures. Spinal injuries may result in nerve damage and even paralysis in some cases.

Other Bone Breaks

In addition to bones in the spine and skull, bones in other parts of the body sometimes get broken from the impact of the crash. The clavicle, or collarbone, along with other shoulder bones can break when the body is thrust forward against the seatbelt when another vehicle hits from behind. Your ribs as well as the bones in your hands and wrists could get broken from the impact if you’re driving and holding onto the steering wheel. Leg and ankle bones are also more vulnerable to breaking if your foot is on the gas or brake pedal during the collision.

Bone Dislocation

The bones at the joints are more susceptible to dislocation in any type of collision, and elbow and shoulder dislocations are especially common in rear-end collisions. Hip bones are also more prone to dislocating, especially if the collision is severe. If your foot is on a pedal or your legs are positioned awkwardly in some other way when the rear-end collision happens, your knee could become dislocated. If you can’t pop a bone back into its place safely, a medical professional will need to assist you.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body can get damaged to varying degrees, especially if the steering wheel, dashboard or another part of the vehicle impacts the body when a crash happens. Specific types of soft tissue injuries include bruises, cuts, torn muscles, and sprains. Some soft tissue injuries are treatable with bandages or other over-the-counter medical supplies, but more severe injuries often require stitches, braces or surgery to heal properly.

Internal Bleeding

Even though you might not notice any outward bleeding after a rear-end collision, you could still be bleeding internally. Internal bleeding is usually a serious medical condition, especially if it involves a vital organ like the heart or lungs. You may experience internal bleeding from the blunt force trauma of a severe collision, and your seatbelt could also put excess pressure on your chest and abdomen and cause you to bleed internally.

Burns

If a fuel leak catches fire or the tank explodes from a rear-end collision, the flames could cause severe burn injuries. Burn injuries sometimes result in permanent scarring and even death in the most severe cases. If a burn injury leaves you with long-term health problems and interferes with your ability to work, a car accident lawyer can assist you with getting the compensation you deserve to pay your medical bills and other expenses that were incurred from the accident.

Mouth Trauma

Even your teeth aren’t always safe in a rear-end collision, and you could suffer serious dental injuries if the force of the collision causes your head and mouth to hit the steering wheel, dashboard or seat in front of you. Some injuries that are known to happen from rear-end collisions include knocked-out teeth, cracked teeth and gum damage. Your lips or inside parts of your mouth could also get cut. If the jaw gets broken, surgery is often needed to ensure proper healing.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Not all injuries from a rear-end collision need medical attention, and minor injuries usually heal on their own without complications and can be treated with bandages, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, or rest. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience the following problems:

• Severe pain (particularly in the chest or abdomen)
• Dizziness or confusion
• Persistent headaches
• Loss of consciousness
• Heavy bleeding
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness

If you get injured from a rear-end collision, an attorney who handles car accident cases can offer legal guidance. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and your attorney will work for you to try to get the money you deserve.