People tend to think of rear-end collisions as “minor” accidents. However, even a collision at relatively low speeds can cause serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over two million rear-end collisions in a recent year, causing almost 600,000 injuries and taking over 2,000 lives.
If you’ve been rear-ended, there are many minor to severe injuries you may have suffered. It’s essential to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible after a rear-end collision to document these injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in rear-end collisions.
8 Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
1. Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
Whiplash occurs when your head is jerked forward and back, making it one of the most common injuries from a rear-end collision. The force of even a low-speed fender bender is enough to cause severe strain or tears in your neck muscles. Neck injuries can cause excruciating pain and limit motion.
Watch out for these common symptoms of neck injuries after you’ve been in a rear-end accident:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Tingling
2. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back injuries from rear-end collisions are also common, including herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. Spinal cord injuries are especially serious, as they can result in paralysis. Severe back pain can make it difficult to even sit at a desk, and hard labor is likely not possible. Back and spinal cord injuries from rear-end accidents can cause life-changing limitations.
3. Head and Brain Injuries
If you hit your head against the steering wheel, window, or dashboard in a rear-end accident, you could suffer a head wound or a concussion. Head wounds may come with swelling, bruising, and bleeding. A traumatic brain injury can lead to life-long physical and cognitive effects.
Brain injuries can be severe conditions, so it’s essential to get checked out by your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Beyond just your neck and back, any parts of your body can be affected by a rear-end accident. If you’re feeling sore, you may have strained your muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the crash. These injuries typically won’t show up on imaging, so it’s essential to report any symptoms you’re experiencing to your doctor. Evidence of your injuries will help if you pursue a settlement for your soft tissue injury from a rear-end collision.
Additional reading: what is the average payout for a rear-end collision in Georgia
5. Fractured and Broken Bones
Although airbags are there to protect you in a crash, they can also cause some harm. If your airbags deploy in a rear-end collision, the force may cause you to fracture ribs or other bones. Fractures and broken bones can also be caused by loose objects or other impacts during the crash. Treatment may require a cast or even surgery for serious breaks, and you may experience residuals even after it’s healed.
6. Facial Disfigurement
Facial injuries can result from hitting your face on the steering wheel, airbag, or other parts of the car. Shattered glass or debris can also lead to lacerations, bruising, and swelling. Even if the injuries don’t seem severe, you could be entitled to compensation for any disfigurement or emotional distress you face from facial injuries sustained in a rear-end collision.
7. Internal Organ Damage
Some of the most concerning injuries from a rear-end accident are the ones that aren’t visible. It’s possible to sustain internal organ damage or experience internal bleeding from a fender bender. Your safety features, such as seat belts and airbags, can save your life. But they can also damage your abdomen and intestines in an accident. It’s important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after a rear-end collision to be sure there aren’t any injuries you may not be able to see.
8. Psychological Injuries
On top of all of the physical injuries, you can sustain in a rear-end accident, you may face psychological damage after the crash. Emotional distress can be caused by anxiety surrounding the accident or pain and suffering from physical injuries. A car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for any psychological injuries you may experience after a rear-end collision.
Compensation for Rear-End Collision Injuries
The painful symptoms and limitations you may experience from injuries sustained in a rear-end collision may leave you unable to perform your normal job duties. This is likely on top of any medical bills you’re facing for current and long-term treatment for your injuries. If someone else was at fault for the rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Many rear-end collision victims think that their injuries aren’t severe, or it may take time to realize the full extent of their rear-end collision injuries. However, you never know what issues you may run into due to your rear-end accident down the road. It’s best to call a rear-end collision lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you determine who was at fault for your injuries and if you’re able to pursue compensation.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Gwinnett County Today
Our award-winning personal injury law firm has the experience and resources you need for your rear-end collision claim. We’ll be happy to discuss your legal options with you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our results speak for themselves, including a $3.5 million verdict for our client rear-ended by an ambulance.
Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC for a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Georgia car accident attorneys today.
