In 2019, rear-end crashes resulted in 595,000 injuries and 2,346 deaths. Potential injuries from a rear-end accident can range from minor aches and pains to catastrophic injuries requiring a lifetime of medical care. Here are the most common types of injuries you can sustain when your vehicle gets rear-ended.
Whiplash
A whiplash occurs when the soft tissues surrounding the head and neck tear because of the sudden and rapid movement from the impact of the car crash. This can be more severe in rear-end collisions because the driver usually doesn’t see the crash coming, allowing the neck and head to jerk more rapidly and violently. Whiplash normally causes soreness that persists for weeks or months. But more serious whiplash injuries may require physical therapy, injections, and even surgery.
Seat Belt Injuries
While seat belts save lives and must be worn inside the vehicle at all times, they do come with specific risks, especially in rear-end crashes. Upon impact, the seat belt will automatically tighten to safeguard your body from injury. However, it can likewise apply undue pressure to the neck, chest, and abdomen, resulting in deep bruising and lacerations. In more severe cases, these can cause internal bleeding or further complications called seat belt syndrome.
Back Injuries
Even crashes that occur at slow speeds can result in serious back injuries. The impact can lead to the spine or lower spinal column discs becoming compressed. When this blunt force is applied to the spine, intense pressure is also applied to the vertebrae, leading to serious back pain and related injuries. Dislocated discs can cause radiating pain, numbness, and tingling in other areas of the body.
Head, Facial, and Brain Damage
Any injury to the head must be taken very seriously, even in a seemingly minor rear-end collision. Depending on the severity of the crash’s impact, the head may strike different parts of the vehicle, such as the windshield, dashboard, and windows, among others. This can cause concussions, loss of consciousness, and external injuries like lacerations, swelling, and bruising.
If the face gets injured, there’s also the risk of broken cheekbones, nose, and jaw that will require surgery, as well as severe scarring and disfigurement that no amount of surgery can ever fix. Blunt force head trauma can also result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Spinal Cord Damage
If the damage to the spine is severe enough, an injured victim can become partially or completely paralyzed. Also, depending on which areas are damaged and the severity of the damage, the degree of paralysis may vary. Generally speaking, the risk of developing paralysis is highest when certain areas of the brain or spinal discs are damaged.
Seek Legal Guidance from a Suwanee, GA, Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a rear-end crash, you need to have your injuries checked and treated promptly. You should then get in touch with the law firm of Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP to begin your road to physical, mental, and financial recovery. Our Suwanee, GA, rear-end accident lawyer can talk to you about your legal options in a free case evaluation. Complete our online form or call 770-887-1209 to arrange your appointment today.
