Common Rear-End Collision Injuries

Though most rear-end collisions are not major automobile accidents, rear-end collisions can still cause a broad variety of injuries, from minor aches and pains to severe trauma. A rear-end crash can cause broken bones, sprains, cuts, soft tissue damage, and spinal cord or brain injuries.

The impact of a collision with another vehicle can be so powerful that it can completely alter your physical abilities. If you’ve been involved in a crash, you may be wondering about the symptoms and pain you are experiencing.

People often overlook how serious their injuries are and how much treatment they require. You should pay attention to your symptoms even if they don’t seem serious. If you need further clarification, it can be helpful for you to find out more about the most common injuries involved in a rear-end accident.

Soft Tissue Injury from a Rear-End Collision

The skin, connective tissue, fat, tendons, blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles make up your soft tissue. It’s common to have soft tissue injuries after a car accident, however, some of these injuries will not be obvious or visible.

Some examples of soft tissue injuries are:

Contusions from Auto Accidents

Commonly known as bruising,  contusions happen when something strikes or puts pressure on blood vessels or capillaries and causes them to break or leak.  When blood seeps into the tissues from these broken capillaries, a bruise forms.

Contusions from a rear end crash can cover a large portion of your body and may indicate that other injuries are present.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Gashes

Most rear-end auto collisions will cause some lacerations. These wounds might be very modest scrapes or they may be so severe that they necessitate emergency surgery. You can clearly see these injuries, and you should seek immediate medical attention. This will aid in avoiding the serious complications that might arise from seemingly small injuries.

Shoulder Injury After a Rear-End Collision

Shoulder impingement is a common injury after a rear-end car accident. When the shoulders are painful from shoulder impingement, it might be difficult to do daily tasks that require raising the arms over the head.

This occurs when overuse causes inflammation in the shoulder’s tendons. This may progress to shoulder tendinitis over time. This necessitates the procedure known as rotator cuff surgery. The impact of their body hitting an airbag during an accident may be the cause.

Knee Injury from a Rear-End Collision

When your knee is twisted in an unnatural way, you are particularly prone to an ACL tear. Due to your body’s abrupt shift in direction during rollover or rear-end impacts, knee injuries frequently occur in auto accidents.

ACL tears can cause swelling around the knee, pain when moving or standing, popping sounds coming from the knee, and moderate to severe pain.

Back Injuries in a Rear-End Collision

Strains, sprains, and tears are common back injuries in a car accident. Tendons and muscles in the back are vulnerable to damage during rear-end motor vehicle crashes. A back injury is possible if the collision causes the passenger to twist or contort in their seat.

Injuries of both categories can result in

• Muscle spasms
• Moderate to severe pain
• Cramping
• Restricted mobility

It may take the patient weeks or even months to feel better, and during that time they may be unable to return to their regular routine. Loss of muscle strength or weight gain can also occur if the patient is sedentary while recovering.

Brain Injuries After a Rear-End Car Collision

Closed head injuries, which include concussions and contusions occur when there has been internal trauma to the skull, resulting in swelling or bleeding around the brain. These potentially fatal wounds are typically brought on by car accidents.

There may be no outward indication of damage, making these injuries particularly dangerous. Both stroke and head trauma exhibit similar symptoms and require immediate medical attention, so don’t hesitate to dial 911.

The effects of a concussion include amnesia, disorientation, numbness, and inability to speak.

Neck Injuries and Whiplash in Car Accidents

Many people who are involved in rear-end collisions suffer from whiplash. This injury is not nearly as serious as a shattered bone, but it is nonetheless a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully moved forward.

Stiffness and pain commonly last more than a week and can take some time to heal. Whiplash is often a minor consequence of minor collisions, but it can cause major muscle and nerve injury in extreme cases.

Spinal Cord Injuries After a Rear-End Collision

A jarring motion of the head or neck can cause a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries have the potential to cause permanent paralysis in extreme circumstances. Spinal cord injuries are the main cause of paralysis in the United States, according to CDC research.

If the cervical spine is damaged, the person may have weakness or paralysis in both the arms and legs. Any damage to the spinal cord is extremely dangerous and needs to be treated right away. Recovery can take months to years, even with urgent medical attention.

Some people never make a full recovery and are unable to go back to their jobs. Costly medical attention and rehabilitation may be needed for the rest of one’s life due to these injuries. Victims of spinal cord injuries may suffer from emotional anguish as they adjust to their new realities.

Fractured Bones and Cracked Ribs

A shattered bone or cracked rib is another typical injury sustained in a rear-end collision. In the event of a collision, the airbag might activate and strike you in the chest, potentially breaking your ribs.

When a bone is broken, you may have problems moving that area of your body or see that it looks crooked. Broken bones that aren’t readily apparent can cause severe, constant pain.

Though a broken leg is easy to spot after an accident, other bone fractures may take some work to diagnose. Bruising, stiffening, edema, and dizziness are among the potential side effects.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation Following a Rear-End Auto Accident

Injuries sustained in a rear-end collision can cause long-lasting discomfort, high medical costs, and the need for ongoing treatment, therapy, or additional surgery. Though the conditions listed here are some of the more common rear-end collision injuries, other physical trauma is certainly possible.

Facial injuries, broken teeth, wrist and hand injuries or even internal bleeding can happen after a rear-end car accident. It’s critical to get the medical attention you need and contact an attorney to help you secure compensation for your injuries and losses.

A personal injury car accident attorney from Morelli Law Firm can take care of the insurance claim, negotiate on your behalf, and fight to maximize the value of the settlement you receive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.