Common Types of Rear End Collision Injuries

Rear-end collisions occur for a variety of reasons–most of them related to human error. Drivers who have become distracted behind the wheel may inadvertently tailgate another driver or fail to stop in time when the driver in front comes to an abrupt stop.

Sometimes, drivers may even cause rear-end collisions because of aggressive driving behavior, including deliberately speeding or tailgating. In Louisiana, RS 32:81 states that drivers should maintain a “reasonable and prudent” separation. The degree of separation permits adequate stopping distance based on travel speed.

This article aims to educate readers about the common types of injuries that can occur from rear-end collisions and provide guidance on what steps to take after being involved in such an accident.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately seven percent of fatal crashes in 2019 were rear-end collisions.

Regardless of the cause of the rear-end collision, however, they can cause serious injuries. In a rear-end collision, the passengers in the vehicle often find themselves snapped forward abruptly, then dragged back against their seats as their seatbelts catch them. As a result, they may have substantial injuries that may require long-term treatment.

Whiplash

The abrupt back-and-forth movement that the neck makes during a rear-end collision can quickly result in whiplash. Whiplash frequently causes considerable pain and limitations on the movements the injured party can complete. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and loss of range of motion. In severe cases, whiplash can cause blurred vision, memory lapses, concentration difficulty, and numbness in the upper limbs.

Other times, however, whiplash can result in chronic symptoms that may cause long-term limitations for the victim. Pain from whiplash may not be evident for hours, days, or weeks after an accident. It is essential to be checked by a doctor after any car accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. If you experience any of these symptoms after a rear-end collision, seek medical attention promptly.

Chest Injuries

Rear-end collisions frequently result in chest injuries, including broken bones in the chest or internal bleeding, as a result of the trauma that comes from hitting the steering wheel at a high rate of speed. Chest injuries can cause considerable pain and long-term limitations.

Seat Belt Syndrome

However, seatbelts may also cause their own set of injuries as the force of the accident causes the seat belt to catch the driver at a high rate of speed. Seat belt syndrome encompasses a range of injuries, including injuries to the abdominal wall and internal organs. Prompt treatment of any signs of seat belt syndrome can prove critical to the victim’s overall recovery.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs can cause considerable pain as the gel-like center of the discs in the spinal cord pushes out onto the nerves. Sometimes, herniated discs can also cause numbness and tingling, often localized to one side of the body.

A herniated disc can cause considerable long-term limitations, especially if the victim suffers from severe pain. Victims of herniated discs may require extensive medical treatment and face significant changes to their daily lives.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Sometimes, a rear-end collision can result in spinal fractures, also known as spinal cord injuries. Spinal fractures occur when the spinal cord actually breaks. Frequently, spinal cord injuries result in a complete loss of mobility and function below the site of the injury.

These injuries may continue to impact the victim for the rest of their lives. Victims of spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical treatment and face significant changes to their daily lives.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury can result from an impact on the head or rapid head movement. The brain is encased in the skull and surrounded by fluid. When the head is snapped violently during a car accident, the brain can impact the skull’s interior, creating a closed TBI.

TBIs can be closed, with no broken bones in the skull, or open when the skull is penetrated. Airbag deployment can result in head injuries due to the force of inflation.

Some symptoms of a TBI include loss of consciousness, swelling, headache, blurred or impaired vision, memory loss, nausea, and vomiting. The effects of a TBI may not be immediate. Due to this type of injury, symptoms may appear hours, days, or weeks after an accident.

You should always seek an examination by medical personnel after an accident.

Broken Bones

Sometimes, patients in rear-end collisions may suffer broken bones. Broken bones can occur anywhere on the body. However, drivers involved in a rear-end collision often suffer broken bones in the hands and arms, since they may brace themselves against the steering wheel at the time of impact.

Broken bones can prevent many people from working while they heal. Furthermore, victims with broken bones may require surgery and considerable physical therapy in order to treat their injuries.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

Muscle strains are common in rear-end collisions. The force of your body being bounced around during an accident can cause muscles to hyper-extend or reflexively contract, which can add to the injury.

Facial Injuries

Rear-end collisions can cause the victims in the front vehicle to slam into the steering wheel or windshield, which may result in severe facial injuries. Blunt force trauma can cause broken bones in the face, while the glass from the windshield may lead to considerable cuts.

Even with plastic surgery, some people may not fully regain their former appearance after a car accident involving facial injuries. Often, facial scarring leads to long-term trauma.

Seat Belts and Airbags Save Lives

Seat belts and airbags are life-saving devices built into every car. While they prevent you from suffering life-threatening injuries, they can also cause injuries in rear-end collisions. When properly buckled in, you may suffer injuries, but it will keep you inside the vehicle.

Some of the injuries specific to seatbelts and airbags include pressure cuts from the belt, chest, neck, and torso injuries from the seat belt restraining motion, head injuries from airbag impact, and hip injuries. Even though these safety devices may include hazards, you are safer with them.

What Should You Do After a Rear-End Collision?

If you suffer injuries in a rear-end collision, make medical attention your top priority.

Seek Medical Attention Always make sure that you see a doctor immediately after an accident to create evidence of when your injuries occurred, which can make it easier for you to later pursue compensation.

Report the Accident Make sure that you report the accident, too: the police can help issue a report that will establish when the incident took place and what led to the accident.

You Deserve Compensation for Your Rear-End Collision Injuries

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you might have injuries that can affect your life now and in the future. Some of the most common rear-end collision injuries require significant medical care. As a victim of negligent driving behavior, you shouldn’t have to suffer financially because of this accident.

Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer can be a crucial step in ensuring you receive the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Finally, get in touch with a lawyer to learn more about your right to compensation. A lawyer can help guide you through a personal injury claim and help you get the compensation you may deserve. Do you have questions about your rear-end collision injuries?

Contact Alvendia Kelly & Demarest Lawyers today at 504-200-0000 to schedule a free consultation.