The 6 Most Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are a common occurrence on our roads, often resulting in various types of injuries. These injuries can range from minor discomfort to severe conditions requiring extensive medical intervention. Despite how small or big your injury is, it is essential to hire a personal injury lawyer from Delventhal Law Office, LLC, if you are injured in any kind of accident.
Understanding the most common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents can help victims recognize their symptoms and seek timely medical attention. So, let’s delve into the six most common injuries from such incidents.
- Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common injury associated with rear-end collisions. It occurs when the sudden jolt of the collision causes the neck to snap back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments. The symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or blurred vision. While whiplash can be painful, it usually heals with rest, physiotherapy, and time.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage done to muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. In a rear-end accident, the abrupt impact can cause occupants to be jerked around forcefully, leading to sprains, strains, or bruising. Though often overlooked initially, these injuries can cause long-term pain if not treated appropriately.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
The force exerted during a rear-end collision can lead to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause partial or total loss of sensation and function below the level of the injury. Depending on the severity, it may result in permanent disability, necessitating long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Head and Brain Injuries
If the impact of the collision is strong enough, it can cause the heads of passengers to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, or seats, leading to potential head and brain injuries. Concussions are common, but more serious traumatic brain injuries can also occur, causing cognitive issues, memory loss, and even life-threatening conditions.
- Broken Bones
While seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect occupants in a collision, the force of a rear-end accident can still result in broken bones. The most common fractures involve ribs, collarbone, arms, or wrists.
- Psychological Trauma
The aftermath of a rear-end accident isn’t just physical. Psychological injuries can also occur as a result of car accidents. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among accident victims. These conditions can affect a person’s life as profoundly as any physical injury and shouldn’t be ignored.