What Are the Most Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions?
You’re driving home, minding your business, when a hard slam rocks your car. You jolt forward and your car goes spinning across the road until it crunches to a stop on the shoulder. The other driver is apologetic, but you’re hurt and confused. What are some common injuries you can expect from this rear-end collision?
Concussion
When you’re rear-ended, your body wants to jerk forward. However, sudden and forceful movement can cause your brain to move inside your skull. This can cause a concussion, or depending on the severity of the crash, may even result in unconsciousness.
Concussions are unpredictable; they can range from a 15-minute bout of nausea to lasting memory loss. There’s also significant evidence that concussions increase the risk of strokes later in life. It’s always wise to go to the doctor immediately after a car crash so you can identify concussions as early as possible.
Whiplash
When your head snaps back from the crash, you may experience whiplash. This can manifest through a variety of symptoms. Whiplash from a rear-end collision could pinch the cartilage between your spine, cause neck pain and stiffness, and can even trigger frequent headaches.
Whiplash can have long-term consequences on your health. If you have any neck pain, stiffness, or headaches after a crash, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Broken Bones
In rare cases, a rear-end collision is so extreme that your back cannot withstand the force of the crash. In these cases, you may experience spinal fractures or even a broken neck. In milder cases, the force my cause your face to impact with the steering wheel, which can result in facial fractures.
If you suspect, even for a moment, that you suffered a broken bone in a car crash, you should call 911 from the scene. The paramedics will be capable of identifying your injuries and safely moving you out of the car and into their care.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a rear-end collision, we are here for you. If you’d like an experienced Modesto car accident lawyer from Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (209) 528-0404.