Many collisions are so serious that people immediately recognize their potential for injury. Other collisions may seem less serious initially. Frequently, people treat rear-end collisions like fender benders. They assume that the only consequence is the damage to the vehicles. However, the occupants of both vehicles are at risk of major injuries.
What are the traumatic injuries most strongly associated with rear-end collisions?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by rapid motions of the head and neck. People tend to associate whiplash with rear-end crashes in particular. While people with whiplash usually recover, they may spend weeks away from work and may require medical treatment to address their symptoms.
In some cases, the aggressive motions of the head, neck and back in a rear-end collision do more than overexert the muscles. People can also potentially sustain spinal cord injuries. Rear-end collisions can cause incomplete injuries due to the pinching or tearing of the spinal cord. In severe cases, the crash might fully sever the spinal cord, resulting in permanent paralysis.
The violent vehicle motions of a rear-end crash can lead to people striking their heads on steering columns or windows. The blunt force trauma they sustain can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injuries can cause an assortment of different debilitating symptoms, and more serious TBIs can have permanent consequences.
Those recovering from a rear-end crash may have medical expenses and lost wages to address. Reviewing options for compensation with a legal professional can be beneficial for those who need medical care and take time away from work to recover from vehicle collision injuries.
