Any type of accident can result in serious injuries, but rear-end collisions are especially dangerous because the impacted driver doesn’t see what’s coming. In practical terms, this means that they cannot brace their body for impact.
What are some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions?
Neck injuries
Those involved in car crashes often suffer from whiplash. The sudden jolt from a collision puts a lot of strain on the muscles, discs and nerves in the neck and upper spine. In some cases, neck injuries can be much more severe than whiplash. A rear-end collision can cause fractures and spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
All head injuries should be treated as medical emergencies, and these types of injuries can happen in rear-end collisions. If another vehicle hits the impacted driver at high speeds, the head may jolt back and forth and collide with the windshield and other interior areas of the vehicle. Head injuries range from minor to severe and a severe TBI can be life-changing.
Seat belt injuries
While seatbelts are renowned for saving lives, they can also cause injuries. During the impact, the seatbelt should hold you in place to prevent you moving around and even potentially exiting the vehicle during a collision. The counterpoint to this is that it puts a tremendous amount of pressure on your body. Punctured lungs, fractured ribs, cuts and lacerations can all be caused by seat belts. However, it’s important to note that the risk of serious injuries is far greater when not wearing a seatbelt.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, then it’s highly likely that the other driver was negligent. You can hold them accountable for this by pursuing a personal injury claim.