What Happens To Your Body In A Rear-End Collision?

Rear-end collisions account for 40% of all U.S. traffic accidents, according to the NHTSA. That’s over 2.5 million accidents every single year! Not only can rear-end accidents ruin your day, but they can also cause sustained damage in the form of long-term injuries. After a car accident, adrenaline can cause injuries to manifest down the line. If you feel symptoms starting to present, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately. Read on to learn more about what may happen to your body in a rear-end collision.

Below we discuss the most common types of injuries that occur as a result of a rear-end collision:

1. Whiplash

In a rear-end collision, the impact can cause your head to snap forward like a whip injuring your neck. This is called whiplash and it is the most common injury in a rear-end collision. As your neck snaps forward, small blood vessels, nerves, and muscles tear causing pain that can last for days or weeks. Common medical scans like an MRI or X-ray have trouble showing these small tears making whiplash difficult to diagnose. If you are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, poor range of motion, or headaches after your accident, you may be suffering from whiplash.

2. Back Injuries

In the same way that the force of a rear-end collision can cause damage to the neck and cause whiplash, an accident can aggravate other parts of the spine. Damage to the spine can come in the form of herniated disks, nerve problems, and soft tissue damage. The complexity of the spine allows for it to be injured in a lot of ways.

Here are some common back injuries that are caused as a result of a rear-end collision: 

• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal fracture
• Compression fracture
• Back sprains
• Back strains
• Herniated disc

3. Head Injuries

Even at low speeds, a rear-end collision can have a violent impact. Your head can easily impact the steering wheel or dashboard and cause a concussion or other trauma. Head impact injuries can worsen in a matter of hours.

The main symptoms you need to watch out for are:

• Headaches that will not subside
• Drowsiness
• Pupils of differing sizes
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting or nausea
• Loss of consciousness, no matter how brief

If any of these symptoms present themselves, there could be a serious issue such as a hematoma (Brain Bleeding) and you should go to the Emergency Department and see a doctor.

4. Wrist and Arm Injuries

Often, in a rear-end collision, you may have your hands on the steering wheel. When the impact causes you to lurch forward, your wrist and arm bones can fracture. Any wrist or arm pain in this situation should be checked out, as small, hairline fractures could be causing the pain and make you more susceptible to wrist injuries in the future.

Rear-end collisions injure people every day. After a car accident of any kind, your health should be your number one priority. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical treatment as soon as you can.

5. Broken Bones or Fractured Ribs

The likelihood of a broken bone or a fractured rib will naturally depend on the type and severity of the accident. Fractures may not always be obvious, especially after a traumatic car accident. When your car is hit from behind, it can cause your airbag to deploy and potentially affect your ribcage. Another way that you may get a bone fracture is from your seatbelt being pulled tightly too suddenly.

Signs to look out for that may indicate a broken bone or fracture rib include:

• Intense sharp pain
• Feeling hot or chilly
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Bruising

The human body can face severe effects following a rear-end collision. The severity of your injuries will depend on the severity and type of the accident. If you recently got into a rear-end collision accident, you may be eligible to receive monetary compensation that can help to pay for your medical expenses and more. Hiring a reputable attorney is essential for ensuring that you are provided with the legal support that you need during this difficult time. Our team of car accident attorneys can help guide you in each and every single step of the process, and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

Suggested Reading:

• These Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
• 3 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Rear-End Collision
• If My Tail Light Goes Out and I’m Rear-Ended, Am I At-Fault for the Collision?
• 5 Reasons Posting About a Car Crash on Social Media Is Risky

If you or a loved one is ever involved in a car crash, our lawyers at Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP can help you receive the settlement you deserve. Give us a call at (605) 519-6136 or fill out an online contact form.