Of all possible car accident scenarios (and there are many), the most common is the rear-end accident. Whether you are struck from behind at low speed in a parking lot or slammed from behind at high speed on a highway, the injuries associated with being in a rear-end accident can be devastating.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end accidents.
Damage to the Neck and Spine
If you are the lead car in a rear-end collision, the likeliest injuries will be to your neck and spine. A fuller list of injuries includes:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Sprains/strains and other soft-tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts and bruises
Should You See a Doctor?
After any type of car accident, it is always best to be examined by a physician reasonably soon. Even if you don’t feel hurt in the moment, you may have suffered injuries that aren’t manifesting yet. Remember that adrenaline can often mask pain, and most people get an adrenaline rush in response to danger.
Even if you were perfectly calm, however, some injuries (especially soft-tissue damage may not be painful right away, but can be come very painful within a short period of time. Therefore, the best course of action is to be examined by a doctor after a car accident. As an added incentive, it is always good to have documentation (in the form of medical records) before filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Talk to an Attorney
If you’ve been in a rear-end crash or any other type of car accident, please discuss your rights and legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney.