Rear-end collisions are sometimes called fender-benders, but this term belies how serious they can be. They can occur at high speeds and even at low speeds and can cause significant medical complications. The severity of rear-end collision injuries can vary significantly depending on the vehicles’ speed and size. These types of injuries may also be hidden and not become apparent until days or even weeks later.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are Common
According to research from the NHTSA, rear-end collisions make up nearly a third of all traffic collisions. The prevalence of rear-end collisions is due to several factors, such as distracted driving. When drivers are not paying attention, they are more likely to strike cars in front of them that slow down or stop. Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating are another major cause of rear-end crashes. Rear-end accidents may also occur due to poor road conditions and bad weather, such as snow or ice.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Collision
The sudden acceleration of a rear-end collision can cause a wide range of injuries, the most common being whiplash and neck injuries. As the rear-ended car lurches forward, the occupant’s head snaps backward due to the sudden force, which can strain neck muscles and even damage vertebrae. Whiplash victims report mild to serious neck pain and limited motion up to weeks and even months after an accident.
Other common injuries from rear-end collisions include:
- Spinal cord and disc injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue damage and bruising
- Chest injuries
- Facial injuries
- Hip injuries
- Eye injuries
- Abrasions
Symptoms to Watch for After a Rear-End Collision
Most rear-end collision injuries will be obvious, but some may only become apparent after a few days. Common symptoms of an injury from a rear-end collision include:
- Dull, aching pain in neck and shoulders
- Numbness or tingling in arms
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Headaches and migraines
- Lower back pain
- Weakness
- Loss of functionality
- Difficulty breathing
- Cognitive difficulties
- Sleep problems
- Mental and emotional distress
Long-Term Effects of Rear-End Collision Injuries
Depending on the severity of the crash, symptoms from rear-end collision injuries can last for months or years. Your symptoms might cause functional impairments and make working or earning a living harder. Serious rear-end collisions may even cause partial or total permanent disability. The pain and discomfort from your injuries can also impact sleep quality and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Studies estimate that between a quarter and a third of auto accident injury victims develop clinical symptoms of PTSD.
Treatment Options for Rear-End Collision Injuries
Treatment options for rear-end collisions vary significantly due to the diverse nature of possible injuries. Rest, OTC medications, exercise, ice/heat therapy, anti-inflammatories, chiropractic care, and massage therapy are all potential treatment options. In severe cases, such as spinal injuries, surgery may be required.
Treating rear-end injuries can be expensive and incur significant medical bills that may be hard to pay if you are unable to work at full capacity. A personal injury attorney can calculate the full expense of your medical treatments to recover adequate compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision
The first thing to do after a rear-end collision is to pull over, call the authorities, and check for injuries. After that, you should stop documenting the accident scene if you are able. Take pictures of the crash scene, your car’s damage, and your injuries. You should also obtain the contact and insurance information of the other driver.
After gathering evidence, go see a doctor ASAP. If you plan to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you must provide medical documentation of your condition when you file a claim. One of the main reasons insurance companies deny claims is a lack of sufficient medical documentation, so get hard copies of any lab reports, doctor’s notes, imaging results, diagnostic tests, and discharge paperwork.
You should then contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can start building your case and negotiate with the insurance companies for you. Your choice of attorney can mean the difference between a claim denial and a satisfactory resolution.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Rear-End Collisions
The best way to deal with rear-end collision injuries is to avoid them. Below are some tips on reducing the risk of getting into a rear-end collision.
Follow the three-second rule and make sure there is at least three seconds of following distance between you and the cars in front of and behind.
- Signal your intention to change lanes, and do not change lanes too quickly.
- Avoid driving distracted, including texting, adjusting the radio, eating, talking to passengers, etc.
- Brake gradually when stopping so the car behind you has time to react and slow down.
- Be extra careful around taller cars, such as SUVs and trucks, that have larger blind spots in front of them.
- Check your mirrors when turning, stopping, and slowing down.
- Do not drive in the left lane unless you are actively passing another vehicle.
- Don’t park dangerously; leave a safe distance from cars behind you.
- Wear your seatbelt at all times. A seatbelt can prevent serious injuries during a rear-end collision.
Contact Our Accident Attorneys to Learn More
Although they might seem minor, rear-end collision injuries can cause a wide range of medical complications. If you have sustained an injury in a rear-end car accident, give the car accident attorneys at Schwaba Law Firm a call. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim financial compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys can assess your case and help you file a personal injury claim to recover what you lost. We dedicate ourselves to serving justice and will use our knowledge, skills, and resources to bring you closure and peace of mind.
Contact us online or call Schwaba Law Firm today to speak to a car accident attorney in Wisconsin. We have recovered millions for our clients and want to help you next.
