Common Injuries Sustained In A Rear-End Accident
A rear-end collision happens when one car hits another behind, caused by distracted driving, inattentive driving, or fatigue. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of auto accident in the US, with over 17 million occurring every year.
On average, there were 1.7 million rear-end crashes each year from 2005 to 2009, which accounted for about 30% of all reported car accidents during that period. The insurance industry estimates that around 80% of these rear-end accidents are “preventable,” meaning that you could have avoided the accident if it were not for human error. A rear-end collision can cause serious harm to passengers.
As such, you need to find a Tucson Accident Attorney to help you file a claim if you get into such an accident. Here are some common types of injuries sustained in rear-end accidents.
Whiplash
Riding in a car comes with many inherent risks, including the risk of whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments. In almost all cases, it’s associated with injuries from an auto accident. The most common areas where people experience whiplash are the cervical vertebra.
When the head is quickly and violently jerked backward (or forward), it can stretch or tear muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck. The violent motion of whiplash may also damage bones, cartilage, and discs in the neck. Whiplash is very common among people who have been involved in rear-end accidents.
Physical Disfigurement
Rear-end collisions are also associated with various physical disfigurements. This type of injury is caused by the impact on the body, which may alter the way a person looks. These injuries may include scars, burns, loss of hair, broken bones, and other visible marks which can affect a person’s facial appearance.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury is an injury to the spinal cord, which are flexible bundles of nerve fibers and cells that carry messages back and forth between your brain and body. These injuries can occur when the spinal column suffers a violent movement or blow that damages the spine’s nerves and protective covering (the meninges). This type of injury can cause loss or disturbance of bodily functions, sensory problems, and pain.
Neck Injury
People who have been in rear-end accidents may also sustain neck injuries. A neck injury is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, bones, or discs of the cervical spine or spinal cord. The most common type of neck injury includes disorders involving the joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and spinal discs. It can be challenging to diagnose neck injuries since they are not visible on X-rays or other imaging equipment.
Paralysis
In severe cases, a person may become paralyzed following a rear-end accident. This type of injury is life-altering and affects the victim’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as walking, eating, and even breathing, without assistance from other people. Depending on the severity of the injury, some people who have been in an auto accident may need to live in a nursing home or other special care center.
In summary, Rear-end collisions are usually nasty for the victims. Some of the most common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents include whiplash, physical disfigurement, and spinal cord injuries. If you have been in such an accident recently, your best bet would be to find an accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you file a claim against the at-fault party.