The Injuries Associated with a Rear-End Collision

About forty percent of all automobile accidents on the road today are rear-ended collisions. There can be severe injuries to the occupants of a car which is involved in a rear-end collision. Today, we’re going to talk about some common injuries we see to the occupants of a vehicle involved in a read end collision.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common injury we see in rear-end accident victims. We’ve talked about whiplash in the past, and how hard it is for them to realize the full extent of their injuries until later, even days or weeks after the accident.

Head injuries

A concussion is a common injury we see in rear-end collision accidents. Sometimes, it’s the result of the brain moving inside the skull as a result of the impact. Other times, the patient hits their head on something in the car or even the windshield. Either way, head injuries can cause swelling in the brain, headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory issues. Frequently the pain from a concussion can cause nausea and vomiting. Head injuries should always be checked by a medical professional.

Muscle soreness

A person who has been involved in a rear-end collision can feel fine directly after the accident, but the next morning may feel like they’ve been run over by a truck. Muscle soreness is a common injury which frequently doesn’t show up until the next day because of the chemical response of a body to an impact injury.

Fractures

It isn’t unusual to see broken bones after a rear-end collision because passengers can be pushed forward with such force. Even those who are wearing seatbelts can suffer fractures. A victim can suffer from broken ribs, or fractures to the bones in their hands and feet which can hit the steering wheel, windshield, dash or other car surfaces.

Paralysis

One of the most heartbreaking injuries associated with a rear end collision is paralysis. The impact of a swiftly moving car causes a spine injury, which in turn damages the spinal cord. Paralysis can be temporary or permanent. We have much to learn in the field of paralysis because it so severely impacts the quality of the patient’s life.

Emotional impact

While the emotional impact of a rear-end collision is not a physical injury, it can be severe and create problems for the victim. Shock and fear are the two most common emotions: while shock will fade with time, anxiety or feelings of powerlessness can linger following an accident. These may take more time to disappear.

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s essential to be checked out by a medical professional, especially if you feel suspiciously ‘fine.’ Many people are injured in a rear end accident and don’t even realize the full extent of their injuries at the time.