Rear-end collisions are the most common type of two-vehicle accidents. While they don’t often involve fatalities, rear-enders can result in serious and long-lasting injuries to the occupants of both vehicles involved. In addition, there may be internal or soft-tissue injuries that are not immediately apparent, which means they can be worsened by lack of proper medical attention.
Drivers and passengers alike should be aware of the nature of injuries that can arise in a rear-end collision, so that they can be on the lookout for symptoms should an accident occur. Here are the most common types of serious harm suffered in such crashes:
- Whiplash — This is an injury to the neck due to the physical force of the accident. Symptoms of whiplash include neck stiffness, headache, dizziness, pain in the shoulder or in-between the shoulder blades and numbness in the arms or hands. In some cases, whiplash causes irritability, fatigue and problems with memory and concentration.
- Back sprains and strains — The force of a rear-end accident can injure the muscles, tendons and ligaments that are connected to the spine. When this occurs, the injured person can feel acute pain in their back.
- Herniated discs — The spine is made up of a stack of 24 bones known as vertebrae, which are separated by rubbery discs that act as cushions. Nerves run up and down the back through the vertebrae. If a disc is herniated, which means it slips or becomes ruptured, it can put pressure on the nerves and cause intense pain.
- Spinal stenosis — This condition means the pathway for the nerves through the vertebrae becomes narrowed, resulting in pressure on the nerves. Symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain and numbness in the back and legs.
- Spinal fracture — Like any bones, vertebrae can be fractured in a car accident. A spinal fracture can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the neck and/or back. It can also result in muscle spasms and loss of urinary or bowel control.
Although these injuries are suffered most often by the occupants of the vehicle that is hit from behind, the occupants of the other vehicle can also be seriously hurt.
If you are in a rear-end accident, it is important that you seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference in restoring your health. Next, as soon as possible, contact an attorney who is experienced with New York car accident cases. There are strict time limits on filing a lawsuit to recover damages for injuries in an accident.
If you have been in a rear-end collision, the law firm of Goldberg Sager & Associates is ready to help you get just compensation for your injuries. We have decades of experience with car accident cases in New York. To schedule a consultation in our Brooklyn office, call us at 718-645-6677 or contact us online today.
