The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 31.4% of traffic injuries in the U.S. (594,000 Americans) resulted from rear-end collisions. This statistic makes them among the most common types of car accidents. They are also dangerous and resulted in about 2,400 deaths.

Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle’s hood crashes into another vehicle’s trunk. These collisions follow a pattern because the collision causes the car and occupants to jolt forward and backward. Injuries tend to affect the neck, back, and head.

Below is some information about the injuries you can expect in a rear-end collision and how to recover compensation from the accident.

What is a Rear-End Collision

Drivers must safely operate their vehicles on the road. Rear-end collisions result from distracted driving, speeding, and tailgating. Some common examples include:

• A driver speeds into another car that has slowed down and has a turn signal.
• A driver accelerates into the car in front, thinking that the other driver would immediately go once the light turns green.
• A driver hits the car in front, not noticing that the vehicle was stopped at either a red light or stop sign.

In situations like these, the driver coming from behind is usually at fault. Yet, that won’t always be the case. Suppose the front driver suddenly slams on the breaks for no reason, or the driver in front reverses their car. In that case, the leading driver might be held responsible for the car crash.

INJURIES

Occupants involved in a rear-end collision experience a back and forth motion. The jolt can strain muscles, discs, and bones. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention. Common injuries include:

• WHIPLASH

Whiplash is a quick motion of the head that strains the neck muscles. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, and arm numbness.

• MUSCLE STRAIN

Also known as a “pulled muscle,” the strain usually happens in the lower back. The collision can also cause strained neck muscles.

• BROKEN BONES

Depending on the speed of the vehicles, inertia can cause the body and its limbs to jolt. They can strike the steering wheel, dashboard, side doors, or center console. The impact can cause bones to break or fracture.

• AIRBAGS

When a rear-end collision occurs, it may cause the airbags to deploy. The impact can cause bruising to the face, chest, and ribs.

• OTHER SERIOUS INJURIES

Spinal cord injuries cause nerve pain, muscle spasms, and loss of muscle control. These types of injures can also cause paralysis. Other serious injuries, like brain injuries, can result from concussions. At times, the car’s velocity causes the brain to slam inside the skull. Such an injury can impact you for the rest of your life.

Bay Area Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-end accidents have the potential to be devastating. Especially when you suffer a neck, back, or other serious injuries. California provides ways for a victim to receive compensation for injuries sustained. You may be entitled to receive money for medical bills and replace lost wages.

For more information, call our law firm (415) 891-01072 or send us an email by visiting our page.