Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in California. Whether a rear-end collision occurs on the highway, at an intersection, or in a parking lot, it can lead to serious injuries. The costs associated with these injuries can be substantial.
An experienced car accident lawyer can pursue compensation for injuries you sustain in a rear-end crash. Some of the most common injuries in these accidents include:
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head moves forward and then “snaps” back into its usual position above the top of the spine. This snapping motion can damage the nerves and soft tissue in the neck. The symptoms of a whiplash injury may include headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and neck and shoulder pain.
2. Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain bounces off of the inside of the skull. While a concussion is considered the least-serious form of TBI, it is still a significant injury that requires medical attention and a period of recovery.
Concussions can cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms. When a person is concussed, the risk of suffering another, more-serious brain injury is higher.
3. Knee and Leg Injuries
Many drivers and passengers suffer knee and other leg injuries in rear-end collisions. The force of impact can push drivers’ and passengers’ bodies forward, and this can cause their knees to collide with the dashboard or the seat in front of them. Knee and other leg injuries suffered in rear-end collisions can range from ligament and tendon injuries to fractures of the patella (kneecap).
4. Chest Injuries
While seatbelts unquestionably save lives, they can also cause certain types of injuries. Seatbelt injuries are particularly common in rear-end accidents. When a seatbelt restrains the body from moving forward, the force of the belt on the torso can cause bruising, burns, and even fractures.
5. Facial Injuries
Facial injuries from rear-end accidents can include lacerations, broken or lost teeth, jaw fractures, nose fractures, eye and ear injuries, and other forms of trauma. Many of these injuries can occur even if a driver’s or passenger’s airbag deploys. In some cases, airbag deployment can actually cause facial injuries.
When facial injuries lead to physical disabilities, loss of vision, scarring, and other permanent effects, the consequences can be life-changing. If another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
6. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries from rear-end accidents can include inflammation resulting in lower back pain, herniated discs, slipped discs, nerve damage, and spinal fractures. Depending on its severity, a spinal cord injury can require intensive treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, rear-end accident victims may face paralysis and other lifelong consequences.
7. Other Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
While concussions are the most-common type of traumatic brain injury resulting from rear-end collisions, these accidents can lead to various other types of TBI as well. For example, coup-contrecoup injuries (caused by the brain “bouncing” off of the skull and suffering trauma on opposite sides) are fairly common. Serious rear-end accidents may also result in intracranial hematomas, diffuse axonal injuries, and other TBI as well.
8. Wrist, Hand, and Arm Injuries
Many people suffer wrist, hand, and arm injuries as a result of attempting to brace themselves during rear-end accidents. While it is our natural reaction to brace for impact, the forces involved in a rear-end collision can easily overwhelm our bodies. Individuals who place their hands on the dashboard or back of the front seat will often suffer fractures, tears, nerve damage, and other traumatic injuries.
9. Bone Fractures
In addition to the injuries discussed above, rear-end collisions can also cause bone fractures in virtually all other parts of the body. Bone fractures are among the most common serious injuries sustained in vehicle collisions. They can lead to expensive medical bills, loss of income, and long-term pain and suffering.
10. Organ Damage
The lungs, kidneys, stomach, liver, and other abdominal organs are particularly susceptible to injury in rear-end collisions. Weakness, difficulty breathing, difficulty using the restroom, and other signs of internal bleeding or organ failure following a collision should be treated as a medical emergency.
If you suffered any type of serious injury in a rear-end collision in Bakersfield, you should see a doctor promptly. You should also contact a car accident lawyer right away.
Start Building Your Rear-End Accident Case
The Law Offices of Mickey Fine has extensive experience representing clients in rear-end accident claims. We recognize the toll these collisions can take, and our team has achieved significant recoveries on behalf of victims who were seriously injured by a driver who crashed into the back of their vehicle.
Please call The Law Offices of Mickey Fine at (661) 333-3333 today for a free consultation. Our accident lawyer serves clients in Bakersfield, and nearby areas of California.