Rear-end automobile collisions are recognized among the most common of all motor vehicle accidents.

A rear-end car crash often takes victims by surprise as they sit idling, patiently waiting for a red light to turn green. The NHTSA – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues annual statistics for automobile crashes based on the type of collision. 

In 2018, more than 32% of automobile accidents (that happened due to a collision with another motor vehicle) were considered rear-end collisions. This statistic translates to more than 2.1 million rear end automobile accidents, in which –

• Nearly 600,000 injuries were caused by a rear-end accident.
• Nearly 2,500 fatalities were caused by a rear-end accident.

Fender bender and rear-end automobile crashes cost drivers and insurance companies millions of dollars annually. However, victims of rear-end car crashes should not bear the cost or responsibility for their lost wages, damaged property, or the medical expenses required as the result of a crash if negligence was involved.

Injuries from rear-end auto accidents may not show up immediately, with some injuries impacting or diminishing one’s quality of life for decades or the rest of their life. Therefore, if you are involved in a car accident, it is important to have all injuries checked by medical personnel as quickly as possible.   

Have you sustained a head injury in a rear-end automobile crash, it is critical to obtain the appropriate legal representation to ensure you receive all your rights under the law?

The following list details the common head injures one can sustain if involved in a rear-end car collision. 

Common Head Injuries Caused by a Rear End Accident

Brain Injuries

Rear-end car crashes, independent of the speed of the vehicles involved in the accident, often involve injuries to the head. Neck and head injuries can happen even when the car’s airbag deploys correctly because your head can be impaled or struck by inflating airbags. The resulting injuries may include –

• A Concussion
• The loss of one’s consciousness
• Swelling, bruising or lacerations, to name a few

Unfortunately, several types of injuries, like a TBI in an accident may not become apparent right away. These injuries could take many days or several weeks to manifest overt symptoms. Symptoms of a TBI may include the following –

• Dizziness
• Loss of Consciousness
• Fatigue
• A reduction in Cognitive Performance
• Negative Behavioral Changes
• The inability to speak

Whiplash/Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash injuries are recognized as some of the most common types of injuries sustained in a rear-end collision. These extensions and flexions soft tissue injuries occur because the body is typically jolted unexpectedly, with a violent, sudden head or neck movement.

Whiplash is generally more serious when the passengers or drivers are not aware of the impending accident, because they do not have a chance to brace for the impact. When relaxed, muscles are more likely to move more violently, which ultimately increases your chances of sustaining a serious injury from the rear-end collision.

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 8 out of 10 people who have whiplash from a rear-end car collision will experience soreness and pain from the injury for more than seven days, with half experiencing pain for more than a year.

Airbag Injuries

Airbags are designed to deploy to protect passengers and drivers in accidents with higher speeds. However, an airbag can cause injuries like a facial burn, a broken nose or, a fractured rib, depending on which of the body’s areas is hit the hardest by the airbag.

Concussions

 Any type of head trauma may ultimately cause a concussion. A rear-end automobile crash can cause a concussion if the accident causes brain tissue to hit the inside of the skull, which causes inflammation and bruising. 

The symptoms of a concussion may not reveal themselves until after you have left the crash scene. 

Have you been injured as a passenger or driver in a rear-end auto crash, or have you sustained a head injury? Doctors recommend that members of the accident victim’s family pay close attention for a minimum of 24 hours. During this one-day window, an accident victim may exhibit confusion, nausea, and the loss of balance.

Were you injured in a rear-end automobile collision? If so, it is essential that you see a doctor immediately and speak with a skilled attorney to aid you in understanding your legal options. This will allow you to focus on healing at this challenging time.