Rear-End Collisions Can Result in Long-Term Injury

 Posted on August 03,2018 in Car Accidents

In 2017 alone, over 37,000 Americans were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions nationwide. An even greater number of Americans were severely injured in automobile collisions but fortunately survived without suffering fatal injuries. One of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions, with roughly 1.7 million occurring in the United States each year. 

A rear-end collision occurs when the front bumper of one vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle. While these types of collisions infrequently result in fatal injury, the damage to the vehicle that is struck and its occupants can be substantial. However, in many rear-end collisions, the harm to both the vehicle and the injured occupants can be difficult to detect at first. If you or a member of your family are involved in a rear-end collision, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation for your damages.

Common Rear-End Accident Injuries 

Even in the most minor rear-end collisions, victims can suffer injuries that result in loss of work hours, severe pain, and long-term health complications. Listed below are some of the most common injuries that result after a rear-end collision: 

• Whiplash and Spinal Injuries: Whiplash is the most common injury in rear-end collisions, due to the fact that the spine does not have time to brace for the impact. Whiplash and spinal injuries vary in severity, but their effects can last for months and even years, require substantial physical therapy, and force victims to miss work due to pain. 
• Head Injuries and Brain Trauma: Head Injuries are fairly common in rear-end collisions and are routinely brought on by the victim colliding with the dashboard or the steering wheel of the vehicle. Head injuries brought on by rear-end collisions can result in severe headaches, nausea, and even temporary impairment of motor functions. In many cases, the symptoms of serious head injuries do not become apparent for days or even weeks after the accident. 
• Broken and Fractured Bones: In many rear-end collisions, victims suffer broken bones. Some of the most common injuries brought on by rear-end collisions are injuries to the rib cage. Broken or fractured ribs can cause excruciating pain and impact breathing. If you feel abdominal or chest pain in the aftermath of a rear-end collision, it is critically important to receive medical attention as soon as possible. 

Contact a Knowledgeable Lake County Car Accident Lawyer 

Due to the delayed symptoms of many rear-end collision injuries, some victims do not seek out legal representation until it is too late. If you or a loved one are injured in a rear-end collision, contacting an experienced Waukegan personal injury attorney at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. can make all the difference in ensuring that your family receives the help you deserve. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-highway-safety

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/?utm_term=.c8a713d0b766

http://ktar.com/story/605000/7-delayed-injury-symptoms-after-a-car-crash/