Rear-End Collisions Can Cause Chronic Injuries

 Posted on January 04, 2019 in Car Accident

Every year, thousands of Americans are hurt in motor vehicle collisions. The most common car accident is when one vehicle hits another from behind. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 28 percent of all car accidents in the United States are rear-end collisions. Studies conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found an average of 1.7 million rear-end accidents occur each year, with a staggering 500,000 serious injuries. 

Despite the fact only 6 percent of rear-end crashes result in fatalities, these collisions can result in severe injuries with long-lasting symptoms. If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact a legal team you can believe in and seek medical attention even if injury symptoms are not immediately present. 

Here is a look at some common rear-end collision injuries:

Whiplash

According to medical specialists with the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is defined as an injury caused by a quick back-and-forth movement of the neck. Rear-end collisions are the leading cause of whiplash injuries. While many people heal from whiplash within a matter of months, others face symptoms for extended periods of time. From neck pain and stiffness to prolonged headaches, whiplash should not be taken lightly. 

Broken Bones

In a large number of rear-end car wrecks, those involved suffer bone fractures. Skull and eye socket fractures are common when an individual is unable to brace for the impact and hits the dashboard. Rib breaks often occur, even in accidents in which the airbag protective system operates properly. If you feel severe chest or upper-abdominal pain after a rear-end collision, it is possible you could be dealing with broken or fractured ribs. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Some of the most severe and long-lasting rear-end collision injuries are traumatic brain injuries, like concussions. Common brain trauma symptoms include blurred vision, concentration difficulties, and severe headaches. In many instances, those who a suffer a traumatic brain injury are forced to miss significant work time and can even lose their ability to drive. 

Contact a Fort Collins Automobile Accident Lawyer 

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our legal team is dedicated to protecting you and your family. If you or a loved one were hurt in a rear-end collision, you may experience costly and painful ramifications as a result, and you could receive compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney, call us today at 970-225-2190.

Sources:

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/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0276f81d9eb9

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921