People often think that there won’t be serious injuries when a person is in a rear-end crash because the majority of these occur at lower speeds. Even when they don’t happen at fast speeds, however, the impact of a collision can lead to problematic injuries in the victims.
Here are some of the problems you can experience from even a minor “fender-bender” from the rear:
Injuries from the seatbelt
Wearing your seatbelt in a crash can prevent you from suffering catastrophic injuries, but the seatbelt itself can cause injuries. When it locks in the crash and you fling forward, your body gets pressed against the seatbelt. This can lead to bruising. It’s unlikely that you’ll suffer from any broken bones in a low-speed crash, but you might in a higher speed crash.
Neck and back injuries
Neck and back injuries are common in rear-end crashes. One of the more common is whiplash, which is the result of the head being flung around because of the impact. This stretches the soft tissues in the neck, which can lead to pain. It may also cause the cervical spine to shift out of proper alignment. Lower back injuries are also possible in this type of crash.
Brain injuries
Even when speed isn’t a factor in the crash, you can still suffer a brain injury. You don’t necessarily have to hit your head to suffer a brain injury. You can suffer a concussion when the brain is jolted within the skull at the time of the crash.
Anyone who suffers an injury because of a rear-end crash should determine how to proceed with a claim for compensation. Working with an attorney is usually the best way to protect your rights.