Types of Injuries You Could Sustain from a Rear-End Collision

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

. http://yourhealthmagazine.net

More Legal and Health Articles

Types of Injuries You Could Sustain from a Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions happen fast. One moment, everything seems fine. The next, a car hits yours from behind. Even if the crash doesn’t seem serious, your body can suffer harm that shows up later. These injuries are common and can change a person’s life in big or small ways.

In places like St. Petersburg, rear-end crashes happen often. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported over 30,000 crashes in Pinellas County in a recent year, and many of them were rear-end collisions.

Traffic in St. Petersburg is busy, especially during the tourist season. Many drivers are distracted or follow too closely. If you’re hurt in such an accident, a St. Petersburg rear-end collision attorney can help you understand your rights and what to do next.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end crashes. It happens when your head moves back and forth very quickly. This motion strains the muscles and soft tissues in your neck. You may not feel it right away, but soon your neck may feel stiff and sore. Headaches, dizziness, and trouble moving your head are signs of whiplash. It’s important to get checked by a doctor because whiplash can last a long time without care.

Back and Spinal Injuries

The spine helps your body move and stand. During a rear-end crash, the sudden force can damage the back and spinal cord. Some people may get a slipped or herniated disc. Others may feel pain, tingling, or numbness in their arms or legs. In some cases, the injury can lead to long-term problems with walking or bending. Even a small crash can lead to big pain in your back.

Head and Brain Injuries

Your head can get hurt if it hits something inside the car. This may be the steering wheel, dashboard, or even the window. A person might get a concussion or a more serious brain injury. After a crash, if someone feels confused, sick, or dizzy, they should see a doctor. Brain injuries can be tricky because signs do not always show right away. But they can affect how a person thinks or feels every day.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These can get stretched or torn in a crash. Soft tissue injuries may not show up on X-rays, but they still cause pain. You may notice swelling, bruising, or pain when you move. These types of injuries are often hard to notice at first, but can get worse over time.

Facial Injuries

A rear-end crash can cause the airbag to open quickly. Sometimes, the face hits the airbag, steering wheel, or window. This can cause cuts, bruises, or even broken bones in the face. Injuries to the mouth, nose, or eyes can be very painful. Some may even need surgery to fix. These injuries can also make a person feel sad or embarrassed about how they look.

Broken Bones and Fractures

When a car hits yours from behind, your body might get pushed forward. Your hands, arms, or chest may hit hard surfaces. This can break bones. Common broken bones include ribs, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries take time to heal and may need a cast or even surgery. Broken bones are serious and can keep someone from working or doing daily tasks.

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Not all injuries can be seen. Some people feel scared or worried after a crash. They may have trouble sleeping or feel afraid to drive again. This could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Others may feel sad or angry. It’s just as important to care for mental health as it is for physical injuries. Talking to a doctor or counselor can help.

When to Seek Medical and Legal Help

Even if you feel fine after a rear-end crash, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to show. Getting medical help right away can stop small injuries from becoming big problems. Also, a doctor’s report can help if you decide to file a claim later.

If someone else caused the crash, a lawyer can help explain your legal options. A rear-end collision may seem simple, but proving fault and getting fair payment can be hard. A lawyer can gather evidence and guide you through the process.

The Final Verdict

Rear-end crashes can lead to many types of injuries. Some show up fast, while others take time. Whether it’s your neck, back, head, or heart, it’s important to pay attention to how you feel after a crash. Getting care early makes a big difference.