The rear-end collision is one of the most common types of crashes that injure people on Delaware roadways. This type of car accident is serious but often downplayed by insurance companies looking to save money and pay crash victims as little as possible.
People hurt in rear-end accidents must protect their health and legal rights. Even a low-speed rear-end accident can cause significant damage and delayed pain injuries. As such, you should always see a doctor to diagnose and document your injuries. If left untreated, some injuries can develop into chronic pain and disabilities. Then, you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer to review your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but the only way to find out is to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Common types of rear-end car accident injuries
Every car accident is different, so there are many kinds of injuries you can sustain in a rear-end crash. However, some injuries are more likely to occur than others when you are hit from behind. Common rear-end car accident injuries include:
Whiplash
This type of injury is caused by the rapid jerking back and forth, side-to-side motions of an accident. The pain often stems from neck hyperextension (sometimes over the headrest), facet joint impingement, spine column pressure, and muscle strains. Whiplash neck pain can reduce your range of motion, interrupt your sleep, reduce your ability to work, join in activities, drive, and have fun.
Back injuries
Your body is violently jolted forward, stopped by your seat belt, and then slammed back into your seat when you're rear-ended. As a result, your skull and spine are also quickly thrown back into the seat. Since you're usually not bracing for a rear-end collision before impact, this violent motion can damage the back and spine. As a result, many rear-end crashes cause back and spine injuries, such as a slipped disc, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, a spinal cord fracture, or compression fracture.
Internal organ damage
Organs can be bruised, punctured, pinched, stretched, torn, or damaged in an accident. Sometimes, the victim is slammed against the steering wheel or pressed against safety restraints, causing damage. Common internal injuries include a punctured lung, a ruptured spleen, a lacerated kidney, and internal bleeding. Always see a doctor after a car accident to protect your health. If left untreated, some internal organ injuries can become life-threatening.
Traumatic brain injuries
TBIs include concussions, coma, brain hemorrhages, and bruising. Head trauma includes injuries such as a skull fracture, eye injuries, disfigurement, and a broken nose. Any damage to the head is cause for concern. A doctor can assess the damage and begin immediate treatment to preserve or heal brain function after a crash.
Broken or fractured bones
The femur, aka thigh bone, is often broken or fractured in a rear-end crash, especially if the victim's leg hits the underside of the dashboard. In addition, the pelvis (hip), tibia, fibula (shin bones), and wrist bones may also be damaged.
Get a rear-end accident attorney to stand up for your rights.
When accidents occur, we know how to get to the bottom of what happened. We build strong cases and understand what it takes to maximize compensation. Our law firm is based in Georgetown and has a long track record of successful rear-end accident claims and lawsuits in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. We also guide the families of fatal car accident victims every step of the way, with compassion and dedication, in wrongful death action.
Contact us for a free consultation if you were injured in a Delaware car accident. We can answer your crash-related legal questions, estimate compensation, and help weigh your options at no cost to you and at no obligation to hire us.