Back And Neck Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision involves a vehicle crashing into the one in front of it. Often, such accidents occur when the rear driver is following the driver in front too closely. Rear-end collisions are dangerous, and even a minor rear-end collision can result in severe injuries. Unfortunately, such accidents are pretty common. According to the Washington Post, over one and a half million rear-end crashes happen on U.S. roads each year. About 1,700 people die in such accidents, with another 500,000 sustaining injuries.
Often, rear-end accidents result in a variety of neck and back injuries. This is because the way such collisions occur places a tremendous amount of force on a victim’s neck and back. After a rear-end accident, the medical costs for back or neck injuries can add up quickly. Fortunately, if you suffer a neck or back injury in a rear-end collision because of another party’s negligent act(s), you can seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Neck Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
Neck injuries occur quite a lot in rear-end accidents. Even in a minor rear-end accident, a neck injury can still arise. One of the most common neck injuries from rear-end collisions is whiplash. Yearly, more than two million Americans experience whiplash, with quite a number of the whiplash cases resulting from rear-end collisions. Whiplash is a type of injury that arises when a person’s neck suddenly moves backward and then forward or vice versa. Often, drivers assume that they are unharmed when they get involved in a rear-end collision at a slow speed, but whiplash can occur even at speeds as low as 5 to 10 mph.
Common symptoms of whiplash include;
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Worsening pain with neck movement
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- A decreased range of motion
- Confusion or memory loss
- Numbness in the hands or arms
Back Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
Some back injuries from rear-end collisions cause minor pains, whereas other have permanent and devastating consequences.
Some common back injuries from rear-end collisions include;
- Slipped or herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal fracture
- Compression fracture
Common symptoms of back injuries include;
- Numbness and pain
- Decreased mobility
- Weakness
- Tingling in the limbs
- Muscle cramping
Note that the symptoms of back and neck injuries may not appear immediately after a rear-end accident. So, even if you don’t notice any neck or back injury symptoms after a rear-end accident, make sure you seek prompt medical attention.
Speak to an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered a neck or back injury in a Florida rear-end collision that was someone else’s fault, contact a skilled Florida attorney immediately. A qualified attorney can assess the specifics of your case and advise you accordingly. An attorney can help you determine your best legal options.
The financial costs of medical care from neck and back injuries are often overwhelming. So, if another person’s negligence led to your rear-end accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you hold an at-fault party liable and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Daytona Beach, and Bradenton areas.
Resource:
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/
