Rear-End Collisions

A very common type of accident is a rear-end collision. These often occur in high-traffic
areas, when a car was following too-close behind and ends up crashing into the one in
front of it. Cars have bumpers to provide protection from physical damage, but
unfortunately, the passengers in the cars involved most often are not shielded from injury.

Whiplash is the most common injury that results from rear-end collisions. Also called
CAD, or Cervical Acceleration Deceleration Trauma, whiplash occurs because the body
is held back by the seat belt, but the head and neck are free to jerk forward and backwards
from the impact of the collision. This causes the head and neck’s ligaments and muscles
to be stretched beyond their limit. The consequences can be serious, including damage to
the following parts:

  • Cervical muscles and nerves
  • Ligaments
  • Discs
  • Joints

Pain often takes some time to appear, usually over a day or two. Special imaging tests
such as CT scans or MRIs may be required to diagnose whiplash, as injuries do not
typically show up on X-rays. If you delay treatment, complications can occur, resulting
in more severe injuries that are more difficult to treat. Scar tissue formation is almost
always responsible for this. Symptoms to watch out for:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain in shoulders, upper back, or lower back
  • Pain or numbness in the arms or hands
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Cognitive and psychological disturbances such as difficulty concentrating,
    remembering, sleep disturbances or daily fatigue

Not all rear-end collisions are created equal. Passengers riding in the back of large cars
such as minivans and sport utility vehicles often absorb the most impact in a rear-end
collision, and therefore suffer the most serious injuries. Passengers in small cars that are
rear-ended by large trucks or cars can also expect to suffer more serious injuries. Even if
your car is equipped with safety features such as airbags, injuries to the head and neck
can still occur.

In almost all cases, the individual that rear-ends is considered to be responsible for the
accident. Contact one of our attorneys to get the information that you need and to ensure
that you are treated fully and receive compensation for all your injuries. You do not want
to agree to a settlement with the insurance companies, only to later realize the full-extent
of your injuries are much more severe than you had initially thought.