Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. They can be caused by a variety of dangerous driving behaviors, including distracted driving, following too closely, impaired driving, and speeding. Many people underestimate the damage that these crashes can cause. However, injuries caused by rear-end collisions can be serious, depending on the rear vehicle’s speed and the force of impact. If you were hurt in a rear-end accident due to the other driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for the harm you suffered.

Key Takeaways

• Rear-end accidents can lead to serious injuries, depending on the speed of the vehicle and the force of impact.
• It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end collision, both for your health and to strengthen any personal injury claim you may file.
• You may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages for the harm you suffered as a result of the rear driver’s negligence.

Common Types of Rear-End Accident Injuries

Injuries caused by rear-end accidents can be severe and life-changing. Even a low impact rear-end collision can cause injury, regardless of the damage to your car. When you are struck from behind by another vehicle, your body can be propelled into the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Critically, you can also suffer injuries such as whiplash, simply due to the violent jolt of the crash.

Some common types of injuries caused by rear-end collisions can include the following:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries caused by rear-end collisions. This type of injury occurs when the head is thrown forward then back due to the impact of a crash. In serious cases, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, neurological damage, and loss of range of motion.
• Soft tissue injuries: A rear-end crash can cause the entire body to forcefully jolt, leading to soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, tendon inflammation, and contusions. Soft tissue injuries can lead to long-term effects such as chronic pain, functional limitations, nerve damage, and reduced mobility.
• Spinal cord injuries: The sudden force of a rear-end collision can damage the spinal cord, causing herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and total or partial paralysis.
• Nerve damage: The violent motion of a rear-end accident can impact the nerves, causing compression, inflammation, and stretching. Nerve damage can be either a primary injury due to direct trauma, or a secondary injury caused by herniated discs, whiplash, spinal fractures, or lacerations.
• Lacerations: If the force of impact shatters the dashboard or windows in the vehicle, the sharp edges of the glass can cause lacerations and deep wounds.
• Knee injuries: A rear-end collision can cause a knee injury if the driver’s knee slams into the steering wheel, or a passenger’s knee strikes the dashboard, upon impact. Common types of knee injuries can include meniscus tears, fractures, and ligament tears.
• Brain injuries: If the force of the rear-end accident is severe enough, it can cause a rapid back and forth motion of the head, forcing the brain to push against the skull. This can result in traumatic brain injury, concussion, brain contusion, and intracranial hemorrhage.
• Broken bones and fractures: When the body is propelled forward in a rear-end crash, it may strike hard surfaces such as the steering wheel or dashboard, resulting in broken bones or fractures. The restraint of a seatbelt can also cause rib fractures due to the significant amount of pressure.

The above injuries may present with immediate or delayed symptoms, which is why it is imperative to obtain a medical evaluation right away.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention for Rear-End Accident Injuries

It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention following a rear-end collision. Even if you don’t think you have been badly hurt, some injuries (such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and many internal injuries) may not appear until days or weeks after the crash. By going to the emergency room immediately after the accident, a doctor can rule out any internal damage and provide early diagnosis through MRIs, X-rays, and physical examination. They can also prescribe a course of treatment to prevent your injuries from worsening, which may include physical therapy, injections, medications.

Importantly, your medical records will be the foundation for any personal injury claim you file. They can help link your injuries to the rear-end accident, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and establish the financial losses you incurred. It’s vital to continue your course of treatment until your doctor advises you it is no longer necessary both for your health and to strengthen your claim. Any gaps in treatment can be used against you by the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions

Injuries caused by rear-end collisions can require extensive medical treatment and cause you to lose a significant amount of time from work. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may not be able to participate in the activities you once enjoyed or spend time with family and friends. In some cases, a rear-end accident can result in permanent disability or physical limitations. By filing a personal injury action, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the injuries the at-fault driver caused you to sustain.

Compensation for rear-end collision injuries can include both your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the objective, quantifiable losses you suffered in connection with your injuries. This category of damages can include financial losses for the following:

• Unreimbursed medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• The costs of surgery and hospital stays
• Physical rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs

You may also be entitled to recover the non-economic damages you suffered due to your rear-end accident injuries. In contrast with economic damages, non-economic damages are non-monetary, intangible losses. They are meant to compensate for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

Contact an Experienced Washington D.C. Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries caused by rear-end accidents can be severe, and it’s essential to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side who can help you secure the maximum compensation available in your case. At Crowley SO LLP, we are dedicated to providing reliable representation and trusted advocacy to car accident victims throughout the Washington D.C. metro area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help.