A rear-end collision is often considered to be a minor type of car accident, especially when compared to a head-on collision or other high-speed accidents. However, rear-end accidents can still be very harmful to the occupants of a vehicle, while also causing extensive damage to a vehicle or other property. Drivers or passengers who suffer injuries can work with an attorney to determine how they can receive compensation from the driver who caused an accident.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Even when collisions occur at low speeds, they are likely to place a great deal of stress on a person’s body, which can lead to serious injuries. Passenger vehicles weigh thousands of pounds, and the momentum of a vehicle that strikes another vehicle from behind will be transferred to the vehicle being struck and the people inside it. This can cause a person’s body to be jerked backwards and forwards, leading to injuries such as:
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Whiplash - A collision may cause a person’s head to snap back and forth suddenly. This can put strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck, and it may damage the cervical vertebrae or the spinal cord. This type of injury can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and arms, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Damage to the spinal cord or the vertebrae in the neck may also cause chronic pain, numbness, or paralysis in different parts of the body, and a person may require surgery or ongoing physical therapy.
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