What Happens to Your Body in a Rear-End Collision?
Car accidents can be devastating because the human body is not built to sustain a massive impact. You may suffer serious injuries whether you were in a minor fender bender or a high-impact crash. There are certain injuries that commonly occur in rear-end collisions.
The impact of this type of crash occurs from behind. The rear-end collision pushes your body forwards and then violently backward. If you or someone you love has been involved in this type of accident, you should not delay getting in touch with a qualified car accident attorney in Kentucky to protect your right to financial compensation.
Injuries Caused in Louisville Rear End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of auto accidents. Over 30% of crashes involving 2 or more vehicles is a rear-end accident as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Over 2 million rear-end collisions occurred in 2019 alone. 1.5 million of these crashes involved property damage. 2,000 accidents were fatal in nature.
By interpreting these numbers, you can safely assume that 30% of rear-end crashes result in injuries. This makes it important to determine what these collisions are capable of. There are several different injuries that can be caused in a rear-end crash. Based on this, concussions and whiplash are the two most common ones.
Whiplash occurs when the head is violently whipped from side to side. This causes muscle strain in the soft tissue of the upper back and neck. Whiplash can be serious in nature and cause a significant amount of pain.
Sometimes, concussions can be caused by whiplash. It can also happen when you hit your head on the windshield or the steering wheel. Rear-end collisions jerk the head forward.
There are many other ways you can be hurt in a rear-end crash besides these two injuries. Other injuries include:
- Lacerations and cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- PTSD
- Depression and anxiety
- Spinal cord injuries
- Emotional turmoil
Few of these injuries are more severe compared to others. There are certain injuries that may heal in a few weeks while others may take months or even years. Certain injuries may last for a lifetime diminishing your quality of life. Whiplash and concussions are the two most serious injuries that can occur in a rear-end collision.
In relation to this, this doesn’t mean that you should discount any other injuries. It is recommended that you speak with a trusted car accident attorney immediately following the collision. They will help you understand your legal options and the next steps to take.
Concussions and Whiplash are Serious Injuries
Many things would go through your mind following a rear-ended collision. Is my car damaged? What just happened? Am I hurting anywhere? Is everyone else alright? Who hit me? What should I do now?
Things can get incredibly overwhelming. This makes it critical that you focus on the most important things first.
You should assess your injuries once you are sure that you are out of danger. Don’t ignore the importance of getting medical treatment. This is especially if you suffered physical harm during the crash.
Medical responders can take care of your injuries and make sure that you are on the road to recovery right away. They can also look for signs of concussion and whiplash.
These injuries should never be ignored. If left untreated, they can cause significant damage. The soft tissues in the neck become worse when whiplash is left untreated. This can cause long-term damage to the back, head, and neck. Not treating a concussion can result in serious injuries and further damage.
Another important organ that may get damaged in a rear-end collision is the brain. You may assume that a concussion will go away on its own when you are in a rear-end crash. However, this is not always the case.
Concussions can result in serious brain damage if not taken care of. You should get evaluated by a medical professional quickly if you were in a rear-end crash.
How Can a Louisville Car Crash Attorney Help?
Your lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence for preparing a strong claim. They will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. They will also help you take sound legal next steps to improve the likelihood of attaining maximum compensation. Established law firms usually have access to top medical and accident reconstructionist experts.
Testimonies from these professionals will help in ensuring the insurance company agrees to a fair settlement. It is important that you get an attorney on board as soon as possible. It is easy to lose evidence and make mistakes where car accident claims are concerned.
Skilled Car Accident Lawyers in Kentucky are Ready to Represent You
You will likely want to take legal action if you suffered injuries in a car crash caused by a negligent driver. It can be difficult to negotiate with the insurance adjuster when you are dealing with the emotional and physical trauma of being involved in a rear-ended accident.
The team of experienced personal injury attorneys at John H. Ruby & Associates is prepared to fight for maximum compensation for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (502) 373-8044 or fill out this online contact form.