Rear-end collisions remain to be a prevalent type of car crash across the United States. Each year, an estimated 1.7 million rear-end car crashes occur on US roadways. Of these accidents, 17 thousand people die, and 500 thousand get injured. In Michigan alone, there were 89 deaths, and 21,256 injuries out of the 79 thousand rear-end car crashes in 2018.
What Happens In a Rear-End Collision?
Rear-end collisions take place when a driver rams their car onto the rear end of another vehicle. They can happen in both high-speed and low-speed collisions. However, unlike other forms of car crashes, rear-end collisions tend to have a more significant impact. There will be twice the number of vehicles and people involved.
Are Rear-end Collisions Preventable?
Many rear-end collisions are unfortunate, considering the fact that they are preventable.
First of all, the driver must remain alert and defensive while driving. The driver should keep 100% of his attention on the road and shouldn’t be driving under the influence.
Second, the driver should obey traffic rules and regulations set by the state.
Third, the vehicle should be maintained in good condition. The side mirrors and rear-view sensors should be working, as these car features can prevent rear-end collisions.
Likewise, many injuries caused by rear-end car crashes are also avoidable thanks to certain collision avoidance systems. Aside from the rear-view sensors mentioned above, seat belts, airbags, and brakes can substantially reduce the extent of the injury.
Common Injuries Secondary to Rear-End Collisions
There is a broad spectrum of injuries that can take place as a result of rear-end accidents. Here are seven injuries that will likely result from such collisions:
- Brain Injuries
Brain injuries range from mild concussions to comatose states. In rear-end collisions, the most common cause of brain and spinal cord injuries are whiplash accidents. Whiplash accidents, also known as neck strains, are caused by strong forward or backward forces. These forces can shake the brain inside the skull, which results in different injuries.
Depending on what part of the brain is affected, the victim will manifest severe symptoms. These symptoms include paralysis, loss of sensation, loss of balance and coordination, and amnesia.
Both the spinal cord and vertebrae can be injured in rear-end collisions. If the victim damages his spinal cord, he would most likely be paralyzed and experience lost sensation in the lower half of his body. If the victim also fractures his vertebra, he would most likely need orthosis and body splints until the fracture heals.
Fractures may also happen in other bones of the body. The most common sites of fractures in rear-end accidents happen in long bones. Examples of these long bones are the clavicle, radius, ulna, and tibia. They also need to be immobilized in a cast or splint to facilitate normal bone healing.
- Amputations
For some people, they might need to amputate a seriously injured limb permanently. In this instance, the victim will have to live his life without the amputated limb. They might even need prosthetic devices to do more things in life.
- Severe external wounds
The impact of the rear-end crash can often result in severe puncture wounds, bruises, and lacerations on the victim’s skin. They can be very light and quick to heal. However, in extreme cases, the underlying tissues such as blood vessels and nerves can also get damaged, and the healing phase won’t be as quick.
- Internal hemorrhage
In some instances, the victim can also experience bleeding of its internal organs. For example, the stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs, and even the heart can incur wounds from an extreme force. It can lead the victim in a severe and critical condition.
- Post-traumatic stress
The accident will not only affect the person physically. Of course, the victim will also experience emotional distress after the incident. For a while, he may be wary of the idea of traveling and would instead confine himself in a room. Some people may even experience lasting psychological trauma that would affect his life.
What To Do If You Are Injured in a Rear-end Car Crash?
Any of the injuries mentioned above will need some form of medical treatment. These medical interventions include diagnostic procedures, medications, surgery, rehabilitation, and procurement of alternative mobility devices. These are all very costly and will drain the victim financially if you didn’t secure your insurance.
That is why, as victims, you will need all the help you can get. An expert rear-end injury attorney can find ways to help you get your claims for medical compensation.
Contact The Clark Law Office Today To Help You With Rear-End Collision Injury Claims
Did you sustain injuries from rear-end collisions? Wherever you are in Michigan, our automobile injury lawyers have got you covered. Call The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 for your free legal consultation.
- Understanding The Impact: What Happens If The Cerebellum Is Damaged? - September 9, 2024
- What is the Speed Limit on Unmarked Roads in Michigan? - September 5, 2024
- What To Do If No Ticket Is Issued: Car Accident Tips for Victims - September 3, 2024
