Even seemingly minor rear end collisions can cause severe and even catastrophic injuries, including damage to the head, neck, shoulders, and spinal cord. These types of rear end collision injuries are particularly common when the struck vehicle is stationary or moving at a significantly lower velocity than the striking vehicle.
In this article, we cover these 11 common rear end accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Other Head and Skull Injuries (facial lacerations, fractures, eye injuries)
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Neck and Shoulder Injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Fatalities
Then we cover the next steps to take after a rear end accident. Let’s begin.
1. Whiplash
Caused by the sudden impact and force of the crash, whiplash often occurs in rear end accidents. As the neck moves back and forth, strains, tears, and pain can occur in the neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash symptoms can sometimes be delayed for hours or even days after the accident and may include pain, stiffness in the neck, headaches, loss of neck motion, tingling, and pain in the shoulder, upper back, and arms.
Beyond soft tissue damage, whiplash can also cause more serious injuries, such as spinal and nerve damage, concussion, stretched tendons, and muscle damage.
In some cases, injuries like neck fractures and herniated discs can occur, potentially leading to chronic pain and requiring surgical intervention.
2. Soft Tissue Damage
Beyond the immediate trauma of the collision, rear end accidents frequently cause soft tissue injuries. These injuries affect the body’s non-bony structures, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and fatty tissue. The sudden jolt and violent movements within the vehicle can result in sprains, tears, strains, pulled or torn muscles, bruises, and general soreness.
Soft tissue injuries often affect the neck, back, shoulders, and limbs. Because these injuries may not be immediately apparent or easily diagnosed, they can sometimes go untreated, leading to long-term complications if left unaddressed.
While some soft tissue injuries heal with time and rest, others require extensive physical therapy or other medical interventions to regain function and alleviate pain.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Impacts to the head during a rear end collision can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries occur when the head strikes the steering wheel, airbag, window, or other parts of the vehicle due to the force of the impact. The TBI’s severity depends on the collision’s intensity, and the damage can vary widely. Even what seems like a minor bump can cause a concussion, while more forceful impacts can lead to life-threatening brain trauma.
Common symptoms include headaches, vertigo, memory loss, loss of consciousness, mood swings, extreme fatigue, impaired cognitive function, vision problems, and speech difficulties. In more severe cases, TBIs can result in long-term behavioral, mental, and physical disabilities.
A TBI that leads to a coma, paralysis, or other significant impairments may require lifelong care, including ongoing medical appointments, therapies, rehabilitation, and potentially in-home nursing care or residence in a specialized facility. Because the consequences of a TBI can be so significant, seeking immediate medical attention after any head injury sustained in a rear end collision is crucial.
4. Other Head Injuries
Beyond TBIs and whiplash, rear end collisions can also cause other head injuries, including facial lacerations, fractures, and eye injuries. These can result from contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, broken glass, or other objects within the vehicle. Eye injuries can range from minor bruising to more serious damage affecting vision.
5. Fractures and Broken Bones
Rear-end collisions can generate significant force, often resulting in fractures and broken bones. Commonly broken or fractured bones tend to be in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone area. Treatment for these injuries frequently involves immobilization, casting, or surgical intervention to ensure proper healing, as well as physical therapy after recovery.
6. Neck and Shoulder Injuries
6. Neck and Shoulder InjuriesNeck and shoulder injuries go are frequently associated with rear end collisions. Whiplash, as discussed above, is a common neck injury. Shoulder injuries can include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and dislocations. These injuries can greatly limit your range of motion after recovery.
7. Amputations
Amputations, though less common, can occur in severe rear end collisions, especially high-speed crashes or rollovers. These devastating injuries, involving the loss of a limb, necessitate extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and often lifelong adjustments. The physical and emotional trauma associated with amputations is significant, impacting every aspect of a person’s life.
8. Burns
Burns can happen as a consequence of rear end collisions from fires or explosions triggered by the impact. These fires can be fueled by leaking gasoline, ruptured fuel lines, or electrical shorts. Minor burns might involve superficial skin damage, causing redness and discomfort, typically healing quickly.
More severe burns can be life-threatening, involving deep tissue damage, nerve damage, and even bone involvement. These severe burns often require extensive and specialized medical treatment, including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, pain management, and long-term rehabilitation.
Inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes produced by vehicle fires can also cause severe respiratory problems, further complicating the injuries sustained in these accidents. The risk of burns in a rear end collision underscores the importance of prompt emergency response and extrication from the vehicle following an accident.
9. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Rear-end collisions frequently cause back injuries due to the sudden and violent back-and-forth motion of the lower and middle back. This forceful movement can flatten or disrupt the spine’s natural curvature, placing significant stress on the back and spinal cord. Such impacts can lead to a range of injuries, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, and, in the most severe cases, damage to the spinal cord itself.
Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to transmit signals, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis in some or all limbs, depending on the location and severity of the injury. While back pain is a common complaint after a rear end collision, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention to rule out any serious spinal injuries and ensure appropriate treatment.
10. Paralysis
Paralysis, the loss of muscle function, can result from severe spinal cord injuries in rear end collisions. The extent and type of paralysis depend on the location and severity of the spinal cord damage, with higher injuries typically causing more extensive paralysis (e.g., quadriplegia from neck injuries and paraplegia from back injuries).
Complete spinal cord injuries usually cause a complete loss of function, while incomplete injuries may allow some retained function.
Paralysis from spinal cord injuries has a profound impact, often requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
11. Fatalities
Rear-end collisions, even seemingly minor ones, can tragically cause fatalities. The force of these crashes can inflict fatal injuries on drivers and passengers, including traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, massive blood loss, and crushing injuries. Factors like speed, vehicle size, and seatbelt use influence the severity of injuries and the risk of death. Even moderate-speed impacts can be fatal, emphasizing the dangers of rear end collisions and the need for safe driving practices like avoiding distractions and tailgating.
Rear End Collision FAQs
What To Do After a Rear End Collision
Frequently, individuals involved in such accidents sustain injuries of a more serious nature than they initially perceive. For instance, traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not manifest themselves immediately following the incident. Victims may be in serious danger of debilitating injuries or even death without realizing it.
No matter how you feel after an accident, you should seek medical care to be sure you do not have any hidden injuries. Seeing a medical professional for your rear end collision injuries will also establish a direct connection between your injuries and the accident, which can be helpful if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.
Rear-end collision injuries can lead to unexpected medical bills, chronic pain, and ongoing treatment like physical therapy. However, accident victims are often entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. A Houston car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping you maximize your compensation and preventing insurance companies from lowballing or delaying your claim.
What Causes Rear End Accidents?
Rear-end collisions, where one vehicle impacts the rear of another, are among the most common types of traffic accidents. According to the National Safety Council, they are responsible for 30% of traffic accidents and 17% of fatal car accidents. Driver distractions like texting, using phones and GPS, eating, adjusting the radio, or distracting passengers often cause rear end collisions.
Contributing factors can also include:
- Adverse weather conditions, like rain, fog, and snow
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and inadequate lighting
- Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Excessive speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
If you or a family member has been injured in such an accident, you may have grounds for a claim and subsequent compensation.