According to crash statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,203 fatalities and 556,000 injuries from rear-end traffic accidents in 2015. Rear-end crashes are by far the most common type of car accident, making up 33% of all traffic accidents in the United States.
Unfortunately, at least one of the drivers involved in a rear-end crash is often unprepared for the impact, which makes injuries from these crashes more severe than in other types of crashes where the driver can brace for impact.
What are the most common rear-end accident injuries?
Whiplash. Whiplash is the most common type of injury as a result of a rear-end collision. The NHTSA found that 20% of people involved in a rear-end accident suffered from whiplash in the month following the accident.
Whiplash results from the sudden jerking motion when you are hit. Although, often thought of as a injury that happens during a high speed crash, whiplash is more common in low speed crashes, such as rear-end accidents.
Often the signs of whiplash do not occur right way. The signs can occur days or weeks after the injury.
Signs of whiplash include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain in your arms, shoulders or upper back
- Tingling or numbness in your arms
- Fatigue
Face, head and brain injury. Being hit from behind can cause your head to jerk forward suddenly, hitting the steering wheel, window or even a deployed airbag. This could cause bruising, lacerations to the face, a concussion or a traumatic brain injury.
Arms, wrist and hand injury. Arms, wrists and hands can easily be broken in a rear-end collision. The driver is usually sitting with his/her hands on the steering wheel when hit from behind. This sudden, unexpected impact can break or injury the driver’s arms, wrists or hands.
PTSD. After an accident, many people continue to have recurring dreams or visions of the accident and the aftermath. This can be traumatic.
If you have been hurt as a result of a rear-end collision, it is important to see your doctor about your injuries and seek legal help immediately to hold the at-fault party responsible for your expenses.