A simple outing can turn into a disastrous driving experience if you’re not careful. But even the most defensive drivers can make a life-changing mistake or be the victim of someone else’s error. Rear-end collisions occur when one car hits another from behind, and they account for approximately 30% of all car accidents. And over 80% of those occur at slow speeds or even when the lead vehicle is completely stopped. Considering over 37,000 people die in car crashes annually that’s a serious concern. Fortunately, most people involved in rear-end collisions avoid a fatal car accident. But there are still some painful injuries involved that may require expensive recovery treatments and the assistance of a Michigan personal injury attorney.
Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belts are essential for saving lives. In fact, wearing one while driving or riding in the front seat can reduce fatality in an accident by 45% and reduce the chance of a serious injury by 50%. That doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be some injuries if in a rear-end collision, however. When hit from behind, the body instantly tightens to avoid plunging forward. The seatbelt cut through the skin, leaving behind painful and ugly lacerations and bruises across the torso, chest, or neck.
Facial Injuries or Disfiguration
Rear-end collisions commonly result in facial injuries that go far beyond temporary cosmetic issues. Even at low speeds, the face is often the first part of the body to strike an item or object inside the vehicle when hit from behind. Depending on the force involved, the injuries can require extensive treatment, surgeries, or even facial reconstruction. A broken nose, jaw bone, or retinal detachment are common injuries to be aware of.
Head or Brain Injuries
Regardless of the speed involved in an accident, head trauma or injuries should always be taken seriously. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.7 million Americans sustain some type of traumatic brain injury annually and many of those occur from car accidents. A concussion is the most common type of head injury as blunt trauma or sudden jarring causes the brain to shake inside the skull. Bruising or numbness can occur along with nausea, dizziness, sensory loss, and emotional or behavioral changes as the brain attempts to regain control. A concussion may be mild or severe, have no symptoms or show symptoms days or weeks later. Medical diagnosis and treatment are the only ways to take care of a serious head injury.
Spinal Injuries and Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck forcefully moves back and forth like a whip. It’s one of the most painful and the most common injury associated with a rear-end collision. The violent neck snapping sensation can stretch or tear ligaments and muscles in the spine, resulting in back pain, headaches or migraines, and mild to severe neck pain. Over 3 million new cases of whiplash are reported annually. And according to some reports, around 50% of those result in chronic pain issues or even permanent disability. If a rear-end collision causes unnecessary pain and suffering, give us a call to discuss options with the right Michigan personal injury attorney for your needs.