The Danger Posed by Rear-End Car Accidents

Ever been rear-ended by a car? Many people assume that such accidents are not serious. However, this can be far from the truth! Rear end accidents leave certain parts of the body especially vulnerable to injury. The neck, head, and shoulders can all be seriously harmed in a rear-end collision, and these injuries can affect a victim’s life for years to come. The most severe rear-end collisions can result in paralysis or even death. 

What Kind of Injuries Can Occur in a Rear-End Collision?

One of the most common types of injuries after a rear-end collision is whiplash. Whiplash refers to a sprain or strain of the soft tissues of the neck. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other non-bony structures. According to Spine Universe, whiplash occurs when a sudden motion (such as a collision) changes the normal curve of the upper back and neck. The neck is particularly vulnerable to this type of injury because of its ability to move in many different directions. 

Symptoms of whiplash can include: tightness or spasms of the muscles the neck or upper back; pain with movement of the neck; headache and dizziness (which are also symptoms of a concussion); difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness; abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling; shoulder pain; and upper back pain. These symptoms can occur immediately after an injury. They can also appear days, weeks, or even months after a car accident occurs. Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident – even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms.

Of course, whiplash is not the only injury which can be caused by a rear-end collision. Rear-end accidents can cause far more serious injuries – some of which can be irreversible, including more serious injuries that can result in paralysis. This is because the head and neck support the body’s central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

Have You Been Injured in a Rear-End Accident?

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, but both can result in devastating losses to a victim’s daily life. A negligent driver who causes such injuries has a legal obligation to compensate victims for all the losses they sustain as a result of paralysis. This can include lost wages, decreases in future earning ability, loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities, modifications to a home or vehicle which are necessitated by paralysis, medical bills, projected future medical expenses, occupational and physical therapies, pain management, and many other costs which are incurred as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence.

Car accident victims have legal rights under Virginia law. They are legally entitled to be compensated for all losses resulting from their injuries, including long-term medical care and rehabilitation, decreased future earning potential, and all other costs which are attributable to the negligent medical diagnosis or treatment. The Avery Law Firm has decades of experience in protecting the rights of car accident victims in and around the Fairfax area. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Fairfax personal injury attorney, please call us at 703-462-5050  contact us online today.