Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of car accidents, and if you’ve been in one, you know how sudden and shocking they can be. Sometimes, the impact may seem minor, but it can lead to serious injuries that affect your daily life.
That’s why it’s important to understand the types of injuries a rear-end accident can cause. Knowing this information will help you get the right medical care. Keep reading to learn more about rear-end collision injuries and their common causes.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
After a rear-end crash, getting the right medical care starts with knowing what kind of injuries you might be dealing with. Here are some common injuries you might experience after this type of accident:
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal injuries are one of the more severe injuries caused by rear-end collisions. They can damage the bones, discs, or nerves in your spine. While some spinal cord injuries heal with rest and therapy, others may require long-term rehabilitation. Some symptoms of spinal cord injuries include:
- Severe back pain
- Loss of sensation
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of movement
- Loss of bowel control
- Pain caused by damage to the nerve fibers
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can happen when your head forcefully hits the steering wheel, window, or airbag. These types of injuries can cause bruising, bleeding, or swelling within your brain. In serious cases, traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term disability or death. Common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Vertigo
- Headaches
- Vision issues
- Mood swings
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions. It happens when your car gets hit from behind, making your head jerk forward and then snap backward. This sudden movement can strain the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in your neck. If your injury includes a neck fracture, you may experience chronic pain and might need surgery to fix the break. Below are the symptoms of a whiplash injury:
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Arm numbness
- Upper back pain
- Pain in the arms
Facial Disfigurement
Facial disfigurement is one of the rear accident injuries that can affect both your appearance and daily life. The force of the crash can break your jaw or nose, which may lead to scars or permanent structural changes. Beyond the physical pain, if the injury leaves visible scars, you may struggle with self-confidence in social settings. Some symptoms of facial disfigurement are:
- Cuts, scrapes, or burns
- Swelling or bruising on the face
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
- Visible scars or changes in facial structure
Seat Belt and Airbag Injuries
Seat belts and airbags are designed to protect you, but they can also cause injuries in a rear-end crash. For example, when your car gets hit, the seat belt tightens to keep you from hitting the dashboard, but that sudden pull can bruise or cut your skin. The impact can also push your body hard against the seat belt which can lead to chest pain or internal injuries. Then, as the airbag inflates with force, it can cause burns or broken bones.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions are common, especially in heavy traffic or when a car suddenly slows down. Most of the time, these accidents happen because a driver isn’t paying attention, and they can lead to results ranging from minor vehicular damage to severe injuries or even death. While distractions are a major cause, rear-end accidents are also caused by:
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
- Brake failure
- Speeding
- Unfavorable weather condition
What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Rear End Collision?
Getting hit from behind can be scary and confusing, but knowing what to do next can keep you safe and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been in a rear-end car accident:
1. Be Calm
The first thing you need to do after the rear-end accident is to stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to think straight and might lead to poor decisions.
2. Stay In Your Car
Unless your car is on fire or flooding, it’s best to stay inside until you can safely step out. This is because passing traffic can put you at risk of being hit.
3. Look For Injuries
After the accident, it’s important to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. This will help you know if anyone is seriously hurt and in need of immediate medical attention.
4. Call for Emergency Help
Call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident. If you’re unable to do so, ask someone nearby to do it for you. Emergency responders can check for hidden injuries and also create an official accident report, which will be useful for insurance claims and lawsuits.
5. Move to a Safer Spot
If your car is blocking traffic, try to move it out of the way. If your car can’t be moved, you can attempt to get to safety on foot. Look carefully for oncoming vehicles before stepping out. Once you’re out, move as far away from traffic as possible.
6. Wait for the Police Before Talking to Others
Before discussing the accident with other parties involved, It’s best to wait for the police. People can be incredibly upset after a crash, and tempers can flare. With the police on the scene, arguments can be prevented and everything will be documented correctly.
7. Seek Medical Attention
No matter how minor the crash seems, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, don’t always show symptoms right away. But by getting checked early, you can prevent serious health problems and also support your insurance claim with the results you get.
8. Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Try not to exchange personal information with the other driver without the presence of an authority. Without police assistance, the other party could use your details for fraud or become confrontational. Once an authority is present, get the driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance details. You can also write down the model and license plate number of their car.
9. Gather Evidence
Whether or not you plan to seek compensation, take photos before leaving the scene. Be sure to capture images of both cars, the road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, also get their contact information. These details will serve as evidence to help your Louisiana personal injury lawyer build a strong case.
10. Talk to a Rear-End Crash Attorney
If you suffered even minor injuries or the rear-end accident involved a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck, you need a lawyer. A rear-end crash attorney can help determine who was at fault and how much compensation you may be owed.
Do You Need a Rear Collision Attorney?
Not every accident requires legal help, but in some cases, hiring an attorney is the best way to protect yourself. You should consider getting a lawyer if:
- You’ve suffered injuries
- You’re not sure who’s at fault
- You suspect fraudulent behavior
- The insurance company is uncooperative
- The accident involved commercial vehicles
Get Compensation for Your Rear-End Collision Injuries
Injuries from a rear-end crash can affect your life in many ways. Medical bills can pile up, work may become harder, and even daily tasks can feel impossible to do. If someone else caused the crash, you don’t need to go through the stress alone, you deserve compensation to help you recover. Accident victims like you deserve help from a qualified attorney.
A New Orleans personal injury attorney can help you understand the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Cardone Law Firm, we work to protect your rights and ensure you get the financial support needed to move forward after your accident. Don’t go through the stress of a rear-end crash alone; contact us today to discuss your case.