Rear end collisions are a leading cause of automobile-related injuries in the United States. In addition to physical and mental pain and suffering, victims can incur medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses due to their crash-related injuries.
More often than in other types of crashes, rear-enders are caused by one party’s negligence. The New York City car accident attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green fight on behalf of accident victims to hold those at fault accountable.
Common injuries in rear-end collisions
Due to the physics involved in a strike from behind, certain types of injuries are common in rear-end accidents:
- Whiplash injuries – A violent jerking forward and back can cause a sprain to the soft tissue of the neck and back. The pain it causes may resolve within a couple of weeks or continue for a year or more. Signs of the injury may not appear immediately.
- Head injuries – Striking one’s head, even if the airbags deployed, can cause swelling, bruising, cuts, and even traumatic brain injury. Warning signs like loss of consciousness, impaired speech, dizziness, and reduced cognitive function should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible because they may indicate a brain injury.
- Paralysis – A serious blow that injures the spinal cord or brain can render the victim paralyzed. The degree of paralysis and body parts affected depend on where along the brain or spinal cord the injury occurs.
- Back injuries – In addition to spinal cord injuries, the force of a hit from behind can cause slipped or herniated discs, fractures, and sprains, leading to potential long-term pain and disability.
- Facial injuries – The impact may cause the victim to hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows, leading to facial disfigurement. Even the impact of striking the airbags can cause facial injuries.
- Broken bones – Drivers tend to tense up and brace the steering wheel during an impact, increasing the likelihood of injuries like broken wrists.
- Seat belt injuries – Though the benefits of seat belt use generally outweigh the costs, the nearly instantaneous tightening of the seat belt during an accident can cause bruises and cuts across the body.
Taking care of rear end accident injuries
It is all too common that rear-end collision victims overlook the early signs of an injury. Damage from whiplash, other soft tissue injuries, and even brain damage may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after the accident allows you to treat the injuries as early as possible and potentially limit your suffering.
Seeing a doctor early also provides evidence of the effect of the impact. Pain from an injury often intensifies after a couple of days, but waiting that long to seek medical attention can lead to insurance companies questioning your claim. You can also make your claim go more smoothly by working with a skilled NYC car accident attorney at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green.
Speak with a New York car accident lawyer today
If you were hurt in a rear-end collision, it is important to act quickly. Choose an experienced car accident lawyer to navigate the often-frustrating claims and litigation process for you so you can get your life back to normal.
The attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green understand what you are going through and have the experience needed to help you recover the money you deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout the New York City area, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
Additional resources about rear-end collision injuries:
- Insurance Information Institute, Facts + Statistics: Highway safety, https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-highway-safety
- National Transportation Safety Board, Addressing Deadly Rear-End Crashes, http://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-046.pdf
