10 Common Injuries From Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are some of the most common accidents occurring on North Dakota roadways. As common as they are, they’re frequently misunderstood. Because many of these types of accidents happen at lower speeds or don’t leave the vehicles involved totaled, there’s an assumption that any injuries sustained will be minor. This is a dangerous presumption, because injuries from rear-end collisions can be severe and may not show up until days or weeks after the accident occurs.

Rear-end collisions put the body through a sudden and unnatural motion. Even when airbags don’t deploy, and the accident victims walk away, the force from the crash can cause injuries that take weeks or months to fully present themselves. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions and why they matter.

How rear-end collisions injure the body

Riding in a vehicle that is struck from behind sends the body into a sudden forward movement that does not allow the muscles and joints to react. Typically, the spine and neck absorb much of the force, which is why whiplash is so common. If there’s time to react, passengers and drivers may “brace” for impact, which can place additional stress on other parts of the body, like the arms and lower body.

A combination of rapid movement and resistance is why these seemingly minor accidents can cause specific, major injuries.

10 rear-end collision injuries

It’s possible to sustain numerous injuries from a rear-end collision. Even though the impact may be less significant than a t-bone accident, the injuries can still be severe. Small injuries, too, should never be downplayed and should be treated immediately and professionally.

1. Whiplash and neck injuries

The most common type of injury associated with rear-end collisions is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury of the soft tissue of the neck that results from the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck when a vehicle is struck from behind.

Symptoms from whiplash may not show up immediately. Many people with whiplash will feel okay at the scene of the accident, only to develop pain in the hours and days to come. Symptoms can include neck and head pain, numbness, and tingling. Pain may radiate to the shoulders and arms. Left untreated, neck injuries can lead to difficulty with daily activities and even inhibit sleep.

2. Back and spinal injuries

The impact on the spine from a rear-end collision can cause injuries that range from moderate to severe. Muscle sprains, herniated discs, and aggravation of pre-existing injuries can be common even after a fender-bender. Lower back injuries are particularly common when the seatbelt engages.

In crashes that are more severe and produce more force, spinal injuries can result in nerve damage that affects the arms and legs. Back injuries don’t always appear on initial imaging tests, which makes it very important to follow up with medical care when symptoms develop or worsen.

3. Concussions and head injuries

A blow to the head isn’t the only qualifier for sustaining a head injury. The forceful impact of a rear-end collision can cause the brain to strike the sides of the skull, resulting in a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). A person who has suffered a concussion or TBI may not experience many symptoms initially, and it’s important to follow up if symptoms worsen or persist.

Symptoms from a TBI can include headaches, mood changes, sleep disruption, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light.

4. Injuries to the shoulders, arms, and hands

In some cases, accident victims see a car approaching from the rear and realize that impact is imminent. Naturally, people brace themselves for the impact by gripping the steering wheel or pushing against the dashboard. These movements, combined with the force of the accident, can lead to tears and strains in the muscles of the shoulders and arms. Injuries to the upper extremities can include rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulders, and fractures. The more forceful the impact, the more damage possible.

5. Chest and rib cage injuries

Seatbelts save lives and should be worn every time a person is riding in or driving a vehicle. Unfortunately, seatbelts can also cause injuries in some types of collisions, including rear-end hits. In higher impact collisions, the force of the seatbelt restraint can crack ribs and strain pectoral muscles. These injuries are particularly serious because they may also cause harm to internal organs. Symptoms like trouble breathing, coughing, or difficulty moving should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.

6. Lower extremity injuries

Lower body injuries are common when the force of impact from a rear-end collision causes the knees to strike the dashboard or jam feet against the pedals. This impact can lead to muscle and ligament issues and even cause long-term joint problems.

7. Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the non-bony structures of the body. These include muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and skin. Common injuries, like strains, sprains, and even bruising, may not show up immediately and aren’t detectable from an X-ray. Because soft tissue injuries are harder to confirm with imaging, they’re often downplayed as less significant. Pain and swelling that persists for weeks after a crash should always be taken seriously, even if an initial exam showed everything was normal.

8. Facial and dental injuries

Injuries to the face may be immediately apparent. Cuts, fractures, broken teeth, and jaw injuries can be caused by strikes to the steering wheel or dashboard, and by fragments of glass. Although these injuries may be easy to spot, some dental injuries don’t appear until later. Teeth that are loosened from the crash may not present pain immediately.

9. Burns

Burns are less common with rear-end collisions, but still possible. Leaking fluids, fires, and deployed airbags can cause burns on the skin that lead to scarring and infection. It’s important to have these injuries treated immediately to avoid complications.

10. Emotional and psychological damage

Not all injuries are physical. The emotional toll of a rear-end collision can leave a person with anxiety, sleep problems, and mood changes. Many people who survive car crashes develop a fear of driving or riding in a car. These emotional injuries should never be downplayed, as they have a dramatic impact on a person’s quality of life.

Why do symptoms appear later?

It can be frustrating to think you’ve made it through a car crash unscathed, only to develop pain and other symptoms later. Unfortunately, the delayed onset of symptoms is a common occurrence with the types of injuries sustained in a rear-end collision. Adrenaline can mask initial pain, and inflammation and strain can take days to fully develop.

Importantly, keeping a detailed record of your symptoms and treatment can help you avoid problems with the insurance company later. Gaps in your treatment plan can raise red flags that prompt insurers to question the validity of your injury.

Get the North Dakota legal help you need

After a collision, you may feel shaken and overwhelmed. If you’re injured, you need space and time to heal. It can feel burdensome to tackle an insurance claim on your own. While North Dakota’s no-fault laws provide initial coverage for medical bills and lost wages through your own PIP benefits, hiring a North Dakota rear-end accident lawyer can help if your injuries exceed these limits or meet the state’s serious injury threshold for a personal injury lawsuit.

At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our team takes special care to give every accident survivor the personalized care and assistance they need to file their claim and move forward with their life. We have offices in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, but service all areas of the state. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.