All About Back and Neck Injuries From Rear-End Collisions

September 1, 2023 | Car Accidents

All About Back and Neck Injuries From Rear-End Collisions

Motor vehicle accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, can cause significant harm. Back and neck injuries are the most common. These injuries can cause weeks of medical appointments, as well as physical discomfort and emotional trauma.

Understanding the full scope of back and neck injuries is crucial for victims of rear-end collisions and the attorneys representing them. A Harrisburg car accident attorney can protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

The Mechanics of Rear-End Collisions in Harrisburg, PA

Rear-end collisions are often abrupt. The sudden force of one vehicle striking another from behind can cause the front car’s occupants to jolt forwards and rapidly backward. At this moment, the body is forced to absorb the impact in the neck and spin, leading to injuries.

Common Types of Neck and Back Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Crashes

The force of rear-end collisions commonly causes four types of injuries. These injuries include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is arguably the most recognized injury from rear-end collisions. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury resulting from rapid extension and flexion of the neck. 

In a crash, this rapid extension can strain or tear neck muscles and ligaments. This can cause symptoms like pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headaches. A 2020 study estimated that there are approximately 841,000 traffic-related whiplash injuries annually. 

Herniated Discs

Your spine has a series of vertebral discs. The force can cause these discs to rupture or shift during a rear-end collision. Displacement can then irritate nearby nerves causing pain, tingling, or numbness. 

Compression Fractures

Rear-end collisions can cause tiny cracks in the spine’s bones. Compression fractures can eventually cause the vertebrae to collapse or deform. This often leads to chronic pain and posture issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Vital parts of the spinal cord run through the neck and head. Rear-end collisions can damage the spinal cord with severe consequences, including paralysis. The cost of treatment and long-term care for such spinal cord injuries can be astronomical.

If you have symptoms of these injuries after your collision, consult a medical professional immediately. Do not delay treatment because you believe your symptoms are minor.

The Deceptive Nature of Back and Neck Injury Symptoms

Not all rear-end collisions cause immediate symptoms of injury. Delayed onset may leave victims feeling fine post-accident until pain or discomfort appears days or weeks later. This delay can be attributed to many reasons, including post-accident adrenaline masking pain, the progressive nature of injuries, or inflammation developing over time.

After a rear-end collision, be sure to watch for symptoms related to neck or back injuries. 

Symptoms to look for include:

  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Persistent headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Restricted neck or back movements
  • Neck or back pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Unusual fatigue

These symptoms are often a sign of neck or back injuries. Left untreated, these symptoms may also become more severe over time. 

Seek Prompt Medical Attention After a Rear-End Accident

You should undergo a medical evaluation after a rear-end collision. Injuries that are detected early can be treated sooner. Prompt medical treatment also creates a record linking any injuries to the crash.

This record is crucial evidence in any legal proceedings. Insurers may attempt to refute claims by suggesting other causes for your injury without a written record. 

If you are worried about the cost, understand that the other party will likely cover medical bills if they are at fault. This includes other damages as well, such as future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income due to work absences, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 

Partnering with a seasoned personal injury law firm offers victims the best chance at a fair resolution. 

Legal professionals can help with the following:

  • Navigating complex insurance processes
  • Gathering evidence to substantiate claims
  • Calculating appropriate compensation
  • Negotiating settlements or representing victims in court, if necessary

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. They might downplay the severity of your neck or back injuries. They may question their connection to the accident or argue about the necessity of certain treatments. 

Legal counsel becomes vital for ensuring victims get the compensation they are entitled to after a crash. Contact an experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer for assistance.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963