Accidents often happen in Georgia caused by various issues such as drunk driving, over speeding and carelessness, among others. There are many types of car accidents that all have dire consequences for the affected. Most of the time the accidents lead to property damage, but it can lead to injuries and even death. One of the most common, yet highly overlooked, types of accident is a rear-end car accident. It occurs when another vehicle hits a car. Often one may assume that the car that hit the one in front of it was at fault. That is not always the case. Even if you are involved in an accident where a driver hits you, you may still be at fault.
Most people ignore a rear-end car accident since they never realize that they may have sustained serious injuries. As a result, they may take a long time to seek legal action for their injuries. However, there are many serious injuries that one can suffer due to rear-ending.
Types of Rear-End Car Accident Injuries
There are different injuries that one can get from a rear-end car accident. Some of them are extremely serious and may cost the affected a lot of money for treatment. It is for this reason that it is essential to identify your injury so you can get proper legal assistance.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of injury that affects the soft tissues of the head and neck. It is also known as myofascial pain syndrome. It occurs when there is sudden movement causing the head to jerk around with force, hurting the neck. There is stretching of tissues in the throat such as ligaments and tendons to the point that they almost snap.
It is a common injury but one that many people ignore since it may not feel as severe at first. One can easily ignore it and take painkillers for the pain. That’s why one is advised to get examined after an accident since a whiplash may occur without your knowledge.
Symptoms of a whiplash
- Neck pains
- Dizziness
- A headache
- Stiff neck
- Burning sensation in the neck
- Shoulder pains
It is possible not to get these symptoms up to weeks after the accident. However, once you know about it, treatment involves taking painkillers and muscle relaxers to ease the pain. You may also have to get a collar which you should have on for about two weeks. In case you get whiplash after a rear-end accident that you didn’t cause, talk to your lawyer. He will help you to get compensation for the injury either through court or settlement.
Back Injuries
These are also common and costly injuries to treat. Back injuries commonly occur by having the back hit hard from behind causing it to strain. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may have to dig deep into your pockets to get treatment. Lower back injuries require quick treatments, and you will be fine in a short time. However, there are some that may take quite some time to heal meaning that they will cost more.
Symptoms of Back Injuries
- Lower back pains
- Stiffness in your back
- Sharp pains
People take back injuries a lot more seriously, so they are likely to get help sooner. However, not taking any action could lead to severe pains and more treatment costs. Whether or not the injury is severe, you have the right to seek compensation from the guilty driver. Contact your car accident attorney so that he may start working on your case as soon as possible.
Airbag Injuries
Airbags in a car protect you when you get into a crash. However, they can also be dangerous and cause you injuries when deployed. Usually, after an accident at over 10mph, the airbags deploy. However, they do so at a very high speed. As a result, it may cause bone fractures, back, neck and spinal injuries.
Due to the speed at which they come out, they may also injure your eyes. Most times they also come out with dust and chemicals that, when breathed, may cause an asthma attack. Although they do save lives, they may cost someone quite a bit. However, if you get a thorough medical check after a crash, you should be fine.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash is a type of spinal cord injury. However, there are many more severe injuries that one may suffer such as herniated discs. It is a misalignment of the spinal disks causing a lot of pain in the legs, shoulders, and back. You may also have a torn rotator cuff, which are tendons that hold the shoulders. Another common injury is a compression fracture which can be quite dangerous.
Symptoms of Spinal Injuries
- Increased muscle spasms
- Lack of balance
- Sharp pain along the spine, neck, and shoulders
- Reduced sensitivity
- Loss of control of bowel movements and bladder
- Paralysis
One can get spinal cord injuries from a hit to your car that causes your spine to move. Unlike lower back injuries, spinal ones may end up causing paralysis which may be temporary or permanent. Catering for treatment of spinal injuries is costly which is why you need the help of a car accident lawyer. He can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses.
Head and Brain Injuries
Just like a spinal injury, a minor car collision can lead to severe head injuries for the affected. Brain injuries occur when the brain hits the skull due to some vigorous movement such as a crash. It can also happen when you hit your head hard against something solid.
Due to the rapid movement of the head during a whiplash, it is also categorized as a head injury. Traumatic brain injuries are hardly ever discovered early enough especially if the crash was a minor one. However, after some days or even weeks, you may start noticing some changes in the way you do things.
Symptoms of Head and Brain Injuries
- Severe headaches
- Having trouble maintaining balance
- Confusion
- Unusual sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Amnesia
- Seizure and convulsions
- Loss of taste or smell
It is difficult to ignore the symptoms since they only get worse with time. If you do experience any of these symptoms you need to see a medical professional. These symptoms may worsen. A head or brain injury is nothing to brush off. It is critical that you seek medical attention immediately to avoid further injury.
Facial Disfigurement
It occurs when your face hits something hard with much force. Rear-end collision is the number one cause of this type of injury. A traumatic brain injury often accompanies facial disfigurement so you may end up with a substantial medical bill.
You may hit the steering wheel or the dashboard hard depending on whether or not you were driving. The only way to handle this type of injury is usually through surgery. This is because it often includes broken jaws, bones and the soft tissues of the head.
Wrist and Arm Injuries
They may be less severe but can still lead to substantial medical bills that you can’t handle. Wrist and arm injuries occur when either the driver or passenger tries to shield themselves from harm. It is usually more natural with the hands, so they end up injured.
It can lead to a fracture or even breakage of the bone depending on how hard the impact was. If the effect was generally light, then you can expect some pain due to impact or lacerations. In this case, it will be easier for you to get treated and go back to normal quickly. However, if you have a fracture or breakage, you can consult your lawyer for advice on the best move.
Seat Belt Injuries
Just like airbags, seatbelts exist to help save lives in an accident, and they do. However, if you are in a rear-end car accident, it is likely that you will receive an injury. The belt will tighten to secure you during the crash which may lead to bruising or shallow cuts. You may also get burns from them due to friction especially if the car is moving. It is not a very serious injury since all you need is to have the wounds dressed. Still, it is better to get checked and bandaged, than miss an injury you may not have noticed.
Rear-End Car Accident Help in Augusta, GA
The severity of rear-end car accident differs from one crash to another, but you will likely sustain an injury. It is important that even when you feel perfectly fine, you get a medic to check you. If recommended to get some tests done, make sure you do them since they may save your life. In case you decide to take legal action for compensation, Ted A. Greve & Associates are available to assist. Our Georgia auto accident attorneys have extensive experience in settlement and compensation cases that we will use to get you what you need. Do not allow yourself to suffer in silence, contact us today to see how to get you justice.
