Common Injuries from Rear End Car Accidents in Florida

Common Injuries from Rear End Car Accidents in Florida
Woman Feeling Neck Ache After Bad
Car Pile Up

Were you recently involved in a rear end car accident? Did you suffer any injuries? Are you unsure of the steps you can take to obtain compensation from the negligent driver?

Just the same as any type of accident, a rear end collision will bring many challenges to your life. At the top of the list is your overall level of health and well-being. From minor to severe injuries, each and every one requires your immediate attention.

While it’s best to receive a professional medical diagnosis after a rear end car accident in Florida, it never hurts to understand the types of injuries you could be dealing with.

Here are five of the most common injuries from rear end collisions:

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is a serious neck injury caused by the head and neck snapping forward abruptly, such as the result of another vehicle striking yours.

Johns Hopkins Medicine describes this injury in greater detail, noting the following:

Most whiplash injuries result from a collision that includes sudden acceleration or deceleration. Many whiplash injuries occur when you are involved in a rear-end automobile collision. They also happen as a result of a sports injury, particularly during contact sports.

The symptoms of whiplash don’t always set in right away, so it’s important to receive a medical evaluation immediately following any rear end car accident.

2. Back and Spine Injuries

Just the same as neck injuries, those to your back and spine are just as common. This type of accident can place extreme pressure on the vertebrae, compress the spinal cord, and/or injure the ligaments and muscles in this part of your body.

For example, these types of motor vehicle accidents have the potential to cause herniated discs. This is the result of a disc (or discs) tearing open and/or being knocked out of their natural position.

3. Brain Injuries

Imagine sitting at a red light when you’re stuck in the rear by a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed. Depending on your proximity to the steering wheel and windshield, your head may strike one or both.

When that happens, your brain is at serious risk of injury. This includes things such as a concussion, bleeding on the brain, and a skull fracture.

Some brain injuries call for emergency surgery, such as those when blood is quickly increasing pressure within the skull.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

From your neck down to your feet, soft tissue injuries can occur in any type of motor vehicle accident.

Common types of soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears of muscles and ligaments. Since these injuries don’t generally have visible symptoms, you need to listen to your body.

5. Broken Bones

You can break any bone in your body in a rear end car accident. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. And in most cases, all of these symptoms become more severe when you attempt to move the injured area.

Your ribs, arms, and legs are at the greatest risk. For instance, as your seatbelt pulls tight, an extreme amount of pressure is placed on your ribs. This can result in breaks, as well as damage to surrounding areas, such as your lungs.

What to do After a Rear End Car Accident in FL

As quickly as possible, examine yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay — just a bit shook — it’s best to call 911 to request an ambulance.

After receiving medical care at a local hospital, you may find that you have more injuries than you thought. You can then receive the necessary treatment, while also having a record of your injuries for when you file an insurance claim.

Have you been injured in a rear end car accident in Florida? If so, it’s critical that you receive medical treatment and then take action to protect your legal rights.

Contact the attorneys at Fetterman Law to share the details of your case, ask questions, and better determine if you’re in a position to seek compensation. You can reach us online or via phone at (561) 529-9766. Either way, our entire team is here to guide you during this difficult time.