More than two million rear-end car accidents happen every year and this number has been climbing for the last few years. Not only can a person become seriously injured in this type of accident, but in 2017 nearly 2,500 people lost their lives in rear-end accidents. They are by far the most common type of collision.
While a number of injuries can occur, this type of accident most commonly leads to back and neck injuries. Keep reading to find out why this and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you are in need of a free legal consultation.
The Reason Rear-End Accidents Are Likely to Cause Back Injuries
In most cases, rear-end accidents occur at slow speeds, which is one of the reasons people often assume that injuries are minor. However, when the car is hit from behind, any occupant in the car will shift back and forth with force. This can result in injuries to the body right away or it can result in injuries down the road as the body begins to deal with the injury. The symptoms can range from total loss of mobility to minor pain.
Common Examples of Back and Neck Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents
There are 33 vertebrae in the average person’s spine. The vertebrae themselves, and the connections between them can be injured during a rear-end accident – and so can all the soft tissue that surrounds these parts of the body. Some of the most common examples include:
- Herniated discs aka slipped discs.
- Whiplash.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Spinal fractures.
All of the above injuries have the potential to be very serious and even fatal.
Preventing Rear-End Collisions
Today, the best thing that can be done to prevent rear-end collisions is for people to stay off their phones and resist the urge to drive while distracted. In the future, the National Transportation Safety Board is working to get approval for more research on various collision avoidance systems that can be used on both commercial and passenger vehicles.
Some of these systems are available and they urge those who can to buy vehicles with collision warning systems and autonomous emergency braking. If you are not looking to buy a new vehicle then they suggest wearing a seatbelt, not driving while intoxicated, and paying attention to the road.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been injured and require the need of a personal injury attorney then we welcome your call to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We will discuss your case, find the legal options, and let you know how you can proceed. Call today and we can get started right away.
