Whether a New York driver is coasting among slow-moving vehicles, waiting for a light to change or stopped in a traffic jam, it is often impossible to avoid a collision that comes from behind. Rear-end collisions usually occur when a driver is traveling too fast to stop or is too distracted to notice traffic patterns have changed. The result can be devastating injuries for the unsuspecting driver and passengers ahead.
Whiplash is not a joke
The impact of a vehicle striking from behind causes a sudden jerking motion in the body that strains and damages the muscles and tendons in the neck. Even a low-speed collision from behind can leave accident victims with whiplash injuries. However, at higher speeds, the damage may be quite severe and could result in other injuries, including:
- Compression of discs in the spine
- Concussion
- Broken bones, especially in the wrist or arm
- Internal bleeding from seatbelt injuries
- Paralyzing spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries if one’s head strikes the dashboard or steering wheel
Striking the dashboard or other areas inside the vehicle might also cause broken bones in the face, such as the nose, jaw or cheekbones. These injuries, while not life-threatening, are painful and often disfiguring. They might require surgery and may even lead to additional medical concerns as time passes.
You may seem okay
What can be especially frustrating for victims of a rear-end collision is that the pain and suffering from injuries to their neck, back, arms and head can become chronic and debilitating. Sometimes the symptoms of a serious injury do not appear until days or even weeks following an accident. This is why it is critical for victims of rear-end collisions or other motor vehicle accidents to seek a medical evaluation right away even if they feel fine.