Nothing prepares you for a rear-end accident. You’re just sitting at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, thinking about what you need to get from the store. Suddenly, there is the squeal of tires on the pavement and another car slams into the back of your vehicle.
Even though it is a low-speed crash and you have more protection than you would in a head-on crash, you could suffer serious injuries in the accident. A few potential issues to watch out for include:
- Whiplash, which happens when your head moves violently, and you injure your neck and spine
- A concussion from your head hitting the seat or the wheel
- Soft tissue damage
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Torn or damaged tendons
- Torn or damaged ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Blood clots
These are just a handful of potential injuries noted by medical professionals, but it is clear that they can have a drastic impact on your life going forward.
It is also important to note that the rush of adrenaline you feel when you get into the accident can mask some of your symptoms and hide them for a short time. You may think you’re not hurt and count yourself lucky, but then you may start experiencing symptoms hours or even days later. It’s always best to talk to a medical professional to make sure that you are all right. Never assume anything.
If you do get hurt and it leads to high medical bills and related costs, you may be able to seek financial compensation from the negligent driver who caused the accident.
