Rear end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, and unfortunately, they’re also among the most misunderstood. These crashes happen when one vehicle strikes the back of another, often due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops. While some rear end collisions occur at low speeds, the injuries they cause can still be serious and long-lasting.
If you were involved in a rear end accident, a critical step in your recovery process is understanding your legal rights and options. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer at Sieben Polk P.A. can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve.
- Common injuries from rear end collisions include whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Some symptoms may not appear immediately, so it’s best to consult a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
- Legal guidance can help victims recover compensation. Seek immediate legal help to maximize your chances of building a successful case.
Common Injuries From Rear End Collisions
Rear end collision injuries can range from minor aches to life-altering conditions that affect your ability to work, care for your family, or even perform daily tasks. Symptoms don’t always show up right away, so a proper medical evaluation is crucial even if you feel fine after an accident.
Common injuries from rear end collisions include:
- Whiplash: A soft tissue injury to the neck caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Neck and shoulder injuries: These injuries may include sprains, strains, or more serious damage to muscles and ligaments.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs and lower back strains are frequently reported after rear end crashes.
- Spinal injuries: In severe cases, damage to the spinal cord can result in chronic pain or even limited mobility.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A forceful jolt can lead to concussions or other brain injuries, even without hitting your head.
- Soft tissue injuries: Bruising, swelling, and inflammation are common throughout the body.
- Fractures from car accidents: Depending on the impact and position of the body, bones in the hands, arms, or ribs may break.
If you were in a rear end collision, monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries in rear end collisions. It happens when the head is jerked backward and forward, causing the neck to snap in a whip-like motion. This can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back.
Common symptoms of neck injuries include pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, and dizziness. Some people may also notice blurred vision or fatigue. These symptoms might show up right away or be delayed, and in some cases, they last for weeks or longer.
If left untreated, whiplash can develop into long-term pain or more serious conditions known as whiplash-associated disorders. These injuries are common in rear end collisions caused by distracted or negligent driving.
Spinal Injuries and Herniated Discs
Spinal injuries from rear end collisions can vary in severity, but even mild cases can have a lasting impact on your daily life. The force of a crash can compress the spine, damage discs, or cause fractures, especially in the lower back and neck. One of the most common injuries is a herniated disc, which happens when the cushioning material between the vertebrae is pushed out of place and presses on nearby nerves.
People with spinal injuries may experience back pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs. In more serious cases, spinal cord damage can cause permanent mobility issues or loss of sensation.
These injuries can develop or worsen over time. You should seek medical care even if symptoms seem mild at first. Spinal injuries can also lead to complications that prove fatal, especially in high-impact crashes. In some cases, these complications may result in permanent disability or wrongful death, adding a profound emotional toll to the physical and financial consequences.
How Rear End Collisions Affect Your Life
A rear end accident doesn’t just leave you with physical pain. It can affect nearly every aspect of your life. From missed workdays and medical appointments to anxiety about driving again, the aftermath takes a toll. Some injuries limit mobility or prevent people from doing the things they enjoy, while others bring a long and uncertain recovery process.
There’s also the financial impact a rear end collision can cause. Emergency room visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and time away from work can add up quickly. This creates stress during a time when you should be focused on healing. Emotional struggles such as depression, frustration, and sleep disruption are also common.
Give yourself the best chance at a full physical and financial recovery by seeking medical attention and legal support immediately. Sieben Polk P.A. helps clients in Minnesota recover from rear end collisions and move forward with confidence. Read what our clients have to say about our ability to combine personalized legal services with the law firm resources that clients need to protect their rights.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Sieben Polk P.A. understand how overwhelming rear end collision injuries can be, and we’re here to help. With over 50 years of experience serving Minnesotans, our team of attorneys is dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation. In that time, we’ve recovered millions for car accident victims in our community.
Our seasoned team of attorneys works closely with each client to gather evidence and build a strong case, file documentation within appropriate deadlines, and negotiate with insurance companies.
We’ll also pursue full and fair compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering you experienced due to the rear end collision. Whether your case is settled out of court or goes to trial, you’ll have a dedicated legal team in your corner every step of the way.
Meet our legal team to learn more about how we can help.
Contact Sieben Polk P.A. for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear end accident, now is the time to take action. If you have rising medical bills, missed work, and fear about what comes next, you don’t have to face it alone.
The attorneys at Sieben Polk P.A. are here to listen, explain your legal options, answer your questions, and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Get the support and information you need to move forward with confidence. Contact us today or call 651-437-3148 to schedule your free consultation.
