Statistics indicate that rear-end collisions are, by far, the most common crash in America. In fact, as many as 1.7 million occur each year. Still, there is little attention given to the severe injuries that can result; most people wrongly assume that, because they often occur at reduced speeds, the risk of injury is small. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
Victims in rear-end collisions can experience injury to nearly any part of the body. However, some injuries are more common than others. One study found that head injuries were, by far, the most common among 42 seatbelted drivers involved in a rear-end collision. Thorax injuries (17.1 percent) and abdominal injuries (14.6 percent) immediately followed. Fractures to the upper arm and pelvis (7.3 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively) were also surprisingly common.
Other types of injuries that a victim may sustain during a rear-end collision could include:
- Facial fractures,
- Sprains/strains,
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Bruising and deep tissue injuries,
- Muscle injuries,
- Whiplash,
- Injury to the spinal cord,
- Damaged or destroyed teeth,
- Crushed limbs,
- Fatality, and
- Internal organ damage/bleeding.
Sadly, any one of these injuries can result in hospitalization, physical therapy, or other expensive medical interventions. Further, the victim may be unable to work due to their injury. In some cases, that loss of employment may even be permanent. This places their family at severe risk for financial troubles. Thankfully, they may be able to find relief through a personal injury lawsuit.
Understanding Your Right to Pursue Compensation
Victims of rear-end collisions are often entitled to pursue compensation for any expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses they experience. Still, getting a full and fair payout can sometimes be difficult. This is due, in part, to the nature of insurance companies, which are for-profit businesses. If given even half the chance, they may reduce or even deny your claim by pushing as much of the fault and blame over to you as possible. Protect yourself from this form of victimization with help from an experienced lawyer.
Contact Our Appleton Auto Accident Lawyers Today
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we protect the rights of auto accident victims. Dedicated and experienced, we will aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible for your case. Call and schedule your consultation with our Appleton, Wisconsin personal injury lawyers today to learn more. Call us at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3400234/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/