Hit from behind is among the most common types of accidents. When you are involved in a hit from behind accident, you are likely to develop injuries whose severity depends on the impact of the vehicle behind you. Victims injured in rear-end accidents need the help of a qualified car accident attorney to take them through filing a personal injury claim.
The affected parties in rear-end collisions are entitled to compensation for damages and any medical expenses incurred. In most cases, the accident is caused by the negligence of the driver behind. The following injuries are common in hit from behind accidents;
Back injuries
Spine and back injuries are common when you are involved in rear-end collisions. The injuries could be more severe if the parties did brace themselves before the accident. Spinal injuries can be dangerous, and if severe, they may affect a person’s entire life. The force resulting from the impact can compress the spine and cause pressure on the back, causing soreness and lower back pain.
Whiplash
After an accident, soft tissue injuries are caused by a sudden violent head and neck movement. Even when the vehicle moves at low speed, the impact causes your neck to stretch beyond the normal limits. If the driver is unaware, they are likely to sustain more serious injuries due to a lack of preparedness for impact. The whiplash injuries may last up to one year, depending on the severity of the accident.
Head and brain injuries
Regardless of the speed of moving vehicles when, an accident occurs, head injuries are common in rear-end accidents. Effects of head injuries are swelling, bruises, lacerations, concussion, and even loss of consciousness in more serious accidents. Treatment for traumatic head injuries may take weeks for the results to show. It is necessary to seek the expertise of a head injury attorney if the victim is hit on the head.
Paralysis
Severe brain and spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis depending on the severity of the rear-end accident. The extent of paralysis varies depending on the injured parts. When the spinal discs are affected by the impact, there are higher chances of getting paralyzed. The injuries may require long years of treatment with physical therapy sessions. Some patients may recover, but others may develop permanent problems when there is extreme brain damage.
What to do after an accident
Some injuries such as whiplash are rarely noticeable and may take long before the effects are felt. Despite the type of injury, it is commendable to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. It would help if you had the injuries evaluated to record evidence against the negligent driver.
If you take too long before seeking medical care, the insurance company may deny the claim for damages, medical bills, loss of property, pain, and suffering. It is also helpful to contact a qualified accident attorney to help you in the claim process. They understand the legal system and processes and will guide you through successful claims.
Compensation for damages
If you are not the party that caused the accident, you have the legal right to recover financial losses and damages caused. The damages include all costs directly connected to the accident, including medical bills, vehicle damages, physical therapy, and missed wages. All the expenses incurred as a result of the accident are included in the damages claim.
The sum of financial damages is computed with the help of all the medical records and hospital bills, and all other expenses associated with the accident. It isn’t easy to compensate and reverse the occurrence, but the money can help you have peace of mind during the recovery process. It is vital to work with adequate legal professionals to ensure successful compensation for damages.