On average, around one out of every two car accidents in the nation is a rear-end collision. This makes a rear-end crash the most common type of reoccurring crash in the nation, and in Chicago for that matter. These crashes can range from the most minor of impacts to the most extreme, and as a result, the fallout from an accident can vary widely.
It is a common misconception that injuries do not occur if a crash involves one car rear-ending another. While that may be true some of the time, it is not always the case and many people will have their lives altered permanently do to a rear-end car accident.
Individuals in any vehicle can be harmed in a rear-end crash, whether that vehicle is the cause of an accident or simply happens to be hit by another. The typical forces involved means that both vehicles will either move forward suddenly after being at a stop or will stop suddenly after moving forward. This causes passengers inside to be jerked forward and back, making injuries to the neck and back very likely.
Some neck and back injuries involve soft tissue damage that will resolve on its own. Others are related to bulging or herniated discs, conditions that can cause extreme pain, decreased range of motion, numbness and tingling, and even weakness in the extremities.
Broken bones or fractures are another common result of car accidents, including rear-end crashes. Fractures are particularly prevalent when a vehicle occupant’s body strikes another object, generally something inside the car. A driver colliding with a steering wheel, a passenger striking the dashboard, or even loose objects in a car flying and striking an occupant can be causes of broken or fractured bones.
Open and closed head injuries are likely to stem from a rear-end crash in Illinois. Open head injuries involve an object penetrating the skull and entering the brain, like debris from a collision, including broken glass. In contrast, closed head injuries so not involve breaks of the skin or the cranium but rather are harm to the brain without a break in the body’s skin. The most common example of a closed head injury is a concussion but other injuries are possible as well.
It is risky to think of rear-end accidents as being minor because all too often, they are anything but minor as they cause serious harm, damage, and potentially even death every year in the state. If you were the victim of a rear-end collision and you were hurt or if someone you love lost their life, know that you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation to all victims who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We have a licensed lawyer standing by to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we will keep everything discussed during the consultation confidential.
Prior Blog Entry:
Seat Belt Use Is On the Rise – But Still Too Low, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 7, 2016.