Drivers in Indiana can experience a variety of different types of collisions. One vehicle could sideswipe another. Head-on collisions occur when vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Rear-end collisions involve two vehicles traveling in the same direction where one strikes the other from behind.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common crashes that occur in Indiana. They are less likely than head-on collisions or angle collisions to cause fatalities, although they do sometimes produce fatal injuries. The people involved in a rear-end collision, especially the occupants of the vehicle in front, could easily develop serious injuries because of the crash. The following are the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions.
Traumatic brain injuries
When one vehicle strikes another from behind, the stopped or slower-moving vehicle often moves abruptly. A driver might hit their head on the steering wheel, and occupants could strike their heads on parts of the vehicle as well. Blunt force trauma from a rear-end collision could lead to bruising or swelling of the brain that might continue to worsen for several days. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can produce an assortment of different debilitating symptoms and may have a permanent impact on someone’s health and earning potential.
Broken bones
The force of impact can do real damage to the human body, especially if people try to protect themselves. No matter how strong an individual is, their body cannot absorb the force generated when two vehicles collide. Attempts to slow someone down or avoid hitting ahead on a dashboard might involve trying to brace against the imminent impact. People could break bones in their arms, shoulders and legs during car crashes. Broken bones can force someone to take time away from work and may require expensive medical intervention in some cases.
Soft tissue injuries
When a driver doesn’t leave adequate following distance between their vehicle and another car in traffic, the people in the front vehicle often pay the price. Even if people don’t hit their heads or break bones, the violent motions of the vehicle can cause inflammatory responses in their muscles or connective tissue. Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, can put people in the hospital. These injuries can cause debilitating levels of pain and prevent people from performing their jobs. In some cases, soft tissue injuries are severe enough to cause long-term symptoms and a significant leave of absence from work.
Those injured in rear-end crashes in Indiana may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim. Understanding the more serious injuries possible after a rear-end car crash may help people see the value in pursuing medical care. People who receive a prompt diagnosis have a better chance of obtaining compensation for the injuries generated in a car wreck caused by another’s negligence.