While you may do everything possible to stay safe on the road, other drivers may neglect to do so. This can result in serious accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of auto accident. This is because many drivers neglect to leave sufficient space between them and the vehicle in front of them. While many assume these fender benders are no big deal, they can cause potentially life-altering injuries. In many cases, rear-end collisions result in tragic spinal cord injuries. Please continue reading to learn how a rear-end collision can impact your spine and how a trusted Bronx Car Accident Lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve.
How Do Rear-End Collisions Affect the Spine?
When a vehicle is struck from behind, this immense force violently thrusts the body forward and backward. This rapid motion can damage the vertebrae and discs in the back, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This is because the thrust of your body will disrupt the natural curve of your spine. Depending on the speed and angle of the accident, such an injury can result in chronic pain or permanent disability.
What Are the Most Common Spinal Cord Injuries That Car Crash Victims Experience?
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the spinal cord is the central nervous system of the human anatomy. It’s responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the entire body. Due to the forceful impact of a car accident, especially rear-end collisions, the traumatic blow to the spine itself or the ligaments and disks in the spine can result in devastating spinal cord injuries that can affect a victim for years to come. Spinal cord injuries affect the health functioning of this critical body system.
One of the most common injuries to arise from rear-end collisions is whiplash. During the crash, your head is rapidly jerked forward and backward due to the immense force of being struck by another vehicle. This motion can result in chronic neck pain for years after the collision. The most common symptoms of whiplash include headaches, dizziness, limited neck movement, shoulder and back pain, and memory issues.
Another common injury is disc herniation. Soft discs cushion the vertebrae that form the spine in the back. Due to the immense force of a rear-end collision, these discs can route or become displaced. Those who suffer a herniated disc may experience numbness in the legs or arms, muscles, weakness, and even sharp pain around the affected region. Moreover, victims may experience vertebral fractures. This injury typically arises from serious collisions where the spine is crushed or compressed. When there’s damage to the spinal cord, it can result in paralysis and long-term pain. While some victims are fortunate enough to restore the health of the system over time, in many cases, the damage is permanent, and victims may never walk again.
As you can see, any injuries that you suffer from a rear-end collision should not be taken lightly, as they can have long-lasting consequences. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a rear-end collision, please don’t hesitate to contact an adept lawyer from James Newman, P.C., who can help ensure you are fully and fairly compensated for the damages you’ve incurred.
