If you have been involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident, the likelihood is that you are suffering from pain in your neck and back. These are known as “soft tissue“ injuries and are common to individuals who have been struck in the rear. Calling an experienced car accident attorney should be among your very top priorities.
How the Body Reacts in a Rear-End Car Accident
The region of the neck is known as the cervical spine and the region of lower back is known as the lumbar spine. Each has its own distinct characteristics and can be injured in a rear and motor vehicle accident quite easily.
At the time of a rear-end motor vehicle collision, the driver’s head typically will be thrust forward and then snap back, sometimes striking the steering wheel or head rest. This is known as whiplash. Simultaneously, the driver’s body is often thrust around the vehicle and the lap seat belt holds the drivers waist in place. This restriction will sometimes cause issues with respect to the lumbar spine. In the case of a high-velocity impact, the driver may be thrown about the vehicle or strike their head, neck or back on certain portions of the interior of the vehicle.
As a result of the collision, the spine and its surrounding muscles go into what is known as spasm. That spasm causes the discs in your spinal column in the cervical and lumbar spine to become compressed. In the event that the discs are out of place, that is referred to as a bulging disc. In the event that the liquid center (or nucleus pulposus) of the vertebrae is released, that is considered a herniated disc.
What are the Most Common Injuries from a Rear-End Auto Accident?
The most common injuries in rear-end motor vehicle collisions are in the cervical spine and in the lumbar spine at the L5-S1 level. L5-S1 is the “hinge” that connects the spine and tailbone. A client will often experience numbness and tingling into their upper and lower extremities which is known as radiculopathy. Numbness, tingling, loss of sensation and other issues with the extremities are common as a result of rear-end motor vehicle accidents.
Why is an Experienced Car Accident Important?
It is important that you consult with and retain an experienced car accident attorney in the event you were involved in a rear end motor vehicle accident. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with your injuries and will be able to refer you to a chiropractor and physical therapist so you begin on the road to rehabilitation. The attorney will be familiar with the staff, billing department and likely have a good working relationship with the medical professionals that you will be treating with. This is extremely valuable in that you will receive a continuous and consistent course of treatment from a team of medical professionals that are experienced in handling the specific injuries you have sustained.
It is important to keep a diary of your limitations since this will be the focus of your personal injury case. The recurring question is “what can’t you do now that you used to be able to do”. The nature, severity and permanency of your injuries will determine whether your case will settle for either a very small or a very large sum.
If you have been involved in a rear end automobile accident, your first call should be to a car accident attorney. Recovering from your neck and back injuries is a job unto itself, and dealing with insurance carriers, opposing counsel and medical billing departments will only add stress to your life. You are best served to consult with and retain an experienced car accident attorney at the outset of your case to ensure maximum recovery.
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