If you were involved in a rear-end crash in Virginia and are now dealing with unexpected pain, you may be wondering if the collision caused your injury. If so, you should seek medical advice from a licensed physician, as nothing in this article is intended as medical advice for your injuries or symptoms. However, understanding some of the common injuries that can result from a rear-end collision can help you assess your symptoms and decide whether you need to speak with a Virginia personal injury lawyer about a potential claim. These injuries often do not seem serious at first, but can lead to prolonged discomfort, medical bills, and time off work.
Whiplash: The Most Common of Rear-End Car Accident Injuries:
Whiplash remains one of the most common injuries from a rear-end collision. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, overstretching the neck muscles and ligaments. According to a study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention, more than 60% of individuals involved in low-speed rear-end collisions report symptoms associated with whiplash. These include neck stiffness, limited range of motion, headaches, and shoulder pain. Symptoms in your arms and hands, such as tingling or numbness, can also be related to a neck injury.
You might feel fine at the scene, only to wake up the next morning with difficulty turning your head. Early diagnosis and a treatment plan are critical for recovery, and medical documentation also provides a foundation for legal action if needed.
Back Injuries Often Follow Rear-End Impacts
Lumbar and thoracic spine injuries are also common in rear-end collisions. When the vehicle is struck from behind, your body absorbs much of the impact through the seat, causing strain on the lower and mid-back. Herniated discs and soft-tissue damage in the lumbar region may appear days after the incident and often require:
- Diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT Scan,
- Physical therapy,
- Epidural steroid injections (ESI) or radiofrequency ablation,
- Chiropractic care, or,
- Surgery in severe cases.
The force required to trigger a lumbar disc issue is not as high as many assume. Even collisions under 20 miles per hour can cause significant musculoskeletal damage, especially when seated in a position lacking adequate support, or in persons with degenerative disc issues or pre-existing conditions.
Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Another category of injuries involves the brain. Even without a direct head impact, the rapid motion can cause the brain to shift inside the skull. This leads to concussions or more subtle forms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Symptoms may include:
- Confusion,
- Memory loss,
- Headaches,
- Blurred vision, and
- Mood changes.
Some individuals who experienced a rear-impact crash show a significant increase in reports of post-concussion symptoms, even when CT scans showed no abnormalities.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Seatbelt Trauma
Rear-end car accident injuries can often result from seatbelts. The restraint system protects you from more severe injuries, but it also exerts pressure across your shoulder, chest, and abdomen.
Common injuries include:
- General bruising,
- Damaged ribs,
- Torn ligaments, and
- Abdominal discomfort.
A report in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine documented that seatbelt-related soft tissue injuries were present in more than 25% of rear-end crash patients presenting to emergency rooms. These injuries often do not require surgical intervention but may cause weeks of pain and limited mobility.
Never Ignore Delayed Symptoms
Some rear-end collision injuries do not fully surface for days or even weeks. It is common for adrenaline at the scene to mask pain, which later develops into chronic discomfort. According to a longitudinal analysis published in Spine, over 30% of rear-end crash victims who initially declined treatment later reported moderate to severe physical limitations lasting more than three months.
Insurers may argue that the crash did not cause your injuries if you delay seeking care. Even if your pain is legitimate, a delay in treatment can weaken your claim. Getting evaluated early and keeping track of your symptoms helps protect your health and preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Virginia Law and Your Injury Claim
Under Virginia law, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. That may seem like a long time, but acting sooner often leads to better outcomes. Early action allows your medical team to tie symptoms directly to the crash and strengthens the documentation needed to support your case.
Speak with a Virginia Attorney About Your Rear-End Collision Injuries
Rear-end crashes can lead to more than temporary discomfort. If your injuries are affecting your ability to work, sleep, or care for your family, you deserve support. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we help clients throughout Virginia understand their rights and pursue fair compensation. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Your recovery starts with getting answers.