If you are hit from behind by another driver, whether at high speed or low speed, injury potential abounds.  What can be problematic about some rear-end collisions is that a person may not immediately feel pain or show any symptoms of bodily damage. It might be days, sometimes longer, before the effects are felt.  Whiplash injuries are prevalent in rear-end collisions. The body jerks forward upon impact, and the head and neck violently snap backward and then “whip” forward, damaging muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves. Concussions also occur frequently. A concussion is more than a blow to the head that makes a person see stars; it’s a brain injury that has the potential to impair one’s quality of life well into the future and may have lifelong consequences.  In addition to shoulder injuries, lacerations, broken bones, and disk damage, victims may also experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), dizziness, and sleep disturbances.

What is important is that you go to the ER, or schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as symptoms appear, to document the injuries.  No documentation means it did not happen.  Various factors can intensify the effects of a rear-end collision – a driver/passenger wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, their head was turned or tilted at the time of impact, their vehicle was a small car, and the seat did not have a proper (or any) head restraint.

If you’ve been the victim of a rear-end collision, promptly schedule a medical evaluation with your doctor. Insurance companies often scoff at low-speed rear-end collisions and the harm they cause and question the motives of anyone who’s not admitted to the hospital. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney to protect your rights.