Rear-end collisions often seem like minor accidents, especially if the damage looks minimal. However, for the people inside the vehicles, the physical toll can be significant. A sudden jolt can cause lasting injuries, even at low speeds.
In New Jersey, people involved in rear-end car collisions frequently suffer from soft tissue damage, spinal issues, and head injuries. While some recover in a matter of weeks, others face long-term consequences that affect their ability to work, sleep, or enjoy daily life.
Understanding the nature of a car accident injury and its potential to cause lasting harm can help you recognize the seriousness of these incidents and what to expect in the weeks, months, and even years after the crash. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can be your guide through the process and provide insights into your best course of action.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are So Harmful
When a vehicle is struck from behind, the force of the impact can whip the body forward and backward in a split second. The human body is not built to absorb that kind of movement. Even if the vehicles were traveling slowly, the driver or passenger could suffer long-term injuries.
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system means that each party’s insurance pays for initial medical treatment, but serious or permanent injuries may give the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Working with a rear-end car accident lawyer can help you determine whether your injuries meet the legal threshold for additional compensation.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Collisions
Each rear-end crash is unique, but some types of injuries show up over and over again.
Whiplash and Neck Strain
Whiplash is one of the most well-known injuries associated with rear-end crashes. The abrupt motion of the head snapping forward and then backward can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck. While some people heal within a few weeks, others experience chronic pain, stiffness, headaches, or reduced range of motion that lasts for months or longer.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries may not appear on X-rays but can cause serious discomfort. Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, and lingering soreness. Some soft tissue injuries, particularly those in the neck, shoulders, or back, can develop into chronic pain conditions if not treated properly.
Back and Spinal Injuries
The spine absorbs much of the force in a rear-end impact. That can lead to herniated discs, pinched nerves, or spinal misalignment. A spine-related car accident injury can cause long-term problems such as radiating pain, numbness, or even reduced mobility. In severe cases, back injuries may require surgery or long-term physical therapy.
Head Injuries and Concussions
Even if the head does not hit anything inside the vehicle, the brain can still suffer trauma from the force of the impact. Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, can lead to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or memory issues. Some people recover within weeks, but others experience persistent problems that interfere with concentration, sleep, or mood.
Shoulder and Arm Injuries
Rear-end crashes can cause drivers and passengers to tense their arms or brace against the dashboard or steering wheel, leading to injuries like rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, or nerve compression in the arms and hands. These injuries may seem minor initially but can become debilitating without treatment.
When to Speak with a Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
Because New Jersey is a no-fault state, not every crash will lead to a lawsuit. But when injuries are severe, especially if they lead to permanent damage or long-term treatment, you may have the right to recover more than your insurance will provide.
A New Jersey rear-end car accident lawyer can help determine whether your injuries meet the state’s legal threshold for pursuing a claim. They can also gather medical records, consult with experts, and present evidence that supports the impact of your car accident injury over time.
Why Petro Cohen, P.C., Is the Right Choice for New Jersey Car Accident Claims
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we understand that an accident affects more than just medical bills—it impacts income, mobility, and quality of life. Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers has decades of combined experience fighting for New Jersey drivers harmed on the roads. Our legal insights and deep familiarity with the New Jersey insurance system has helped countless victims recover the financial support they need to get their lives back on track.
Call Petro Cohen, P.C. today for a free consultation. Get answers about what goes into a fair settlement.
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