Because rear-end accidents are common, many people mistakenly assume that they are not serious. This is not true. Rear end accidents leave certain parts of the body especially vulnerable to injury. The neck, head, and shoulders can all be seriously harmed in a rear end collision. These injuries can affect a victim’s life for years to come. The most severe rear-end collisions can result in paralysis or even death. Regardless of the severity of your rear end collision, it is important to consult with a Miami personal injury attorney about your legal rights. With legal advice from a Miami Personal Injury Attorney in Florida, injury victims can effectively protect their right to be compensated for injuries and financial losses caused by a rear-end collision.
Whiplash Injury after a Rear-End Collision
One of the most common types of injuries after a rear-end collision is whiplash. Whiplash refers to a sprain or strain of the soft tissues of the neck. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other non-bony structures. Whiplash occurs when a sudden motion (such as a rear-end collision) changes the normal curve of the upper back and neck. The neck is particularly vulnerable to this type of injury because of its ability to move in many different directions. Symptoms of whiplash can include: tightness or spasms of the muscles the neck or upper back; pain with movement of the neck; headache and dizziness (which are also symptoms of a concussion); difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness; abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling; shoulder pain; and upper back pain.
These symptoms can occur immediately after an injury. They can also appear days, weeks, or even months after a car accident occurs. Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident – even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms.
Most whiplash cases are treated conservatively. If a neck brace is recommended, this will generally be used for only a short period of time. Patients may be advised to use ice and/or heat in order to reduce pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. Medications can also be used to control these symptoms. When whiplash symptoms linger for an extended period, physical therapy may also be recommended. This process can help increase circulation, restore the patient’s range of motion, and promote healing to reduce whiplash symptoms. For more serious cases of whiplash, there are further surgical interventions and more aggressive treatments available. The good news is that the majority of whiplash sufferers are able to recover from their symptoms after treatment.
Serious Injury from Read-End Accidents
Of course, whiplash is not the only injury which can be caused by a rear-end collision. Rear end accidents can cause far more serious injuries – injuries to your head, neck, spinal cord, or upper back areas can result in paralysis. This is because the head and neck support the body’s central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Injuries to the brain or spinal cord can put a patient in great danger. While a minor concussion might heal on its own, more serious trauma to the brain can result in permanent cognitive deficits. Similarly, a minor bruising of the spinal cord might be able to heal without medical intervention, more severe injuries can require surgical intervention. Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, but both can result in devastating losses to a victim’s daily life.
A Negligent Driver Can Be Held Accountable
A negligent driver who causes such injuries has a legal obligation to compensate victims for all the losses they sustain as a result of paralysis. This can include lost wages, decreases in future earning ability, loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities, modifications to a home or vehicle which are necessitated by paralysis, medical bills, projected future medical expenses, occupational and physical therapies, pain management, and many other costs which are incurred as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence.
Experienced Miami Personal Injury Attorney Will Aggressively Defend Your Car Accident Claim
Car accident victims have legal rights under Florida law. They are legally entitled to be compensated for all losses resulting from their injuries, including long-term medical care and rehabilitation, decreased future earning potential, and all other costs which are attributable to the negligent medical diagnosis or treatment. The Miami Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm, Shamis & Gentile, P.A., has years of experience in protecting the rights of car accident victims throughout South Florida. Call (305) 479-2299 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced, aggressive Miami Personal Injury Attorney today.
