Do You Need Medical Attention After A Rear-End Accident?

Were you recently involved in a rear-end accident in Greenville, South Carolina?

Don’t ignore any bodily pain or discomfort you may be facing afterward. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated (then you can file an insurance claim for your expenses and non-economic damages).

At Injury Medicine’s Greenville, South Carolina Injury Center, our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to individuals who have been injured in car accidents.

We offer services, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management, to help you recover from your injuries and return to your daily activities. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

For now, let’s try to understand the potential risks associated with rear-ending accidents and when medical attention is necessary. We’ll explore the signs of when you require medical attention after a rear-ending accident.

What Happens in a Rear-End Accident?

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another, causing a sudden (and unexpected) impact. This type of accident is one of the most common car accidents in the United States, accounting for about 29% of all reported car crashes.

The severity of a rear-end collision can vary greatly depending on the speed and size of the vehicles involved and other factors like road conditions.

When two cars are involved in a rear-end collision, there are usually two forces at play. The first is the initial impact, and the second is the weight and momentum of the rear car pushing the front car forward.

These forces can combine to cause serious damage to both cars and injuries to those inside.

In addition to physical damage, drivers often experience a feeling of shock, fear, and confusion. It is important to take time to recover after such an event and seek medical attention right away to understand the extent of the damage caused.

Common Injuries Associated With a Rear-End Accident

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. They can also cause a range of painful and disabling injuries. The most common injuries from a rear-end collision include whiplash, neck strain, spinal cord damage, concussions, and traumatic brain injury.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common injury associated with rear-end collisions. It is caused when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward with great force. This can result in pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as headaches and fatigue.

Neck Strain

Neck strain is another common injury from a rear-end collision. This occurs when the muscles in the neck are overstretched, resulting in pain and tenderness.

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord damage is also possible in a rear-end collision. If the impact is severe enough, it can cause the discs between the vertebrae to slip out of place, leading to chronic back pain and mobility issues. In the worse case, a back injury can lead to paralysis.

Concussions

Concussions can also occur in a rear-end collision, even if it is a low-speed impact. These injuries are characterized by confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and headaches. You could also suffer a more severe traumatic brain injury.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been in a Rear-End Collision?

If you’ve been in a rear-end accident, you must remain calm and assess the situation. Ensure that everyone in the car is safe and not in immediate danger. You should then contact the authorities for help and document the accident by taking pictures and notes of the scene.

Exchange insurance information with the other driver and ask witnesses for their contact information if you need to speak with them later.

You must then seek medical attention without delay even if you do not have visible injuries. Sometimes, delayed symptoms may take hours or days to appear. A doctor can provide a thorough evaluation and document any injuries you have suffered from the accident.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Rear-End Collision?

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after any auto accident, including a rear-end collision. The force of the impact, combined with the sudden stop of the vehicle, can cause serious physical harm to you and your passengers.

Even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, it is always best to get checked out by a medical professional.

You should immediately seek medical attention if you experience any visible signs of injury, such as cuts, bruises, or bleeding. This also goes if you experience any symptoms associated with a concussion or head injury, such as headaches, confusion, dizziness, or light sensitivity.

Even if there are no visible signs of injury, seeking medical attention after a rear-end collision is wise – a timely diagnosis can help you identify issues

There may be injuries that are not immediately noticeable, such as whiplash. Even minor rear-end collisions can cause lasting damage if left untreated. It is important to get checked out by a doctor to rule out hidden injuries.

Even at the latest, don’t delay seeing a doctor any later than 72 hours from the accident because otherwise, you might compromise your personal injury claim. But the earlier you come in for a check-up, the better.

Get the Medical Help You Need From Our Greenville, South Carolina Injury Clinic

Medical attention is important if you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident.

At Injury Medicine, we understand the physical and emotional toll that an injury can have on your life. We offer comprehensive care for a range of injuries, including those resulting from car accidents, slip-and-falls, sports injuries, etc.

The medical team at our Greenville, SC injury clinic is more than qualified for helping victims of rear-end accidents. We offer comprehensive medical evaluations and treatments for injuries sustained in an auto accident.

From chiropractic care to physical therapy to pain management, we offer a variety of services to help you recover from your injuries and get back to your daily activities.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to ensure our patients receive the best treatment possible.

Contact us right away to schedule an appointment! We accept urgent appointments.