Rear-end collisions are common on Oklahoma’s roadways, just as they are in other states. The impact of a rear-end collision can injure drivers and passengers in both vehicles, and the severity of those injuries depends on the speed at which both vehicles were traveling and other factors. These types of collisions often happen when a driver is not paying attention to the vehicle in front of them due to some distraction. If another vehicle has rear-ended your car, you may be experiencing some of these common injuries, which may impact your quality of life while you recover.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when your head jerks forward suddenly, which often happens in a rear-end collision. When you suffer from whiplash, you may have headaches, neck pain, loss of range of motion in your neck and stiffness. Severe whiplash can cause pain, weakness and numbness in your shoulders and upper body.
Injuries from the seatbelt
Your seatbelt is there to protect you if you’re involved in an accident, but it can also cause injuries. When your vehicle is struck from behind, the seatbelt tightens quickly, which can cause pain and bruising on your chest, neck or torso. These injuries are usually minor and generally heal quickly when compared to some other car accident-related injuries.
Head injuries
A head injury can be very serious and can lead to lifelong disabilities that can impact your ability to work and enjoy life. A rear-end collision can cause your head to hit the steering wheel or another object in your vehicle. This could lead to a traumatic brain injury, which may impact your cognitive function and cause memory loss, headaches or difficulty speaking. If you have any reason to believe that you suffered a head injury, it’s important to receive an evaluation because the seriousness of the injury may not be immediately evident.
Limb injuries
Injuries to your arms or legs can occur when a vehicle strikes your vehicle from behind. Minor injuries like bruising or swelling may heal quickly. But broken bones can take much more time to heal and may require you to have surgery for a full recovery.
Legal advice after an accident
When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Injuries from a car accident in Oklahoma can significantly impact your quality of life while you recover. In the case of injuries that lead to lifelong disabilities, you may no longer be able to work and may suffer from pain and suffering for the rest of your life. By seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, you can hope for an award of funds to help you pay for your injury-related expenses.
