Types of Back and Neck Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Rear-end collisions are a common type of car accident, and the types of back and neck injuries in rear-end car accidents can cause significant damage to the spine and neck, leading to long-term pain and discomfort. Spinal cord injuries from car accidents make up about 40.81% of all SCIs.

Understanding the types of back injuries in rear-end car accidents can help car accident victims recover from their injuries and receive proper medical care. It can also help them seek accurate compensation for long-term damages.

The auto accident attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. are skilled in handling car accident cases involving back and neck injuries. Our partner attorney and registered nurse, Eileen Kroll, will review your medical records to connect your injuries to the accident to win maximum compensation.

Types of Back and Neck Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Several types of back and neck injuries can occur in rear-end collisions with differing degrees of severity based on the accident. During a rear-end collision, the impact causes the body to jerk forward suddenly, then backward. This movement can cause significant stress and strain on the spine and neck, leading to neck and spinal cord damage.

Common types of back injuries in rear-end car accidents include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is when the head and neck are forcefully and suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Slipped Disc

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc or a ruptured disc, is a common back injury that can occur in a rear-end collision. It occurs when a spinal disc ruptures or bulges out of its normal position. Slipped discs can cause pain and numbness, impairing your ability to stand up straight.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged. SCIs can result in partial or total paralysis that is temporary or permanent. For example, you may suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia due to an SCI, leaving you unable to move your body from the waist or neck down, respectively.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures occur when the impact force causes one or more vertebrae in the spine to break or fracture. Although minor spinal fractures can heal within three months, you may experience long-lasting pain and limited mobility from the injury.

Compression Fracture

Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae in the spine collapse or become compressed due to the force of the impact. Compression fractures can affect your posture over time and limit your movements, impacting your ability to work.

Lumbar Spine Injury

The lumbar spine is located in the lower back and is made up of five vertebrae, which can become injured or compressed in a collision. This injury can affect your bowel movements and sexual function, impacting your intimate relationship with a spouse or partner.

Facet Joint Injury

Facet joint injuries occur when the small joints that connect the vertebrae are damaged, leading to pain and limited mobility.

Thoracic Spine Injury

Thoracic spine injuries can also occur in rear-end collisions and involve a bone in the spine collapsing in the middle and upper back. These injuries can affect your arms and hands, severely limiting your job functioning and everyday activities.

Understanding Liability in Michigan Rear-End Collisions

Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning drivers involved in a rear-end collision will file a claim with their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who was at fault. This covers up to your elected minimum for medical expenses and lost wages, which can be as low as $50,000 in Michigan.

However, if your damages exceed your PIP coverage, you can file a third-party claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company. If your injuries exceed the serious injury threshold for Michigan, you can work with an attorney from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. to help you file a third-party claim or personal injury lawsuit.

For example, if your SCI leaves you permanently paralyzed, you could seek additional damages not covered by PIP insurance. These include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or emotional distress in addition to economic damages.

You may also seek punitive damages for injuries caused by especially reckless behavior, for instance, if the driver who caused the rear-end collision was driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If the other driver doesn’t carry liability insurance or their policy doesn’t cover your damages, you can also work with your attorney to file a claim with your under- or uninsured motorists’ insurance.

Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for Help with Your Rear-End Collision Claim

Don’t wait to seek legal representation if you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision and suffered a back or neck injury. Our experienced attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help.

We understand the complexities of Michigan’s no-fault system. We will help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve after suffering types of back injuries in rear-end car accidents.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.