Can You Get A Brain Injury From a Slow-Speed Rear-End Collision?

Many times we dismiss “fender-benders” or slow-speed rear-end collisions as not “really all that bad” or as “nothing serious.” While at first slow-speed collisions may not seem all that serious, sometimes the injuries sustained from such a crash can be very serious.

Here’s why.

Because You Can Get A Brain Injury From a Slow-Speed Rear-End Collision

While we normally think of brain injuries as occurring as part of a high-impact car or truck accident, the truth is that you can get a brain injury from a slow-speed rear-end collision.

Why?

Because when the head is suddenly tossed back and forth—as happens when you get hit from behind— the brain actually collides against the skull. This stretches and damages nerve fibers, which damages the ability of the brain cells to communicate with each other.

Your brain is basically “floating” inside of your skull. So when your head suffers a sudden impact or snaps forward and backward, your soft brain “bounces” against the hard bone of your skull, usually several times—bruising and tearing your brain cells. If, for example, your head hits the steering wheel, because your brain is floating inside your skull, it keeps moving (and hitting the sides of your skull) even after your head has stopped moving.

Some of the more common brain injuries arising out of rear-end collisions include concussions, unconsciousness, and even post-traumatic amnesia.

Brain Injuries Are Serious Injuries

Because the brain is so delicate (not to mention important!) even a slight injury to your brain must be taken seriously. That’s why we advise our clients to always seek medical attention within 24 hours even after a “minor” car crash.

Quite frequently with minor car accidents, you don’t know the full extent of your injuries until a day or two after the accident. The types of injuries most often suffered in rear-end collisions—whiplash, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding—are hard to detect by a layman and are easy to ignore. It can take several days or even weeks to emerge as a serious medical condition. Which is why it is always wise to get checked out by a medical professional right away.

If you are in a slow-speed, rear-end collision, use your head. Get checked out by a medical doctor right away. And if you need to file an automobile claim against the at-fault party, contact us.

Injured? Want to Know More?

If you have been in a car accident of any kind, contact us. We offer FREE consultations, and we don’t get paid for personal injury cases unless you win your case. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve Baker, Denham, Gonzales, Port Allen, Prairieville, New Orleans, and Zachary. Call 225-200-0000 to schedule your free consultation ToDay.