Soft Tissue Injuries From Rear End Accidents

The rear end collision is the most common type of automobile collision with approximately 2.5 million rear impact collisions occurring each year. There are six deaths per one million registered cars. Most of these accidents occur as a result of inattentiveness on the part of the rear-ending driver. One can expect these types of collisions to rise with increased use of cell phones, and other driver distraction features being added to automobiles. Fortunately, injuries sustained in the typical rear impact collision are usually minor in comparison to the most serious type of auto accident, the head on collision.

Typical injuries caused in rear end auto accidents include brain injury (AKA TBI-traumatic brain injury), wrongful death, spinal cord injury, soft tissue, tmj (jaw) sprain, disc herniation, rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement and fractures, (including compression fractures of the spine, low back sprains and hip fractures). Others include knee injury (ACL and meniscus tears), ankle fractures and sprains and other neurologic, orthopedic injuries and the most common one is the hyperextension/ hyperflexion injury of the neck.

This forwards-flexion and/or backwards-extension of the neck essentially results in a soft tissue sprain/strain injury to the structures within the cervical and upper thoracic spinal regions. When the initial impact occurs and the head is forced in either excessive flexion or excessive extension, protective reflexes cause the muscles of the neck to forcefully contract which "whips" the head back in the opposite direction. The resulting injury often leads to numerous symptoms, many of which are confusing and poorly understood.

The attorneys at Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A. have experience representing victims of soft tissue rear end accidents. We understand the trauma and life-changing effects that serious injuries can have on both the victim and their family. It is important to know your legal rights if you, or a loved one have been the victim of a soft tissue rear end accident.

For more than 35 years, Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A. has represented more than 30,000 people who have been injured in all types of accidents including those injured in soft tissue rear end accidents. In addition, our legal team has answered over 300,000 injury-related legal questions. When an injury from an accident occurs and legal help is needed, trust the experience, expertise and personal attention of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben.