One of the most common types of car accidents in West Virginia is the rear-end collision. In this type of accident, the front of one car collides with the rear of another. A rear-end collision can cause a variety of injuries. If a rear-end crash involves a large truck, the truck may roll over the top of the smaller vehicle and cause even more severe injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries related to rear-end car accidents.

Whiplash (Neck Injuries)

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that specifically refers to soft-tissue damage from the head and neck whipping rapidly backward, forward or sideways. This type of injury is especially common in a rear-end collision, as the crash will propel the vehicle (and driver) suddenly forward and backward. This motion can stretch or tear the soft tissues in the neck, including the tendons, ligaments or muscles. Whiplash can cause symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, weakness or numbness in the arms, stiffness or immobility, and blurred vision.

Back Injuries

The back can be injured relatively easily in a car accident. The back is composed of sensitive components, such as the spinal column, bundles of nerves, spinal disks and vertebrae. Any type of trauma that causes injury to the spine, such as blunt-force trauma or a whipping back-and-forth motion, can lead to serious and damaging back injuries. Common back injuries in rear-end collisions are:

  • Slipped or herniated disk
  • Sprain or strain
  • Dislocation of the spine
  • Spinal concussion
  • Bruising
  • Nerve damage
  • Spinal fracture
  • Severed spine
  • Paralysis

The symptoms of a back injury, such as pain, numbness or tingling, may appear immediately after the car accident or take hours to become noticeable. The symptoms that you notice will depend on the type and location of the injury. Many back injuries have long-lasting or even permanent effects, such as chronic pain and paralysis.

Head and Brain Injuries

If the head strikes an object inside of the vehicle in a rear-end collision, such as the steering wheel or windshield, the impact can cause skull fractures, bruising or contusions, a concussion, or a severe traumatic brain injury. Head and brain injuries can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, cognitive troubles, problems communicating, lack of concentration, motor function disorders and trouble sleeping. In some cases, these symptoms can be permanent for a victim.

Broken Bones

If a rear-end collision causes the victim’s body to crash into objects inside of the vehicle, including other passengers, the victim’s bones may be unable to bear the force of the impact. When too much pressure is placed on a bone, it can crack or break. Common locations for broken bones in a rear-end collision are the hands, arms, legs, chest and ribs. Even the force of an airbag or seat belt could be enough to cause broken bones in a rear-end collision. Broken bones can cause pain, immobility and long-term disability.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The physical and psychological injuries suffered in a rear-end car accident can have a lasting impact on you and your life. If another driver caused your rear-end collision, his or her insurance company may be responsible for paying for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses associated with the wreck. While no amount of money can take back what happened to you, a settlement or verdict could allow you to pay your bills and move forward.

If you or a loved one suffered any type of injury in a rear-end collision, contact a West Virginia car accident attorney at Manchin Injury Law Group for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for the financial, physical and emotional effects of your injuries. Discuss how we can help you with a case during a free consultation.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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