Did you know that rear-end collisions (popularly known as fender benders) make up 40% of car accidents in the US? Unlike head-on-collisions and other adverse accidents, this common type of accident can be somewhat inconsequential. But despite the level of force, the impact can have severe effects on the body. Having no physical injury can be comforting but knowing how these forces affect your body is an eye-opener. So, what happens to your body in a rear-end collision?
What Happens To Your Body In A Rear-End Collision?
As soon as the vehicle is hit from behind, you and your car jolt forward abruptly. Good citizen or not, you may have your seatbelt on. Still, the force will cause your head and spine to bolt into your seat. In the process, your head will move forward before moving backward. This movement is called whiplash, the reason for most auto accident injuries.
Apart from the head and the spine, internal organs are also affected. Picture your organs moving in their cavities and banging their protective structures. This could be the ribcage or, in some cases, your skull. In the worst scenario, it could lead to organ rupture or tear.
Do Seatbelts And Airbags Help?
These features are installed in your car to essentially promote safety. And without a doubt, they are lifesavers. But they also have their risks and can cause injuries, especially for seatbelts. They can be highly valuable in preventing discharge from your car during high-speed rear-end collisions. Still, they are responsible for the force that causes the head motion, hence the whiplash.
On the other hand, airbags are super effective. Their purpose is to safeguard you from blunt force or ejection. As needed by their job, they work very fast. You shouldn’t be surprised if your chiropractor diagnoses broken bones, concussions, or facial damage.
Remember that without these two features, anything is possible. Therefore, their value is no match for the risks that may contribute to some of the injuries. Sitting straight with feet on the floor is strongly recommended, and your seatbelt buckled right.
Think You Have An Injury After The Collision? Here’s How To Know
It is common to experience delays with injury signs, taking up to several hours or days. After a crash, the adrenaline may cover up the pain. That means that feeling okay may not necessarily mean you are truly okay. As such, scheduling a visit to a chiropractor for auto accidents in Winter Park is necessary. The earlier you do it, the better! These specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in the signs that point to injuries. It fosters early treatment and prevents the symptoms from worsening.
What if it’s a mild injury? The good news is that seeking treatment puts your mind at ease. Secondly, it prevents the injury from advancing to long-term chronic pain.
Look out for soreness in the head, neck, and back for the first hint that you have an injury. In addition, you may feel nausea, a tingling or numb feeling, or stiffness. These are spinal injuries that need the attention of a chiropractor.
Emergency injuries include abdominal pain, bleeding, severe pain in the head, and unconsciousness.
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Get All The Help You Can After A Rear-End Collision!
The force from this collision can be traumatic. It’s crucial to immediately eliminate the doubts with your chiropractor about auto accidents in Florida. It doesn’t come as a surprise that after a rear-end collision, your frustrations may be centered around the car damage. But most times, your car can be fixed at a cost, while it’s quite complicated with extensive body harm. Not seeking medical attention can result in lifetime effects and injuries.