Pennsylvania auto accident attorneys and victims of rear-end collisions know that these common accidents are no small event. Though rear-end collisions are the most common form of auto accident in Pennsylvania, they can cause severe pain and suffering. The National Safety Council reports that there are 2.5 million rear-end collisions in the U.S. per year, with some resulting in serious injury and death. An experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you if you have been the victim of a rear-end collision.

A Pennsylvania rear-end accident occurs when the front bumper of a car makes contact with the rear bumper of another car. Generally this occurs because the driver of the rear vehicle was distracted or careless. Though rear-end collisions often happen at low speeds, this does not mean that passengers will only receive minor injuries. Insurance companies try to prove that low speeds do not result in serious injury, but the medical community is increasingly reporting that serious back and neck injuries can result from low-speed auto accidents. Since most rear bumpers on cars are designed to protect the body of the car and not the bodies of passengers, the impact from the collision can cause serious injuries to passengers.

Common Injuries From Rear-End Collisions

In Pennsylvania, the most common injury reported after rear-end collisions is whiplash (hyperextension of the neck). Whiplash occurs when the body is propelled forward at the time of impact and the head is thrown back, causing damage to the muscles in the neck. This type of injury is called a soft tissue injury and many victims have suffered from this injury in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh auto accident attorneys work tirelessly with the medical and legal community to increase awareness about the long-term effects of soft-tissue injuries. It is well known that whiplash victims can continue to experience symptoms even well after the accident has occurred.

Though all passengers who are involved in rear-end collisions can experience whiplash symptoms, women are more likely to sustain serious whiplash injuries. A likely explanation for this trend is that women have smaller muscles in their necks. By retaining a Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident lawyer you will take the first step to finding the compensation you need to combat whiplash injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a Pennsylvania auto accident please fill out the form on your left for a free case review by a Pennsylvania auto accident lawyer.