Blunt force trauma is a phrase referring to impact caused by sudden contact with a hard surface or object. If you’re playing football, for instance, and you take a hard hit from behind, you have suffered blunt force trauma. If you’re driving a car or riding as a passenger when another vehicle slams into your rear bumper, that is also blunt force trauma, because, chances are, either the airbag will deploy and hit you or you will bump against a hard surface in the vehicle, which often results in severe injuries.
You might also be thrust or shaken violently about in a rear-end collision. This often results in another type of injury called “whiplash,” which is actually a broad term referring to any number of injuries that affect the upper body after a collision pushes, pulls or shakes you in a sudden manner.
After any type of rear-end collision, closely monitor your condition
Whether something hit you from behind while playing sports, in the workplace or while traveling by motor vehicle, it’s critically important to obtain immediate medical attention following the incident. It’s equally important to closely monitor your condition in the days and weeks to come. The following list shows injuries and symptoms to be on the lookout for after something hits you from behind:
- Stiffness or swelling in the upper body or in an appendage
- Dizziness or nausea
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in any part of the body
- Head pain, neck pain or back pain
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw or facial area
- Immobility or impeded mobility in any part of the body
- Blurred vision
- Sleep or appetite disturbances
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Ringing in the ear
You’ll notice that several of these symptoms are similar to those you might suffer if you have a traumatic brain injury, which often goes hand-in-hand with whiplash or spinal cord injuries you might suffer in a rear-end collision.
Navigating recovery after rear-end collision injuries
People often don’t realize how serious whiplash or other rear-end collision-induced injuries can be. Besides experiencing pain and discomfort, you might not be able to work or function on a daily basis without assistance. If your injuries are moderate or minor, it might be as simple as taking medication to relieve pain, then getting lots of rest for several weeks.
However, a more severe injury could leave you incapacitated or even place your life at risk. In addition to receiving medical care and support from family and friends, you might want to explore options for seeking financial recovery for damages, which Texas law allows when injuries have occurred due to another person’s negligence.
