The 10 most common complaints after a rear-end collision

A rear-end collision is the most common traffic accident. Not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide. A rear-end collision is usually caused by tailgating and inattentiveness. For example, if people have been stuck in a traffic jam for a long time. In this article, we discuss the 10 most common complaints after a rear-end collision.

Complaints after a rear-end collision

People often think that a rear-end collision causes only very minor injuries. But that’s not true. You can experience various complaints after a rear-end collision. Neck pain, headaches, and muscle aches after the car accident are common. But although these complaints may seem like minor injuries, they can also be signs of whiplash. Which is a serious form of personal injury that can turn your life upside down. Below we listed the 10 most common complaints after a rear-end collision.

1. Neck pain and stiff neck

The most common complaint after a rear-end collision is neck pain or a stiff neck. This pain worsens when you twist or stretch your neck. As a result, your range of motion becomes restricted. Neck pain and a stiff neck are caused by the powerful whiplash your head makes from front to back when hit from behind. This movement suddenly stretches your neck causing neck pain.

Neck complaints after a collision can last for several days. But if it persists for a longer period, you may have suffered whiplash. Therefore, always see your doctor immediately after a rear-end collision.

2. Headache

Due to the forceful movement of your head from front to back, headache is also one of the common complaints after a rear-end collision. You may:

• Have a headache on one side
• Experience a headache that extends to the back of your head
• Experience headache on two sides

The headache can sometimes resemble a migraine. This pain can last for several days. Do you experience a longer-lasting headache after a rear-end collision? Then you may have suffered whiplash.

3. Ear and eye complaints

Tinnitus is another common complaint after a rear-end collision. You may hear hissing, whistling, humming, or pitched tones in one or both ears. The sound can even be so loud that you can no longer hear properly. Which can seriously interfere with your daily life.

You may also experience problems with your eyes. If you have been hit from behind, the way your eyes move may be disturbed. As a result, you may have difficulty reading, for example. If you have to read texts for your work or have to travel from A to B, you may be temporarily unable to carry out your work duties.

4. Back pain

Back pain is a complaint that regularly occurs after a rear-end collision. You may feel a nagging or stabbing pain in your lower back or a high back pain in your upper back. This pain is caused by the ligaments or muscles in your back being strained. The impact can also damage your vertebrae. If that is the case, we speak of severe back pain after a car accident. Any back pain you experience can be a major hindrance in your daily life.

5. Shoulder pain

You may have pain in the shoulder joint after a rear-end collision. This shoulder pain can radiate to your upper arm. When shoulder pain develops, all arm movements hurt. So you are constantly bothered by it. After all, you use your arms all the time without really thinking about it. For example, if you are drinking or eating, packing your bag and taking it to work, or while driving. Shoulder pain can therefore be an annoying hindrance, both at home and at work.

6. Stinging, numb, or tingling sensation

You may experience a stinging, numb, or tingling sensation in your fingers, hands, or arms after the accident. Where it feels like you keep getting little pinpricks or have a burning sensation in your numb extremities. If you have no feeling in your hands, it will be difficult for you to grab and hold something. Which can be dangerous; just think about a bowl of piping-hot soup. Or frustrating when you have to sign letters, for example.

7. Dizziness and nausea

You may feel dizzy or nauseous after being hit from behind. Sometimes it is so severe that you think you are going to faint or vomit. If you are experiencing balance problems or nausea, it will leave you feeling far from fit. As a result, you cannot function optimally. It is important that you get enough rest in this situation and that you do not push yourself.

8. Fatigue and insomnia

You may experience fatigue and insomnia as a result of a rear-end collision. These complaints may be caused by the other complaints you have suffered after the accident or indicate whiplash. Also with these complaints, it is important that you get enough rest. Because otherwise, it will be impossible for you to properly function at work and at home.

9. Traffic trauma

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, you may have suffered traffic trauma. This fear of traffic is very unpleasant as you are in traffic almost every day. You can leave the car, but then how will you go to work or take your children to school? Of course, you can take the bike or go by public transportation, but you will still have to participate in traffic.

Fortunately, these psychological complaints usually disappear gradually. But it could be that you remain anxious. In that case, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. If you experience extreme anxiety or palpitations in traffic, it is wise to talk to a specialist about this.

10. Whiplash

All of the above complaints can indicate an onset of whiplash. In addition, you may experience completely different, vague complaints after a rear-end collision, such as:

• Irritability
• Temper tantrums
• Behavioral changes
• Hypersensitivity to sound and light
• Vertigo
• Amnesia
• Nervousness
• Mood swings
• Memory and concentration problems
• Decreased muscle strength

These complaints are often not directly linked to the accident, but they can certainly indicate whiplash. Never dismiss vague or intangible complaints after a rear-end collision. Instead, have them examined by your general practitioner or a specialist.

Whiplash is not always traceable

Not only you, but also the doctor may dismiss your complaints after a rear-end collision. Whiplash victims are often misunderstood because the symptoms are not visible. Not from the outside and even not from the inside. Even MRI scans and X-rays often do not provide clarity. While you, as a victim, do experience serious complaints and limitations.

Our advice: stand your ground. Because you know which complaints you are experiencing and what is different about your body than you are normally used to. And you are entitled to acknowledgment and help for your complaints.

Injuries from rear-end collision may worsen

It is important that you take your complaints after a rear-end collision seriously. It is often the case that the complaints don’t seem too but. However, additional or more severe symptoms and limitations often develop after a few days or weeks. It is therefore very important that you acknowledge your complaints. Even if those around you or the doctor does not.

Because you may have to deal with a lack of understanding, it is wise to seek legal help. So that you do not also have to substantiate your complaints to the insurer. Which saves you a lot of agony, stress, and energy.

Frequently asked questions from personal injury victims

Q: What to do in a rear-end collision?

A: After a rear-end collision, complete the claim form. Always ask for the details of witnesses. Take pictures of the traffic situation, your injuries, and the damage to your car. Then see a doctor right away. Even if you only have mild neck pain. Then contact an experienced lawyer.

Q: Who is liable in the event of a rear-end collision?

A: The vehicle behind is usually liable in a rear-end collision. This type of collision is often caused by inattention or because the vehicle behind drove too close to the vehicle in front. As a result, you can almost always hold the driver behind you liable for your personal injury.

Q: Who is at fault in the event of a chain collision?

A: The party at fault in the event of a chain collision is the driver at the back. So, this does not necessarily have to be the person who hit you from the back. It is the person at the very back of the line who initiated the chain collision.

Q: Is hitting someone from behind always wrong?

A: In most cases, the vehicle behind can be held liable for a rear-end collision. However, there are exceptions, for example, if the vehicle in front has cut off the vehicle behind or if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly for no reason. In these situations, the vehicle in front is liable for the rear-end collision.

Q: What damage is eligible for compensation?

A: All physical, psychological, and material damages caused by the accident are eligible for compensation. Our lawyers can claim the maximum compensation for you completely free of charge.

Q: How do I hold the counterparty liable?

A: You can hold the counterparty liable by sending a notice of liability to its insurance company. Want to be sure that you don’t leave out any important points? Let our lawyers do this completely free of charge.

Q: Is there a time limit for filing a claim?

A: Yes, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Thus, it is wise to act immediately because unexpected bills can pile up quickly. Also, if you wait too long, the insurer may question the relationship between your complaints and the accident.