Which Driver Gets Hurt Worse In Auto Accidents?

Did you know that car accidents, even though they may be at slow speeds can cause severe and permanent injuries to the spine? On the other hand, some people involved in accidents it seems are not affected at all? Research now proves that car accident victims endure serious spine and nervous system damage in every day auto accidents at just moderate speeds. Scientists and researchers are finally discovering why it is that some people become terribly hurt while others remain relatively uninjured when involved in the very same accident.

If there is a rear-ended accident, take a guess who will be worse off? Do you think it is the driver who has been rear-ended, or do you think the person who collided into him is at greater risk?

If you guessed the person that got rear-ended to be at greater risk of injury, you are RIGHT! So why is the person being rear-ended worse off for injury?

First of all, the driver that rear-ended the other vehicle has time to brace him/herself from the accident, and is more likely to recognize the accident before it occurred. The person who was rear-ended often times is unaware that they are about to be hit, making their injuries much worse. One study revealed that those people that do not brace before an accident are 15 times more likely to sustain an injury. These people will also notice their symptoms for a longer period of time and are more likely to sustain lifelong injuries and a lifetime of pain.

Another reason why the person being rear-ended is worse off for injury has to do with seat belts and the design of car seats. Forces exerted on the body from the seat and seat belt during a rear-end accident can actually compound injuries and cause severe whiplash.

Regardless if you were hit from the front or back, it is crucial to get your spine checked immediately by a specialist. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, call (406) 551-2177. Even very minor accidents that cause little to no damage to the vehicle involved may cause pain to the spine later on and may lead to degenerative joint disease. For more information see our whiplash page at Bozeman Whiplash.