Stephen Schultz | May 27, 2026 | Car Accidents
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents nationwide. Although it’s possible to walk away without any injuries in fender benders or other minor crashes, being rear-ended usually means facing some harm. Learn about the types of back and neck injuries you can sustain from rear-end crashes.
If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, you could sustain any of several types of injuries. Keep reading to learn more about which injuries are most common in these crashes and what your legal options might be after you sustain one.
Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
Perhaps the most common injury you can sustain in any type of car accident is whiplash. It is even more likely in rear-end collisions.
Whiplash takes place when the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the car causes your head to whip back and forth. Your neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons stretch with this movement. That leads to pain and stiffness.
Rear-end collision injuries can include other soft tissue wounds, too. Intense force can cause rotator cuff tears in your shoulder. Your back muscles can also strain, leading to severe stiffness that may prevent you from walking normally for days or weeks.
Herniated Discs
Your spinal canal is made up of numerous bones called vertebrae. To prevent these bones from rubbing against each other, there are discs that sit between them, cushioning them. These discs have a gel-like interior that, with trauma, can bulge. If this occurs, they can put pressure on nearby nerves and spinal structures.
These herniated discs can cause arm and leg pain, as well as numbness and tingling. Many people experience weakness in the impacted area. It’s a common cause of back pain after being rear-ended.
Vertebral Fractures
Just like any other bone in your body, a vertebra can fracture if it experiences enough pressure. These are painful injuries that could cause spinal cord damage if they’re not addressed immediately. Vertebral fractures tend to require extensive medical care and could take months to fully heal.
Facet Joint Injuries
Your vertebrae are connected by small joints called facet joints. During an accident, the sudden movement from impact can damage them. Aside from causing serious pain, facet joint injuries can also limit your range of motion.
Legal Options After a Rear-End Crash
Missouri is an at-fault state for car accident claims, so if another party’s conduct led to your rear-end collision, you may be able to begin a personal injury claim. These claims make it possible for you to recover your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
But what if you were partly responsible for the accident? If you contributed to your injuries, you may still be allowed to receive compensation. That’s the case even if you were 99% to blame. However, your compensation will likely be reduced proportionally based on the amount of fault you bear for the crash.
Contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation After a Rear-End Collision
Suffering a back or neck injury in a collision can leave you with significant pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. This could prevent you from living your life as you used to and could involve getting medical care that you may not be able to afford.
By pursuing a personal injury claim with help from experienced attorneys, you can fight for a settlement. You should not have to navigate the aftermath of a crash on your own.
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
