Portland is well known for its heavy traffic, especially on interstates such as I-5 and I-205. Given the sheer volume of traffic, rear-end collisions are common. Many drivers have reported being rear-ended while driving on the Glenn Jackson Bridge on I-205, especially during peak morning and evening hours. All too often, other motorists are following too closely while traveling at high speeds as they try to cross the Columbia River, leading to rear-end collisions that can result in multi-vehicle accidents.
Regardless of how or where you were rear-ended, understanding the actions you should take after the accident to protect your well-being and right to pursue compensation is essential. The following article outlines why rear-end collisions are so common in the Portland area and the immediate steps to take after an accident.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are So Common — and So Dangerous
During a rear-end impact, the accident victim’s body is thrown forward and then quickly snaps back. This violent back-and-forth motion can lead to distinct injuries. Even if the rear-end collision occurs at slow speeds (under 10 mph), accident victims can suffer severe injuries.
In the Portland metro area, heavy traffic congestion on major corridors like I-5, I-205, I-84, and Highway 26 regularly creates stop-and-go conditions where rear-end collisions frequently occur.
Oregon statute ORS 811.485 explicitly prohibits following too closely and failure to maintain a safe following distance.
Whiplash, Neck Injuries, and Concussions
Rear-end collisions can cause delayed injury symptoms or long-term or permanent disabilities. Commonly reported injuries include whiplash, neck injuries, and concussions.
Whiplash
One of the most commonly reported injuries after a rear-end crash is whiplash. Whiplash is the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck caused by an abrupt reduction in speed. Whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
Whiplash symptoms may not appear until 24 to 72 hours after the accident occurred. Symptoms may range from mild neck discomfort without physical signs of injury to severe cases that involve neurological symptoms or spinal fractures and dislocations. Cases involving chronic whiplash may last for months or years and require extensive ongoing physical therapy.
Because insurance companies often try to undervalue whiplash claims because they do not manifest as visible injuries, it is essential that you thoroughly document your symptoms and daily struggles.
Concussions
Rear-end crashes can also cause vehicle occupants to suffer concussions even if their head does not directly impact a solid object. Concussions can occur when the brain moves inside the skull from the violent, rapid snapping of the head back and forth.
Concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Sleep disturbances
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, you should be evaluated immediately by a qualified medical professional to determine the extent of your injuries. Concussions after a car accident can have long-term cognitive effects and leave many victims dealing with lost wages and unforeseen medical expenses.
Back, Spinal Cord, Shoulder, and Chest Injuries
Rear-end crashes can also result in severe back, spinal cord, shoulder, and chest injuries that leave accident victims struggling to recover or forced to deal with chronic pain.
Herniated and Bulging Discs
Even if the rear vehicle is traveling more slowly at impact, the force of impact can compress the spine and damage intervertebral discs. Symptoms of herniated and bulging discs include radiating pain, tingling in extremities, and numbness. In some cases, injury victims may require surgery, injections, or physical therapy.
Lumbar Sprains and Strains
Lumbar sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries that affect the lower back muscles and ligaments. These types of injuries often cause chronic pain that limits the injury victim’s mobility and work capacity.
Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures can have devastating consequences for rear-end crash victims. Compression fractures in severe collisions have the potential to render the victim permanently disabled.
Other commonly reported injuries include:
- Seatbelt injuries that cause fractured/bruised ribs or sternum injuries
- Airbag deployment injuries that can cause abrasions, burns, or wrist fractures
- Pinched shoulder or torn rotator cuffs caused by bracing against the steering wheel
Psychological Injuries and Why Some Symptoms Are Delayed
Aside from obvious or detectable physical injuries, many accident victims struggle with psychological injuries. Often, when an accident occurs, adrenaline takes over. It is only after the chaos of the accident has subsided that many rear-end accident victims begin to experience delayed symptoms related to PTSD, depression, driving anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Oregon statute ORS 31.710 recognizes claims for emotional distress. Under the law, rear-end accident victims may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Oregon courts have cleared the way for uncapped non-economic damages in motor vehicle accidents
Because psychological injuries are often present as “invisible symptoms” that others cannot see, you should thoroughly document how the accident has impacted your mental health and seek treatment immediately.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, it can be challenging to think clearly as you deal with the chaos of the accident scene. Even so, whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue and internal injuries may not manifest themselves immediately. Because insurers often use gaps in treatment to try to deny or minimize claims, you must seek medical attention within 72 hours of the crash, even if you feel fine.
- Be sure to take numerous photos and videos of the scene and your injuries.
- File a police report with the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency reporting for Portland collisions. If you have been seriously injured, call 911.
- Keep all police reports and medical records related to the accident.
- Do not agree to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney.
Oregon’s PIP (personal injury protection) under ORS 742.520 can help you pay for your initial medical bills regardless of who is determined to be at fault. Oregon has a strict two-year statute of limitations (ORS 12.110) for personal injury claims, so it is important that you also speak with an accident attorney as soon as possible.
Tillmann Law has a proven record of helping Multnomah County accident victims when they need it most. Contact our Portland, Oregon law office today at (855) 503-5035 to schedule a free consultation.
