10 Common Back Seat Passenger Injuries

When You Can File A Claim For Compensation

Passengers in a car crash may be eligible to file a claim for compensation, so here are 10 common back seat passenger injuries. Passengers in the back seat may sustain all types of injuries depending on the how the collision happens.

If you’ve suffered from an injury in an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Jefferies Claims may be able to help as we partner with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.

Here Are 10 Common Injuries If You Are In The Back Seat

1 Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are among the most prevalent injuries among back seat passengers. These happen when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. This movement causes strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.

This rapid motion can result from rear-end collisions or sudden braking. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.

2 Head and Facial Injuries

During a collision, back seat passengers may strike their heads against windows, headrests, or the back of front seats. This can lead to concussions, lacerations, or fractures.

Even with the use of seatbelts, the lack of airbags in the rear seats increases the risk of such injuries. Severe head trauma can have long-term cognitive effects and medical evaluation is essential following a crash.

3 Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a crash can put significant force on the spine, potentially causing herniated discs, fractures, or even spinal cord damage. Such injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

4 Chest and Abdominal Injuries

The force exerted by seatbelts during a collision, while life-saving, may also cause injuries to the chest and abdomen. These may include rib fractures, internal bleeding, or damage to internal organs.

Additionally, unrestrained passengers are at a higher risk of being thrown forward, leading to more severe trauma in these regions.

5 Fractures and Dislocations

Limbs can become trapped or struck during an accident, leading to broken bones or dislocated joints. Common fractures involve the arms, legs, and pelvis.

The severity can range from simple fractures requiring minimal medical intervention to complex breaks which need surgical repair.

6 Psychological Injuries

Beyond physical harm, passengers may experience psychological distress following an accident. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are not uncommon.

These psychological impacts can have an impact on your daily functioning and quality of life, sometimes requiring professional mental health support.

7 Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and contusions are common in accidents, often affecting the back, shoulders, and limbs. These injuries can cause pain and limited mobility and may require physical therapy.

8 Internal Organ Damage

Severe impacts can lead to internal injuries that are not immediately visible. Examples include damage to the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

9 Pelvic Injuries

The pelvis can suffer significant trauma in an accident, particularly in side-impact collisions. Pelvic fractures can be extremely painful and may require surgery or extended rehabilitation.

10 Burn Injuries

While not common, vehicle fires or airbag deployment can result in burns. Chemical burns from airbag gases or thermal burns from fires may require specialised medical treatment and skin grafts.

When Are Back Seat Passengers Most Vulnerable In A  Car Crash?

Back seat passengers can sustain injuries in a car crash under some of the following circumstances:

High-Speed Collisions – At higher speeds, the force of impact is significantly greater, increasing the severity of injuries for all passengers, especially those in the back seat.

Lack of Seatbelt Use – Passengers who are not wearing seatbelts are at a much higher risk of being thrown forward into the front seats or even ejected from the vehicle.

Rear-End Collisions – Since back seat passengers are closer to the rear of the vehicle, a rear-end crash can cause severe spinal, head, and internal injuries due to the force of impact.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes – If a vehicle is struck from the side, back seat passengers on the impacted side often suffer severe injuries due to the limited structural protection in that area.

Rollovers – When a vehicle rolls over, passengers in the back seat may be tossed around violently, increasing the likelihood of head trauma, spinal injuries, and fractures.

Vehicle Intrusion – If the rear section of the car is crushed due to impact, back seat passengers may suffer life-threatening injuries due to the damage to back of the vehicle.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you have sustained injuries as a back seat passenger in a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Firstly, as a passenger, you are generally not at fault for the accident. Your claim will be focused to the party responsible for the collision. This may include:

• The Driver of the Vehicle You Were In: If the driver of your vehicle was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving), they could be held liable.
• Another Motorist: If another driver caused the accident, your claim would be against their insurance.
• Multiple Parties: In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple drivers.

It’s important to note that even if the at-fault driver is a friend or family member, you have the right to seek compensation. Claims are typically settled through insurance, so the financial burden does not fall directly on the individual.

The standard time for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. If the injured passenger is under 18, their three year time limit only starts when they turn 18. This gives them until they turn 21 to file a claim.

How To File A Claim

Compensation typically aims to cover your medical expenses, loss of wages, on-going rehabilitation and travel costs for medical appointments.

It is essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your claim and guide you through the process.

Our team will support you and your family with care and understanding. We work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively,  complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.