Drivers in Massachusetts are accustomed to driving in difficult conditions. Heavy traffic, twisting highways, and slippery winter weather are just some of the challenges that local drivers must confront. But no matter how well prepared a driver may be to avoid danger on the road, car accidents still do happen.

This past week, a car initiated a chain reaction crash that involved two other cars. According to reports, a car traveling westbound on I-290 through Shrewsbury hit another car. The second car then struck a third car, which rolled over in the median. An ambulance took the driver of the third car to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. The driver's condition is unknown.

The driver of the car that started all the trouble left the scene of the accident.

Rollover accidents at highway speed can produce serious injuries. A driver or passenger involved in a crash may experience, among other things, broken bones, burns and lacerations. But injuries can occur at lower speeds, too. A simple accident around the neighborhood can produce whiplash or other harm to the neck or spine.

In addition, crashes of any speed can cause more subtle injuries that are perhaps not immediately visible. The effect of concussions has been brought to the forefront of sports dialogue as athletes assess and deal with the consequences of brain injuries. Those who have been in a car accident should be cognizant of the signs of concussions and have their injuries examined. Car accidents can be traumatic and expensive. They can also involve legal action, and it is important that accident victims know their rights.

Source: The Daily Shrewsbury, "One Hospitalized After Rollover Accident on I-290," Lindsay Corcoran, Jan. 30, 2012.