While cars are an excellent resource for many people today, misuse of these vehicles can result in major accidents that cause personal injuries. There are many possible injuries that can result from an auto accident. Several factors at the time of the incident will determine the type and severity of injuries sustained in the collision, including:
- Speed
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Point(s) of contact (rear, side, front)
- Other objects, people, or vehicles contacted
- Passenger’s location within a vehicle
- Vehicle design
- Vehicle size
- Airbag deployment
- Seat belt use
In some cases, the car accident is insignificant and produces only minor injuries like bruises, scrapes, or scratches. Unfortunately, when drivers are involved in a collision while traveling at high speeds or while not wearing their seatbelt, serious injuries and even fatalities may occur. Painful whiplash, broken bones, back injuries, and lifetime disabilities can result from major car accidents.
Five Common Car Accident Injuries
There are several common injuries that occur during a car accident. These injuries may vary in regards to their pain and severity.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when soft tissues in the body are suddenly stretched due to sudden movement. This soft tissue includes muscles and ligaments. This unexpected stretching damages the muscles, making them painful to use until they have healed.
Some of the most common whiplash injuries occur around the head, neck, and back. The sudden impact from the front, rear, or side of a car will cause the vehicle to change directions, whipping the passenger’s body forcefully in an unexpected direction.
Some individuals can quickly recover from minor whiplash injuries, while others must see doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists regularly before the pain begins to subside.
2. Head and Brain Injuries
Because car collisions can happen so quickly, occupants rarely have enough time to brace for impact. This can result in serious head and brain injuries from collisions against the steering wheel, side window, headrest, and more. While the airbag is designed to prevent the most severe head injuries, they can still occur.
While minor head injuries consist of a few scrapes, bruises, or small lacerations, victims can also experience concussions, damaged fluid and tissue inside the skull, and traumatic brain injuries. Some may never fully recover from the brain injuries they sustain in a car accident. Even if the victim has the possibility of recovering, the procedures and care can cost thousands of dollars.
If you or a loved one are in the midst of recovering from a traumatic brain injury, one of our trained personal injury attorneys can help you find compensation for your losses.
3. Leg Injuries
Leg injuries are also common during a car accident. Because there is plenty of leg space to operate and sit comfortably inside the vehicle, sudden impact or changes in direction can fling occupant’s legs suddenly and directly into the walls of the car. Leg, knee, foot, and ankle injuries such as fractures, crushed knees, torn meniscus, foot injuries, and broken bones can occur from a collision. Some passengers have even lost part of their leg as a result of the incident.
4. Chest / Abdomen Injuries
Most of our vital organs are located behind the rib cage and in the abdomen. Blunt force trauma to these areas of the body can produce a number of injuries. Broken ribs, damage to internal organs, a broken pelvis, internal bleeding, and collapsed lungs may occur following a car accident. If not treated properly, these injuries can have lasting and even fatal consequences.
5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many people experience a degree of emotional trauma following severe or painful accidents. While some are not at all traumatized by the thought of getting back in the driver seat, others are left so emotionally scarred that they fear driving again. This fear is categorized as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is common in car accident victims. Many must travel with friends and family or take public transportation.
PTSD can be crippling for many people. Thankfully, there are doctors and trained professionals that are ready to help those who are fearful of riding in or driving a car. Many victims that have suffered from PTSD have found freedom and hope with the help of trained doctors.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Many car accident victims are left with severe, painful, lasting injuries that demand ongoing medical care. As time goes on, the cost of this care can start to accumulate and become overwhelming.
Thankfully, there are those who can help. A trained personal injury attorney from Russell & Hill, PLLC can assist you in preparing a personal injury claim to regain full compensation for your injuries.
Not only can we help you find financial stability, but we can also manage your interactions with specialists, doctors, insurance agents, medical professionals, and more. This kind of care has allowed car accident victims to take the time and energy necessary to recover from their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, we are here to help. Our team of experienced and educated personal injury attorneys can partner with you as you endeavor to recover compensation for your injuries. For more information about our services, contact us today or by filling out our contact form.