Car accidents can cause a number of injuries. Injuries can occur to virtually any part of the body, ranging from whiplash to broken bones. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be interested in learning more about your legal options. If you are unable to return to work for months or years after the accident, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim.
After getting medical treatment, the next step would be to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer. A legal expert can help you decide how to proceed.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that can cause pain and limit neck mobility. While whiplash injuries are rarely serious, they can result in fractures and strained or torn ligaments. In severe cases, a person may need surgery to repair the damage. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Even though whiplash symptoms may not be visible at first, they should never be ignored. If left untreated, they may worsen and lead to a permanent disability.
The speed and force of a collision determines how badly a person is injured. In high-speed crashes, occupants of the vehicle experience multiple jolts, increasing the likelihood of serious long-term injuries. To compensate for these injuries, many victims seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the damages exceed the coverage limits, the victim may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common injury that is caused by a violent blow to the head. It is a serious condition that can cause damage to the brain tissue, as well as bleeding and bruising. It can also result in extra fluid being collected inside the brain. It can affect individuals of any age, but is most common among children and young adults. Some of the common symptoms of TBI include loss of consciousness, memory loss, confusion, and headaches. Sometimes, it can also result in seizures and personality changes.
There are two types of TBI. One type is called diffuse axonal injury, which results from the brain being violently moved within the skull. This kind of injury can result in death. The most common TBI type is concussion. It damages nerve cells in the head, and can cause dizziness, headache, and even nausea.
Broken bones
Broken bones are one of the most common types of injuries suffered during car accidents. They can be severe or minor, depending on the type of collision. In the worst cases, broken bones can be fatal. For instance, in a rear-end collision, the vertebrae in the spine can break, leading to severe pain and disability. In a head-on collision, the clavicle – the bone across the top of the rib cage – can also fracture. This bone is also very brittle, making it vulnerable to traumatic breaks. The pelvic bone is also prone to break during a collision, particularly if the person is on a motorcycle.
Broken bones are debilitating, especially for older people. They require constant medical treatment, and may require invasive surgery. Moreover, they are expensive, requiring lost wages and future medical treatment.
Lacerations
Lacerations occur when the skin is ripped or torn, usually as a result of a car accident. They can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, arm, and leg. If they are deep, they may go through underlying tissue, including the nerves, tendons, muscles, and bones. Depending on the type, these injuries can be life-threatening.
The skin is made up of three layers, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. A laceration in the epidermis occurs when an object hits the skin at an angle, causing it to tear. This causes the skin to stretch and crack, and it can cause a significant amount of blood loss. In addition, deep lacerations involve the entire skin, including the blood vessels.
Abrasions
Abrasions and contusions are two of the most common injuries suffered during car accidents. Both involve the breaking of the skin’s surface layers, and can cause severe pain. Contusions can occur in the neck or skull, and can be life-threatening. Abrasions are usually less serious than lacerations. An abrasion is a small cut or scrape that results from friction with a rough surface, while a laceration is a deeper tear of skin. Both types are serious injuries, and some may require medical attention.
Abrasions occur in any part of the body, but are most common on the legs, arms, and head. These injuries often require immediate medical attention. They may cause pain, reduced range of motion, and disfigurement. They can also pose a risk of infection.
Damage to the head
Damage to the head in a car accident is one of the most common injuries a person can sustain. While some people may think they don’t need medical attention, this type of injury, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury, can lead to long-term and sometimes irreversible damage to the brain if left untreated.
There are several types of injuries to the head caused by a car accident. One of the most common injuries is traumatic brain injury, which can occur in one part or the entire brain. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include car accidents, pedestrian accidents, athletic activities, and assaults with or without weapons. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million children and adults suffer traumatic brain injuries. Of those, 235,000 will experience moderate to severe head injuries, and 50,000 will die from them.
