Car accidents are rampant in the United States. Each year at least three million people sustain non-fatal injuries in road crashes. As a result, car accident victims incur many losses, bills, and some sustain life-threatening injuries that affect their lives and those of their loved ones.
There are several laws and traffic rules in place to prevent motor vehicle accidents. However, this does not stop them from occurring. If you or your loved one has been in a car accident, you should consult a car accident law firm in your area to know what the law says and if you can claim damages.
Every accident is unique. The types of damages you can claim, and the settlement amount depends on your state laws and the severity of the injuries. Remember, whether you have sustained a minor or major injury, it is vital to immediately seek medical treatment.
Here are some of the common car accident injuries:
Whiplash or Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a traumatic injury that mainly affects the ligaments, muscles, and spinal discs in the neck area. This injury is associated with several accidents, including fender benders.
The injury is caused by sudden movement or jerking motion during an accident. Victims can experience slight memory loss, chronic pain, loss of concentration, and problems with sleep.
Get the right treatment for whiplash to avoid severe pain.
Contusions
You can expect to sustain some lacerations and bruises after an accident. Soft tissue wounds can heal quite fast with proper medical attention. However, deep cuts and bruises, especially if you suffer a cut to internal organs and muscles, can be catastrophic if not attended to immediately.
Also, depending on the severity of the contusion, a victim can experience severe bleeding and shock.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
The accident’s impact can cause a tear or rupture to the lungs, kidneys, heart, diaphragm, spleen, bowel, liver, or any other internal organ. You may not realize you have an internal injury immediately. However, if left untreated, these internal injuries can be fatal. This is why you should see a doctor immediately after an accident, whether you feel hurt or not.
Broken Bones
Fractures or broken bones are common injuries in car accidents. These injuries can include a broken pelvis, arms, collarbones, and legs, among others. The injury may result in permanent disability if not well treated.
Fractures take longer to heal if the victim is older. If a broken rib punctures an internal organ, the victim can end up with a life-threatening complication.
Burns
When a victim gets in contact with a hot part of the car or the car bursts into flames while they are still trapped in it, they can end up with second or third-degree burns. If the burns are deep, victims might require extensive treatment, corrective surgeries, and years of expensive treatments to heal.
The fire may also cause lung damage.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can either be mild or chronic. A mild TBI can heal after a couple of months with the right treatment, while a severe TBI can cause several complications and can also be fatal.
Paralysis and Spine injuries
If you injure your spinal cord in an accident, you can end up with paralysis on the legs and arms. This is known as paraplegia. Back injuries that affect the spinal cord, vertebrae, or spinal discs can cause immobility and chronic pain.
Get Legal Help for Your Injuries
If you or your loved one has sustained an injury after a car accident, you may have a right to claim damages. Compensation will help you deal with the economic and non-economic losses and help you get back on your feet. Talk to a car accident lawyer in your area to review your case, file a claim, and ensure you get fair compensation.
