According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 million accidents occur in the United States every year, 3 million of which result in injuries. Injuries in a car accident can range from minor scrapes and bruises to debilitating catastrophic injuries, or even death. Although some body parts are more vulnerable to injuries than others, injuries can affect any part of the body during a motor vehicle accident. We will review some of the most common injuries passengers and drivers sustain in these accidents.
Injuries Frequently Sustained in Car Accidents
It is crucial for anyone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This might sound obvious, but the truth is that most of us don’t seek medical treatment until our symptoms are unbearable. Many of the most common injuries do not present severe immediate symptoms, but that does not necessarily mean you are unharmed. See a doctor for a thorough examination as soon as possible after leaving the scene of the accident. They are trained to look for the signs and conduct the testing necessary to make an initial determination. It is also not unusual for your pain and symptoms to increase and worsen in the days following a motor vehicle accident.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Car accidents are one of the biggest causes of brain injuries. Victims are not always aware of the severity of their injury, which is why medical attention is so vital. Traumatic brain injuries can potentially result in both short-term and severe long-term effects, so you must seek treatment immediately. Often, your family and friends notice the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury before you do. Listen to them and seek a thorough neurological evaluation.
- Back injuries: The human body is wondrous, but it is also quite delicate. The back was not designed to tolerate the extreme impact and forces involved in a motor vehicle accident. Although you might not feel the effects of a back injury immediately after a motor vehicle accident when your adrenaline is running high, symptoms and effects often appear and worsen in the coming days and weeks. Many back injuries result in permanent pain, impairment, and disability. I have had many cases where a motor vehicle accident resulted in either partial or total paralysis.
- Internal injuries: sometimes, during a crash, an occupant’s body is propelled into an object, resulting in damage to the internal organs, which could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Again, your doctor is trained to conduct the necessary initial evaluation and testing for internal injury.
- Broken bones: Often, broken bones heal well over time with proper medical attention and treatment. However, due to the extreme forces involved, broken bones in car wrecks are often severe cases, such as a compound fractures. In those cases, you might need surgery to help repair the break.
- Burns: If the vehicle catches fire or your skin comes in contact with chemicals, hot surfaces, or steam, you could sustain a severe burn injury, which could result in a disfiguring scar.
Of course, there are several other types of injuries one can sustain in a motor vehicle accident and, if the accident was caused by another person’s negligent actions, they are responsible to pay for your damages under the law.
Discuss the Details of Your Car Accident Injuries with A Personal Injury Attorney Who Cares Enough to Fight for Your Rights
At Danny Cornell Law, our personal injury attorney is committed to providing knowledgeable and compassionate legal advice for every client. Backed by more than two decades of legal experience, Danny Cornell is committed to standing up for the rights of the wrongfully injured and will work tirelessly to secure the results you deserve.
Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what our team can do for you.