What Types of Injuries Are Commonly Caused By Car Accidents?

Every year, approximately 1.3 million people die from injuries sustained in road accidents.

According to the world health organization, 20-50 million more suffer non-fatal injuries with being life altered. 

In 2022 alone, over 42,900 Americans died in road accidents, with approximately 5 million others suffering injuries. Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. But some types of injuries are more common than others. 

This guide highlights injuries that have a high prevalence in car accidents.

Common Car Accident Injuries That May Warrant Compensation

Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury to the tissues and tendons around the neck area. It occurs due to a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head at impact. The movement that causes the injury is like the movement of a whip that produces a cracking sound. 

The violent movement of the head results in an over-extension of neck tissues and tendons beyond their range of motion, causing bruising. Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end accidents which are some of the most common accidents. 

Symptoms of whiplash tend to delay and can kick in hours after an accident, including neck pain and stiffness, limited range of motion, headaches, and neck pain that intensifies with time.

Brain Injuries

The head is among the most sensitive areas of the body and also one of the areas at great risk of suffering injuries in an accident. Head injuries can occur in almost all types of accidents but are more common in high-impact crashes such as rollovers, high-speed head-on collisions, and accidents involving motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The least severe injuries result in concussions, while the more severe injuries will lead to full-blown traumatic brain injury that can have life-altering effects on a person. Signs of brain injuries include cognitive symptoms, memory and concentration problems, and perception impairments.

A person that has suffered a brain injury can also exhibit some behavioral symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Physical symptoms include passing out, balance and coordination problems, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Fractures

Fractures are also a common type of injury in a car, with the chances of fractures increasing with the force of impact. Fractures can affect any body part, including the skull, hands, legs, ribs, and pelvic area. 

Recovery from a fracture will depend on several factors, including the fracture’s complexity and the victims’ age. Children and young adults will have a shorter recovery period than older adults. In most severe cases, fractures can result in amputations and permanent disability.

Symptoms of a fracture include severe pain, swelling of the affected area, and limited mobility. There are situations where the fractured bone can stick out of the skin.

Psychological Injuries

An accident is a traumatic event that results in physical and psychological injuries, especially in victims that suffer life-altering injuries. 

Unfortunately, psychological injuries can extend for the entire life of the affected person. Common psychological conditions resulting from an accident include stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

How to Get Compensation for Injuries Suffered

If another person is to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, you have a right to sue them for damages. But you may need a lawyer’s help if you hope to get fair compensation. 

Some of the things you want to look for in a lawyer will include their geographical region of practice, success rate, specialization, and payment options. 

For example, if you have a case in Tampa, you will need to work with a Tampa car accident lawyer that offers free car accident consultations, has a record of success, and offers a contingency-based mode of payment. 

Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Is So Important

Hiring the right attorney helps ease your burden, so you can concentrate on healing. This is because your lawyer will investigate your case, collect evidence, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. They may even represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
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For a free consultation, contact Orin Cohen Law today (800) 560-ATTY.