Car accidents have multiple causes, including poor weather conditions, speeding, and fatigue. Motor vehicle accidents can involve a single vehicle, multiple vehicles, or a vehicle and an animal.
Injuries from auto accidents affect approximately three million people in the United States annually, and motor vehicle accidents are responsible for over 32,000 wrongful deaths each year. Car accident victims can receive a wide range of injuries. Some common car accident injuries can cause permanent disabilities and require long-term treatment. If you’ve been in a car accident, you could be affected by the prevalent injuries discussed here.
1. Soft Tissue Injury
Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries people suffer from after an auto accident. It’s caused when your head jerks back and forth, which often occurs if your vehicle has been rear-ended. Sometimes, whiplash symptoms don’t appear for a day or more following the accident, so even if you think you’re okay immediately following a car crash, you should monitor yourself closely in case of of symptoms appear.
Common whiplash symptoms include stiffness, dizziness, back pain, neck pain, headaches, and memory problems. You may need a CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to confirm you have whiplash and determine the extent of your injuries. Severe cases of whiplash may need to be treated with physical therapy, traction, or injections.
2. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
SCIs are serious injuries affecting the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to paralysis and cause permanent disabilities. Doctors may use X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose an SCI. Neck pain and weakness can be signs of an SCI.
Whether you’re injured in New York or Los Angeles, you should seek legal advice from a reputable personal injury attorney. Law firms that specialize in personal injury cases, such as Blair & Ramirez LLP, are familiar with relevant case law. They offer a free consultation so you can determine if you need legal services. There are multiple benefits that come with hiring an attorney, including the attorney-client relationship you enter. Your attorney can advise you about all forms of compensation you may be eligible to receive. They can ensure the legal requirements for your case are met. Your attorney can handle claims against other drivers or parties responsible for your accident and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Blair & Ramirez LLP also practice employment law, which means they can also handle your personal injury case if you were injured in an auto accident while you were working.
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A doctor may need to order an MRI or CT scan to diagnose a TBI. TBIs range from mild to severe. Critical TBIs could affect your oxygen intake and blood supply. A TBI can lead to a permanent disability. Severe TBIs may need to be treated with surgery, medications, and therapy. TBIs can cause memory loss or make it difficult for you to form new memories. Consequently, you may need to see a physical therapist or speech-language pathologist to regain motor skills or relearn how to talk after your accident.
4. Broken Bones
The impact of the motor vehicle accident can cause broken bones. If your arm strikes the dashboard or door, you could suffer from a fracture or break. It’s also common for people to have broken neck bones, femurs, or collarbones. It may or may not be immediately evident that you have a broken bone. Deformity, swelling, or loss of function can indicate you have a broken bone, but you may need to have an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to confirm your bone is broken and determine the severity of the break.
5. Cardiac Arrest
Any stressful event can trigger cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can also be caused by an electrical shock, which is possible in a car accident. With cardiac arrest, a person’s heart stops beating suddenly. This requires immediate life-saving intervention from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques or an automated external defibrillator (AED). Paramedics or others who’ve taken a CPR course may perform chest compressions until your heart starts beating on its own. You can protect your loved ones by taking a First Aid and CPR course to ensure you know how to respond in an emergency. It’s possible to take First Aid and CPR training through an online course. You receive course materials you can review before taking an exam. Once you pass your exam, you receive your credentials.
Multiple types of injuries can affect people who’ve been in a motor vehicle accident. Some of the most common injuries include soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and cardiac arrest.
