Getting into a fender-bender can be a headache—literally. Did you know that one in sixty car accidents results in a concussion?
It can be hard to wrap your head around how common such a traumatic injury can be, especially if your brain isn’t feeling at its best. Unfortunately, you’ll need all your wits about you if you’re going to get the care you deserve.
Do you know which common car accident injuries necessitate contacting a car accident attorney?
We’ve created this guide to the most common injuries, so you’ll be a step ahead if you ever get into a collision. Continue reading to learn about seven injuries that might require legal help in the aftermath.
1. Bruises and Contusions
You’re generally considered lucky if you walk away from your car accident with a few bruises. One of the most common sources of auto-related bruising is your seat belt. Ultimately, doctors and engineers agree that seatbelt-related contusions are a small price to pay for the additional safety your seatbelt provides.
Not all bruises are superficial, however. Some can penetrate to the bone and may even be a sign of underlying organ damage. Bruises on the head are always an emergency. Any head injury that leaves a mark is potentially serious, as it may impact your brain.
If your bruise presents with symptoms other than local pain, you should consent to an examination by a doctor. If they find a larger issue, you may wish to pursue legal action. These helpful resources can make the decision easier.
2. Broken Bones
You might think a broken bone would be obvious, but more minor breaks, such as fractures, can be impossible to detect without imaging. Even so, they can create issues with chronic pain and stability in life.
Nearly every attorney advises that car accident victims receive a medical checkup following an accident to help spot these “invisible” injuries.
Many broken bones result from seatbelts. Broken ribs are one of the most frequent auto accident injuries. These often heal without intervention but may cause issues if they penetrate your organs.
An X-ray following a car accident can save you years of pain down the line.
3. Neck Injuries
Every automobile is a marvel of physics. Unfortunately, physics is also a frequent cause of neck injuries during car accidents.
Your skull (including your brain) is heavy, and your neck is a thin base, susceptible to jarring. When a car hits you from behind, your skull becomes a counterweight. When it moves forward and backward too quickly, you may experience a painful injury known as whiplash.
Whiplash, like some fractures, can be an invisible injury that leads to years of pain and recovery. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can resume your typical lifestyle.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are some of the most serious, as they impact the organ responsible for regulating every system in the body. Injuries to the brain can present in many ways, from memory issues to difficulty with physical coordination. A TBI can often lead to lifelong problems with thinking, moving, and functioning, with or without treatment.
The most common mild brain injury is a concussion. Severe and traumatic brain injuries can involve bumps, blows, and penetration by foreign objects. The severity of a head injury is difficult to diagnose without medical intervention.
If you sustain any injury to the head or face during an auto accident, always seek medical attention and legal advice.
5. Automotive Burns
Your car is a machine, and as the engine and other mechanical elements function, they generate heat and energy. If you come into contact with these components, it can cause painful, disfiguring burns. Anything from shrapnel to internal fluids can potentially become hot enough to cause permanent damage.
Burns are nearly always a medical emergency that requires highly specialized treatment. While medics can treat some first-degree burns with first aid, second and third-degree burns usually demand hospital care. Burn victims need high-calorie diets and sterile dressings to recover and often attend specialized rehabilitation.
6. Back and Spinal Injuries
Like the neck, the back and spine are delicate body parts with a critical job. The momentum of a car accident can lead to spinal trauma. Back injuries are one of the most common causes of disability in the country.
In extreme cases, a back injury can lead to full or partial paralysis. You will usually become paralyzed in the body parts below the injured location. Higher injuries impact a more significant percentage of the body and can lead to lifelong struggles.
There is no cure for most paralysis. You will likely require mobility aids, rehabilitation, surgeries, and medication throughout your life. If you become paralyzed in an accident, seeking legal counsel is imperative.
7. Mental Repercussions
A car accident is a source of trauma, which can cause both mental and physical repercussions. Some individuals experience post-traumatic stress after a serious accident and may even develop PTSD. This can impact your quality of life and ability to function, requiring specialized therapy and rehabilitation, just like a physical injury.
Even in less severe accidents, emotional distress is common. Many individuals seek therapy following an accident.
Know Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries run the gamut from aches and pains to life-changing, debilitating traumatic brain injuries. Your ability to identify serious auto accident injuries can ensure you get the financial settlement you deserve. If you experience any of the injuries above, contact a car accident lawyer immediately.
When it comes to self-advocacy, knowledge is power. When was the last time you learned something new that enhanced your life? Browse the rest of the blog to continue learning, growing, and standing up for your rights.
