Common Accident-Related Injuries

You get into your vehicle, buckle up for safety, and begin your journey to work, school, or some other various activity. Unfortunately, no matter how safely you are driving, there’s still a chance you’ll wind up in an accident. In the event that you do, there’s a greater than 25 percent chance you will end up with an accident-related injury that will require medical attention.

The extent of the injury can range from minor bumps and bruises to serious and permanent injuries that result in long-term disability, or even death. Not only can these accident-related injuries cause severe financial hardships due to the direct cost of medical treatment, medications, and procedures, but they can also result in loss of pay/work time at your place of employment and the inability to perform various tasks and to function in everyday life.

That’s why one of the most important things to do after getting into a vehicle accident is to properly document, report, and receive treatment for your injuries from a professional. The next step is to contact our team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Dianne L. Sawaya LLC to ensure you get the compensation and restitution you deserve. By making sure you have everything recorded and documented, you will make your life much easier during the following legal proceedings.

Every accident will, of course, be different, and it’s ultimately up to you to determine if you’re possible injuries rise to the level of needing serious medical attention or not. In general, it’s always a good idea to at least seek the examination of a doctor; but many times, you’re better off going directly to a hospital to ensure everything is good internally. In the event that paramedics arrive on the scene, they can help diagnose and instruct you on your best course of action. Even if you cannot see or even feel any injuries, it’s probably best to get an examination by a professional just to be safe.

Vehicle accidents can result in virtually any number of physical injuries, but there are some that are typically more common than others. Here are a few common accident-related injuries to be aware of:

Whiplash – Whiplash is by far one of the most common injuries related to vehicle accidents as the high speed and sudden stoppage involved lends itself to the condition. The Mayo Clinic defines whiplash as “a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” Neck pain and stiffness as well as headaches are the typical symptoms of whiplash. Although chronic neck pain and conditions are possible complications, whiplash is usually treated with pain medications and exercises. Normally, it’s gone within a couple of weeks or months, but it can last longer.

Other Cervical Injuries – While whiplash is technically considered a neck strain, neck sprains, which results in stretched or torn ligaments, can also occur during a car accident. Cervical nerve damage, such as Cervical Radiculopathy, is another possible condition. This is when the nerves in the neck are pinched by something like a bone spur or fragment of a herniated disc. Pain and numbness may follow.

Back Injuries – Injuries to the back region can result from the accident itself and even from the lack of mobility/complications during recovery. One of the most common forms of back injuries from a car accident is a herniated disc. Although a herniated disc is not the most inherently debilitating of conditions, it will result in significant pain and discomfort, sometimes even indefinitely. The most serious of back injuries involves the spinal cord, which will be covered a little later.

Internal Injuries – These type of injuries can be some of the most serious, especially since they can be difficult to readily diagnose. Internal injuries can affect virtually any system inside the human body, from broken and fractured bones to internal bleeding and even a ruptured spleen. Internal injuries require immediate medical attention, otherwise they can lead to serious complications.

Burn Injuries – As many people know, there are multiple standard levels of burn injuries: first-, second-, third-, and the less commonly known fourth-degree burns. These levels are based on severity and resulting symptoms with first-degree burns being the most minor and increasing thereafter. While burn injuries are usually non-fatal, they can be excruciatingly painful and lead to various complications and prolonged recovery. In some serious cases, a skin graft may even be required.

Amputation Injuries – Amputation injuries—or those that result in the loss of limb, appendage, or body part—are some of the most serious car accident-related injuries. Not only can they result in complications and infections, but they can also kill you if not properly treated.

Traumatic Brain Injury & Head Injuries – Traumatic brain injury is another serious and potentially devastating condition from car accidents. With the amount of information and studies now being done on things like concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), any injury to the head or brain needs to be taken seriously. Again, long-term disabilities and death can occur from these type of injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – In addition to head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries can have the most detrimental effects on a person. The spine is made up of various vertebrae. Damage to any part of the spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis that will require care and treatment for the rest of your life.

Virtually any number, combination, or type of injury is a possibility when it comes to car accidents due to the high speeds and mechanisms involved. This list is merely a sampling of some of the most common injuries to be aware of if you happen to find yourself in a crash.

After seeking and receiving the proper medical attention and documentation of the event, it’s important to contact The Law Offices of Dianne L. Sawaya LLC as soon as possible in order to protect your rights and help you receive the restitution you are owed. No one plans for accidents to happen, but if they do happen, we’ll be here to help.