Car accidents are, unfortunately, very common worldwide, with millions of people sustaining injuries each year. Such injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions that affect the victim’s mental, physical, and financial states. Understanding how these common car accident injuries present themselves is crucial for prevention.
What are the most common personal injuries from car accidents?
Depending on where you get your information from, the answer may vary slightly. Yet, the majority of sources agree that the most common are the following injuries.
Possibly the most well-known of all car accident injuries. Occurs when a sudden impact forces the head to jerk rapidly, straining the neck’s muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is characterized by neck pain, stiffness, headache, dizziness, and sometimes even shoulder and back pain.
Most commonly found in the extremities (arms and legs) as well as hips and ribs. The symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected part.
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the force of the impact, use of a seatbelt, and the airbag deployment. Many people who receive a diagnosis feel headaches, dizziness, memory loss, sensitivity to light or noise, and in severe cases, cognitive impairment.
The impact of the crash may cause bruising from bumps or seatbelts. Any flying glass or debris can cause cuts and lacerations. This puts victims at a higher risk of infection as well as the bleeding and pain caused by the initial impact.
Ranging from herniated discs to paralysis, car accidents can severely injure your spinal cord. Damages to the spinal cord can be life-threatening, causing permanent difficulties in mobility and quality of life.
How can I prevent these common injuries?
Safety practices are essential to prevention, car accidents are bound to impact you, but you can minimize the extent with several safety practices.
- Seatbelt Use: Always wear your seatbelt properly, it is known to significantly reduce the risk of injury.
- Defensive Driving: Use defensive driving techniques to anticipate the moves of other drivers and avoid possible collisions.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep distractions such as phones, food, and conversation to a minimum while driving.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to stops, speeds, and other rules of the road to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
If I have been in an accident, why should I seek help from an Attorney?
If you have suffered any of the aforementioned injuries (or more) due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: including any current and future bills related to your injuries sustained in said accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in any reduced earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation for the damage done to your vehicle and other personal property.
If you have received a settlement offer, an attorney can help you make sure you only accept offers that cover the full cost that you deserve.
A lawyer at The Hines and Wilson Law Firm can guide you through the compensation process. The experienced partners of The Hines and Wilson know the true value of your personal injury and will be sure to get you what you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at no cost to you. When you have questions, we have answers. Help us to help you and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.
