Car accident victims often suffer from injuries that range in severity depending on the type of accident they are involved in and other case-specific factors. Even a minor car accident can lead to an injury. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of injuries car accident victims sustain.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident victims can suffer from a range of injuries that fall into categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. While impact injuries refer to damage sustained to a person’s body when they hit a part of the interior of their vehicle (i.e. a head hitting the window), penetrating injuries refer to wounds caused by objects or glass that fly into the car and hit a person. That said, some of the most common automobile accident injuries are:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries. Even if you are wearing your seatbelt, you may suffer from whiplash, which occurs when your head is suddenly whipped back and forth. You can suffer from whiplash even if you are not involved in a high-speed collision.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are injuries to a person’s skull, brain, or head that impact how their brain functions. There are multiple types of TBIs that a person can suffer after a car accident that range in severity, such as concussions, hematomas, diffuse axonal injuries, hemorrhages, etc.
- Broken or fractured bones. You may break any of your bones in an accident. Bones that are more likely to suffer bruising, fractures, or breaks are your ribs, arms, and legs.
- Laceration and cuts. Because of glass and other flying objects and debris, you may have cuts or gashes.
- Internal bleeding. Certain organs can be damaged or lacerated if you are involved in an accident.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After being involved in a car accident, you may suffer from mental and emotional stress. In some cases, you may develop PTSD, which can impact your ability to drive or enter a vehicle anymore.
- Herniated discs and other spinal injuries. A herniated disc occurs when a disc falls out of place in your spine, which can cause pain and discomfort and lead to more serious issues.
- Burns. If either vehicle catches fire or you come into contact with steam, hot fluid, hot surface, or chemicals during the crash, you may suffer from burns.
- Amputation. Depending on the type of accident and the point of impact, car accident victims may suffer the loss of a limb.
How to Minimize the Severity of Car Accident Injuries
The severity of your injuries can vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) whether either driver was speeding, whether you wear a seatbelt, where the point of impact is, and if your airbags are engaged. To better protect yourself and reduce the severity of your injuries, you should:
- Adhere to the speed limit. The more you or the other vehicle are speeding, the more severe your injuries may be. While you cannot ensure other drivers are obeying the speed limit, you can.
- Complete a vehicle safety check. Before you get on the road, check your tires and other vehicle features to ensure the vehicle is road ready.
- Prioritize vehicle maintenance. If you do not keep up with your vehicle maintenance, you risk being involved in accident and suffering injuries. Be sure to have your oil changed, washer fluid checked, and tires checked and rotated as needed.
- Wear your seatbelt. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 90.4% of people used their seatbelts while in passenger vehicles. Seatbelts save lives and reduce the risk of moderate to critical injuries by 50%-65% depending on your vehicle type. Failing to wear or improperly wearing your seatbelt can have dangerous and even deadly consequences if you are involved in a car crash.
Suffered Injuries in an Auto Accident? Contact Our Firm.
Car accident injuries often require medical treatment and, in some cases, rehabilitation, which can be quite expensive. You may be entitled to compensation to cover damages, such as:
- Medical expenses (i.e. prescription costs, ambulance fees, hospital bills, travel to and from treatment/appointments, etc.)
- Lost wage (present and future)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
At the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli, our legal team is dedicated to helping our clients fight for their right to fair compensation. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our attorney can help you establish liability, collect evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate or litigate.
To discuss your case with a member of our team, schedule a free consultation by calling (516) 628-6402 or reaching out online today.