What Are The Most Common Injuries After A Car Accident?
From minor fender-benders and life-changing collisions to fatal crashes, the aftermath of these car accidents can result in various injuries, with the following being the most common:
- Bone Fractures
- Whiplash
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Emotional Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you’ll need to work with a skilled Harrisburg car accident attorney who can build a solid claim for your financial recovery. This can cover the costs you incurred due to the accident and help rebuild your life after getting injured. If you haven’t scheduled a meeting with a Harrisburg car accident lawyer yet, here’s what you should know about the most common injuries after a car accident:
Bone Fractures
The most commonly affected bones after a crash include the arms, ribs, collarbones, and legs. Depending on the accident’s severity, bone fractures can lead to temporary or permanent impairments. In some cases, multiple or severe fractures may necessitate surgical intervention, a lengthy recovery, and physical therapy.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when your head is abruptly jerked forward and whipped backward, leading to strain on your neck ligaments and muscles. More severe cases of whiplash may result in chronic pain and long-term mobility problems.
Head and Brain Injuries
Car crashes, particularly high-impact accidents, can cause head and brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). More serious TBIs can lead to life-altering consequences, such as impaired brain function, physical impairments, and emotional changes. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnosing and treating TBIs. Otherwise, they can worsen and lead to permanent disabilities.
Neck and Back Injuries
Common neck and back injuries after a car accident include muscle sprains, strains, broken bones, and herniated discs. These can lead to limited mobility, significant pain, and surgery (in more serious cases). Even seemingly negligible neck and back injuries can result in long-term or lasting pain if left unresolved.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
SCIs can lead to complete or partial paralysis, depending on the injury’s nature and extent. Even minor damage to the spinal cord can result in chronic pain, diminished mobility, and loss of sensation. The recovery process for SCIs is usually lengthy and difficult and involves extensive medical care and physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Injuries to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, or heart, can cause internal bleeding and compromise or loss of organ function. They can be fatal because they are usually not obvious after a crash and need immediate medical treatment to prevent complications.
Emotional Injuries
Many car crash victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, and depression due to trauma. These can interfere with daily living and will require proper therapy to address. Emotional injuries typically form a large part of a victim’s compensation, so you’ll want to work with a Harrisburg car accident lawyer who can ensure that these injuries are accounted for in your claim.
Injuries Equal Damages
When evaluating the injuries suffered in an automobile accident, the attorney must also focus on the consequences–that is, the resulting damages. For example, if the injury is a broken leg and you can’t work for 4-6 months, what are the damages? They could—and often do—include lost wages (past and potentially future), non-economic damages—commonly referred to as pain and suffering—including physical pain, loss of life’s pleasures, disfigurement, and more.
Let Our Compassionate Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys Handle Your Case
At Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C., our Harrisburg car accident lawyers know how devastating injuries can be after a car crash. Schedule your free case review with one of our Harrisburg car accident attorneys online or by phone. We’ll put our experience and resources to work to ensure you get the money you need to recover.