It can be easy to brush-off injuries sustained in a car accident, especially when it is a seemingly minor crash like a fender bender. However, an accident does not have to be catastrophic for motorists and passengers to suffer serious injury. Understanding how common injuries can affect your health and quality of life may help you make informed choices about how to proceed after a crash. Discussing your case with a car accident attorney won’t cost you anything, and can help you determine whether or not you have a viable claim and protect your rights and interests.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash – This is the most common injury that occurs when someone is involved in a car accident. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions, as occupants of a vehicle are usually taken by surprise and do not have time to brace themselves or hold onto anything. When a vehicle hits you from behind, your head suddenly jerks forward then backward. This may strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck, upper back and shoulders. This jerking motion can also affect your spine. Symptoms of neck and back injuries like whiplash include headaches, blurred vision, decreased range of motion, and severe and/or chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and back.
Back and spine injuries – These types of injuries can range from mild sprains and strains to life-changing catastrophic injuries that may leave an injured victim permanently paralyzed. Herniated discs, fractures, and other spinal injuries are often painful and can have a serious short- and long-term impact on your overall health and mobility.
Head injuries – Severe blows to the head can cause concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Chronic headaches, reduced ability to concentrate, changes in mood, and reduced cognitive function are just a few repercussions that can occur due to a serious brain injury. If you or someone you love is suffering from a head, neck, or spine injury after a crash, seeking the counsel of an experienced accident lawyer who can assess your case and advise you of your options is critical to protecting your health and financial security.
Lacerations – Broken glass, airbags, and hard or sharp edges inside or outside of a vehicle can cause serious cuts and wounds that may require surgery, a long healing process, and leave permanent scarring. The after-effects of these injuries can be emotionally challenging as well, especially if a victim has been disfigured.
Fractures – Broken bones are often the result of high-speed impact crashes. Depending on the severity of the accident, the victim may suffer serious compound fractures, crushed bones, and broken ribs. These injuries can also lead to life-threatening internal bleeding and require immediate medical care.
Always Seek Medical Attention After an Accident
Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as you can after an accident. Some symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks later. The sooner you get checked-out by a doctor the better – early detection and treatment of injuries may improve your chances of a full recovery.
Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of being injured in an accident is challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Contact our accident lawyers in Chester County, PA to find how they can obtain the justice you deserve.
This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/types-of-injuries-sustained-in-car-accidents/
