Common Car Accident Injuries
Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama
Fractures, gashes, lacerations, head trauma and death – these are some of the medical emergencies that can follow a car accident. Any part of the body can be injured, and in the last reporting year available, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited almost two and a half million injuries from automobile accidents.
If you have questions about your legal rights after being involved in an auto accident, call a car accident attorney, like those at Long & Waite in Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama. This should be done before you speak to the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to the more serious injuries of paralysis and head trauma that have lasting effects and even cause death. Following a serious car accident, physicians will check for the following injuries associated with a vehicular accident:
Head Injuries
Car accidents are the leading cause of brain injuries. Head injuries can be relatively minor or more serious, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). When the head suddenly and violently hits an object a TBI can occur and cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, confusion and many other long-term disabling results.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash happens when a sudden acceleration-deceleration force occurs, most often found in rear-end car crashes. In fact, whiplash is the most common neck injury sustained in automobile accidents. Whiplash also accounts for more than one million back injuries annually and is associated with both the bone structure and soft tissues in the neck. Back pain that occurs after a car accident can be caused from:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractured vertebrae
- Herniated disks
Due to the debilitating pain that can limit your movement, these types of auto accident injuries usually require long-term treatment that involves physical therapy, medication, bed rest and/or surgery.
Internal Organ Injuries
Injuries to the bowels, liver, kidneys, spleen and heart can happen in any serious traffic accident and often require extensive hospitalization. Punctured lungs and broken ribs are also common internal injuries that occur.
Upper Limb Injuries
Forearm and wrist fractures, as well as burns, are typical upper limb injuries received in car crashes. Some of these injuries are due to the impact of the crash, while others are related to air bag deployment, necessary to protect against further serious injuries.
Lower Limb Injuries
With the addition of air bags and stricter enforcement of seat belt use, the upper body is now more protected in crashes. Consequently, studies are being conducted to examine what more can be done to protect the lower limbs in auto accidents, like those with pelvic fractures, isolated hip joint fractures, femoral fractures, knee injuries and ankle/foot fractures. The healing time for these auto-related injuries is quite extensive and can cause much pain and ongoing therapy.
Assisting Car Accident Victims
In addition to physical injuries, the victims of car accidents also suffer from emotional and financial harm. Don’t allow insurance adjusters and investigators to minimize compensation for your pain and suffering following a car accident. Please call today for a free consultation with our car accident attorneys at Long & Waite in Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama. Most people never contact an attorney after an auto accident, but those that do can rest assured that they’ll receive all the compensation that can be obtained for personal losses. Don’t be one of those who never make the call.
Click here to contact us today.