Car accidents are unpredictable, and you cannot be sure when one will happen. Also, injuries from car accidents vary. You can get a scratch on the arm or suffer severe fatal injuries. Some car accident injuries can change your way of life. Severe injuries may cause you to need a wheelchair to move around.
When you get injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you can hire a car accident lawyer to help you recover damages. You need to recover the money you have spent, or you will spend treating your injuries and restoring your life to normal.
Here are six common types of injuries you can sustain from a car accident:
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries will vary depending on the impact of the car accident. A minor accident can cause a small bump that can go away within days. A serious accident can cause severe head injuries such as brain trauma.
You may not bleed at the site, but the impact may cause internal bleeding in your head. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a doctor and get a scan to detect internal head injuries before it is too late.
2. Chest Injuries
Chest injuries also differ depending on the severity of the accident. They vary from less serious injuries like bruises and concussions to more severe injuries like broken ribs. Chest injuries occur when the body hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or a movable object in the car. Sometimes, the impact of the crash can cause the seat belt to injure your chest.
3. Whiplash
A sudden stop causes whiplash, where your body continues to move while the car has come to a stop. The sudden movement causes a strain in the neck muscles, and it is very painful. Whiplash only affects muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It does not cause bone fractures. Therefore, it is not a permanent injury, but it takes longer to heal.
4. Back Injuries
Back injuries happen to your backbone and spinal cord. A car accident can cause herniations or ruptures of the discs in your spine. If the accident is severe, you could even lose mobility. Back injuries are very painful, and it is more painful to undergo treatment for the back issues. Physical therapy is important for you to get back to normal. The pain may come days after the accident. As soon as you feel pain or discomfort in your back, visit a doctor.
5. Arms and Legs Injuries
Injuries to your arm and legs might range from bruises to broken bones. Your arms and legs are likely to be injured in a side-impact accident. Your legs may be banged against the door or dashboard, and the force will determine if it is a bruise or fractured femur. If you are a passenger, you might injure your knees when they hit the front seat or the dashboard. You can also injure your arms and legs if you hold a movable object when a car accident occurs.
6. Emotional Stress
Many people think that a car accident only leaves you with physical injuries. A car accident can also cause emotional injuries that might take longer to go away. A severe car crash can leave emotional wounds on people involved in the accident or those who witnessed the accident.
For example, if you were in a multi-car accident that took the lives of several people, the images of lifeless bodies on the road do not go away on their own. You will need counseling and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder for you to go back to normal.
Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?
There are many other injuries caused by car accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries from a car accident, you need the liable party to be held responsible for causing the injuries. Arrange a meeting with an experienced car accident attorney to prepare a winning car accident suit.
