Whether it’s a fender bender or a multi-car pileup, the forces at play during a car crash can cause extreme harm to the human body. You may be able to get back to your regular activities in a few days, or you may face years of recovery if you are badly hurt. When someone else is at fault for the wreck, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.
At Piedmont Injury Law, a Kennesaw car accident lawyer can help you with your case by investigating who is to blame and holding them accountable. Our attorneys will negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. We can also connect you with healthcare specialists to ensure you are fully diagnosed if you suffer some of these most common injuries in car accidents.
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries associated with rear-end car accidents is whiplash. This occurs when the head is quickly moved back and forth, putting stress on the neck, shoulder, and back muscles. Whiplash often goes undiagnosed until a few days after the crash and often resolves within a few weeks.
However, left untreated, this condition can worsen and cause chronic, debilitating pain. If you are rear-ended or in a T-bone crash, be sure to visit your doctor right away or within 72 hours. Common symptoms are pain in the neck, upper back, shoulders, and arms, as well as tingling, fatigue, dizziness, or headaches.
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
During a crash, you might cut yourself on jagged metal or broken glass. Your seatbelt or airbag may leave bruises on your chest, shoulders, or face. You might suffer more jagged wounds (lacerations) from flying debris.
While bruises usually disappear after several days, cuts and lacerations can be more dangerous. If not cleaned and bandaged properly, you could develop infections that prolong healing and risk sepsis. Your health costs could skyrocket, increasing your compensation needs.
Broken bones
At higher speeds, car accident victims often suffer broken bones. Some injuries may heal quickly, but many are more complicated, such as a broken or fractured pelvis. Without immediate treatment, a broken bone can cause other conditions and lead to mobility issues if it mends poorly. Victims may experience lifelong pain or develop muscle abnormalities from adjusting their movement to compensate for an incorrectly healed bone.
Burns
While huge explosions are more common in movies than real-life automobile crashes, the fact remains that car accident victims may experience burns from gasoline or other caustic chemicals. Although rare, electric car fires often burn hotter and are more difficult to extinguish, meaning you could be trapped in the flames if first responders aren’t able to put them out.
Burn treatment is often extensive and risky since your skin is your primary defense against infection. Victims typically face multiple surgeries and treatment and could be left with severe scarring and disfigurement.
Internal bleeding and organ damage
After a serious crash, medical first responders will evaluate your injuries. If you refuse this care and insist you’re fine, you could have internal bleeding or organ damage that becomes life-threatening within a matter of hours after the adrenaline wears off. We recommend that you always go to the doctor after a car accident to ensure you do not have a “silent” injury.
Internal bleeding symptoms include dizziness, low blood pressure, pain, vomiting, blood in your stool, and headaches. Internal organ damage may cause bruises, pain, swelling, nausea, and fatigue.
Spinal cord damage
The United Spinal Association reports that of the 17,700 spinal cord injuries that occur every year, nearly 40% result from vehicle accidents. When you suffer spinal cord damage, you could lose sensation in your legs or other parts of your body and even become paralyzed.
If you are unable to work or care for yourself, you may require years of nursing and assistance to maintain your home. If your injuries are the result of another person’s negligence, you need a skilled car attorney who knows how fault is determined in a car accident to secure the financial recovery you deserve.
Traumatic brain injury
Some of the most serious and common car accident injuries are traumatic brain injuries (TBI). If your head is hit or moved forcefully, your brain could bump against your skull, causing bruising, tearing, or bleeding. TBIs can leave you with substantial cognitive or functional impairments and significant medical costs.
You may need lengthy treatment and therapy to regain your former skills but could also end up unable to provide for yourself or your family. A TBI may impact your entire life and that of your family if you can no longer work or maintain your home.
Hurt in a crash? We can help.
After a car accident, be sure to speak with the experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers at Piedmont Injury Law. We strive to reduce your worries and stress to resolve your case quickly while you heal. You can contact us at (678) 909-0770 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options today.