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Types of Car Accident Injuries

Written by: Dale G Casares PortraitDale Casares

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Even a minor car accident can cause a major disruption in someone’s day, whether or not they suffer from an injury. The adrenaline, panic, and shock of an unexpected collision can lead to a sense of feeling overwhelmed and helpless. These feelings are amplified when someone is injured in the accident, and while others are able to calm themselves down, take a few deep breaths, and move on, an injury can follow a victim around for weeks, months — even years.

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to know what kind of injuries commonly result from them so that you can be on the lookout for symptoms and get the treatment you need. If someone else caused your accident, you might be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, known as “damages,” that include things like the cost of medical care for your injuries as well as the impact on your ability to perform your work and home duties.

See below a list of common injuries in car accidents, the general treatments they require, and why it is so important to get treated for every injury you sustain in a crash.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident that someone else caused, contact Mountain States Injury Law as soon as possible to request a free consultation and learn more about your options for getting the compensation you deserve.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The following car accident injuries are just a few of the many possible injuries that can be sustained in a crash. Whether or not you see yours listed below, contact us as soon as possible to request a free consultation with a proven car accident attorney.

Whiplash

Whiplash is caused by the sudden jerking of the head, neck, and upper back and is common in rear-end collisions. It can result in a range of symptoms including headaches, neck pain, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. Treatment typically includes rest, ice/cold therapy, heat therapy, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is often caused by the impact of a car accident, which can jar or compress the spine and surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms include dull or sharp pain in the lower back, difficulty moving or standing, and muscle spasms. Treatment options include rest, ice/cold therapy, heat therapy, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Headaches

Headaches can be caused by several different things in a car accident, including whiplash, stress, and concussion. They can range from mild to severe and may require over-the-counter or prescription medications for relief. Headaches may also be a symptom of a different type of injury, including a traumatic brain injury. If you hit your head in the collision, it is important that you see a doctor right away to get an MRI to avoid any long-term complications.

Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the head is hit with enough force to cause the brain to move around inside the skull and results in a temporary loss of brain function. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, and sleepiness. Concussions typically require rest, ice/cold therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications, but more severe concussions may require ongoing medical care.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are common in car accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the limbs. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment typically includes rest, ice/cold therapy, immobilization of the limb in a cast or splint, and physical therapy.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents and can include injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are often caused by the force of the impact, as well as by being jolted or thrown around in the vehicle. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving. Treatment typically includes rest, ice/cold therapy, heat therapy, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Psychological Injuries

Psychological injuries are much different than physical injuries in car accidents, but they can be just as debilitating, even if they are not visible. They can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. Treatment typically includes therapy, medication, and support groups, and can have ongoing impacts on victims for years to come.

As you can see, there is a wide range of injuries that can occur in car accidents, and each one requires its own unique treatment. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away to ensure that all injuries are taken care of and to avoid any long-term complications.

Seeking Compensation For Specific Car Accident Injuries

There are a few different ways that victims of car accidents can seek compensation for their injuries, including through their own insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or by filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, determining the amount they are owed is a complicated process that insurers quickly manipulate to their advantage.

When a victim is dealing with injuries while navigating the unfamiliar claims process, it can be easy for an insurance adjuster to offer a quick settlement for far less than what they deserve. This is an especially easy tactic as medical bills continue to mount, wages stagnate, and other financial obligations fall by the wayside.

It is important for victims of car accidents to seek legal counsel as soon as possible so that they can be sure they are getting the full compensation they deserve. A car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, build a strong case, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.

Understanding Personal Injury Damages

The term “damages” refers to the collective impacts that an accident or injury has on a victim, and a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim seeks to collect compensation for each. Compensatory damages are subdivided into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are those that have a specific financial value assigned to them and can be calculated relatively easily. They include medical bills, lost wages, damage to personal property, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate because they do not have a direct financial value. They are intended to compensate victims for more intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

In some cases, victims may also be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the at-fault party for their negligence or recklessness and send a message to others that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

Contact Mountain States Injury Law For a Free Consultation Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, the experienced car accident lawyers at Mountain States Injury Law can help. We understand the challenges you are facing and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

When insurance companies know that a claimant is working with an experienced, proven attorney, they suddenly change their tone when it comes to settling. They know that they will need to negotiate and that there will be a lawyer working to dissect each line of their offer letter while the victim focuses on their recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will be able to discuss your accident, your injuries, and the steps you’ve already taken. We will also answer any questions you have about the claims process or your legal options.

There is no risk in speaking with us, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us anything unless we are successful in recovering compensation for you. Call (888) 299-4312 or fill out our online form to get started.

Dale G. Casares

Colorado, Idaho, and Montana
Personal Injury Attorney

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