Common Serious Car Accident Injuries
Millions of car accidents happen every year in the United States, and car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental deaths and injuries across the country. California has more drivers than any other state, so San Diego drivers should always drive cautiously with this fact in mind. Car accidents can cause a number of injuries. Some can be permanently damaging or fatal. Seek advice from an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer if you have questions regarding your injuries.
Common Head Injuries in a Crash
Head injuries involve some of the most serious damages seen in car accidents. The impact from a crash can cause a victim’s head to collide with the interior surfaces of the car, or they might suffer wounds from flying debris or damaged car parts. The momentum shift from a collision at speed can cause the head and neck to whip around violently, sometimes causing concussions as well as whiplash, or an injury to the upper region of the spine from a high-speed directional change.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) describes any head injury that involves damage to the brain. A collision can cause the brain to violently collide with the inside of the skull, causing a concussion or severe bleeding. Concussions can leave victims more susceptible to future TBIs, irritability, personality changes, mood swings, severe persistent headaches, and many more unpleasant symptoms. Some victims of TBIs lose sensation in parts of the body or lose the use of some body parts entirely. Others may suffer sensory issues or cognitive impairment, leading to a lifetime of disability.
What are Common Spinal Injuries?
Whiplash is one of the milder back injuries car accident victims might suffer. The spinal cord is one of the most essential parts of the human body, responsible for carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Unlike the rest of the body, however, the spinal cord cannot heal itself after suffering injury, and a spinal cord injury will likely have dramatic effects on the rest of the body. Depending on the location of the injury, the victim may lose control over certain areas of the body and bodily functions. A wound lower on the spine may affect the legs and the bowels, causing victims to lose the ability to walk or control bodily functions. A wound closer to the neck may lead to complete paralysis, and the victim may even lose the ability to breathe unassisted.
Broken Bones
Bone fractures are painful and typically entail extensive recovery times. A severe or compound fracture could lead to months of impaired mobility. Bone fractures that break the skin can also leave victims susceptible to infections, and severe fractures may require surgical placement of steel rods, screws, and plates to ensure correct resetting. People who suffer broken bones may be unable to work for extended periods of time and can suffer psychological trauma from the loss of mobility as well.
Call an attorney
This is not an exhaustive list, and victims of car accidents suffer countless types of injuries, many of which entail long-term recovery or disability. It’s essential for drivers who suffer from the actions of negligent drivers to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. After suffering broken bones, head injuries, or spinal injuries, injured drivers can secure compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage like car repairs. Injured drivers should seek medical attention after accidents, and then secure reliable personal injury lawyer to handle their cases.