COMMON INJURIES IN A CAR ACCIDENT

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

HELPING CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN AND AROUND KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, RECOVER MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR THEIR INJURIES

Car accidents are unfortunately all too common, and they often result in injuries. Some of the most common injuries that occur in car accidents include whiplash, broken bones, and concussions. While some of these injuries may seem minor, they can still have a significant impact on your life. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the potential for injuries whenever you get behind the wheel. If you do end up being involved in an accident, be sure to seek medical attention right away so that you can start on the road to recovery. Getting medical attention also establishes your physical injuries, which may be important later if you decide to place a claim to recover compensation from the negligent party. It is also important to discuss the traffic collision with a personal injury lawyer.

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HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INJURED ANNUALLY IN TRAFFIC CRASHES?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, six million people are injured in traffic accidents yearly. Of those six million, approximately three million suffer whiplash injuries. Whiplash is often caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and upper back that occurs in a rear-end collision. The force of the impact can cause the cervical and thoracic spine to be hyperextended, resulting in pain, stiffness, and occasionally headaches.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS NATIONWIDE?

The cost of car accidents is significant, both in terms of human suffering and financial loss. A study by the National Safety Council estimates that the cost of car accidents in the United States was $836 billion in 2020. This figure includes both direct costs such as property damage and medical bills, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity and wages.

FACTORS AFFECTING AUTOMOTIVE ACCIDENT INJURIES

Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. Below are some factors that affect injury risk:

• Size and type of vehicle
• Refusing to use a seatbelt
• Defective or non-deployable airbags
• Injury victim’s seating position in the car
• Vehicle speed upon impact
• Inclement weather
• Defects related to mechanical operation
• Lack of road maintenance

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS?

There are many different factors that can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and weather conditions. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of focusing on the road such as talking on the phone or fiddling with the radio.

Drunk driving is a significant problem on our roads, with more than 10,000 people dying in alcohol-related accidents each year. Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident and the severity of the resulting injuries. And finally, poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice can make driving more difficult and dangerous. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive in a manner that takes inclement weather into account. If this is not done, the motorist may be charged with speeding even though he/she has not broken the speed limit.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES AFTER A TRAFFIC COLLISION?

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common causes of car accidents, let’s take a closer look at some of the injuries that can result from this type of incident. As we mentioned earlier, whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a traffic collision. Cervical sprain, as whiplash is designated medically, does not always display symptoms immediately. Instead, it may take up to 72 hours before a headache or muscle pain develops. That is why it is essential to see a medical professional as soon as possible after the incident occurs. In addition, the examination will allow the doctor to warn you of significant symptoms to look out for.

Some of the other injuries are:

• Facial trauma is a prevalent type of car accident injury. Different types of facial injuries include: Soft tissue damage (most common), fracture of facial bones, facial scarring, and dental injury. One problem with dental injury and facial scarring is that insurers might refer to restorative surgery as cosmetic. This sets up red flags, and insurance companies may refuse to pay. This refusal is where the experience of your car accident lawyer comes in. At the Montee Law Firm, we are just as comfortable at the negotiation table as we are in court.
• Fractures: A break in the bone can occur because of the collision. The most common fractures that occur in car accidents are in the long bones of the arms and legs. However, a broadside accident can result in a pelvic or femur fracture. Some fractures are cast and mend within a six to eight weeks period. Others take considerably longer and might require surgical intervention. In addition, long periods of rehabilitation may be needed.
• Concussions: This type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the head hits an object inside of the vehicle such as the dash or the steering wheel or is violently shaken. Concussions can cause problems with memory, balance, and coordination. Most heal within six to 12 months with over-the-counter analgesics and time. However, for some people, the effects of a concussion can linger for two years or more and interfere with work-related activities and the enjoyment of life.
• Lacerations: Cuts and scrapes are common injuries after a car accident. These can be caused by broken glass, contact with sharp objects, or debris from the collision itself. In some cases, the lacerations may cause scarring and associated emotional trauma. The latter is calculated as pain and suffering and is part of the non-economic aspect of the lawsuit.
• Internal bleeding: This is a severe injury that can occur when the impact force damages blood vessels or organs. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, so it is essential to seek the advice of a physician or other medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. The symptoms of internal bleeding can result in shock, low blood pressure, high heart rate, and fainting. If the abdominal organs are involved and rupture, sepsis may occur. In most cases, surgical intervention is mandatory. Antibiotics are often given, especially if the contents of the intestines spill into the abdominal cavity.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

As we mentioned, concussions are a type of TBI. However, other types of brain injuries can occur as well. A contusion is a bruise on the brain that can happen when the head hits an object. An intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding around or within the brain tissue. And finally, an epidural hematoma is a blood collection between the skull and the dura mater (the outermost layer of the meninges). All can have serious consequences.

Bleeding between the skull and one of the membrane layers surrounding the brain or between the tissues can be a source of pressure. Pressure on the brain can cause many symptoms, including coma and death. That is why the intracranial pressure in the brain is carefully monitored. If it rises too high, the reason for the pressure is addressed. For instance, if it is a blood collection, it may be necessary to drain the fluid by using a surgical procedure. Alternatively, there is a medication that can be employed to drain fluid from the brain.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CAR ACCIDENTS?

While most people will recover from their injuries without any long-term effects, this is not always the case. In some instances, car accident victims may suffer from chronic pain, disability, or disfigurement. In addition, some people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a collision. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. If you are struggling to cope after an accident, it is essential to seek professional help. The cost of such therapy is covered in a claim.

While we have looked at some of the most common injuries and long-term effects of car accidents, this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have been in a traffic collision, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a trained medical professional will be able to assess the extent of your injuries and provide you with the treatment that you need.

MONTEE LAW FIRM

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to review your case and examine evidence pointing to liability.

A personal injury lawyer will also be able to help you understand what your legal remedies are to recover compensation. During the free case review offered by the Montee Law Firm, the legal team will be able to answer your questions and discuss your case and make recommendations in terms of monetary compensation. Call us at (816) 364-1650 to schedule a time when it is convenient for you to meet with our lawyers. You can also reach out to us online.

James Montee

James Montee, founder and managing partner of the Montee Law Firm, has dedicated his career to representing accident victims across Missouri and Kansas. Since establishing the firm in 1996, he has recovered more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements, including numerous million-dollar cases. Recognized as Missouri’s Winningest Lawyer in 2013, James brings decades of experience and a strong commitment to maximizing results for his clients.

free case consultation call us: (816) 364-1650

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