Car accidents are like people – no two are exactly the same. For this reason, the injuries that result from a car accident can also vary widely from one crash victim to the next. However, there are certain types of serious injuries that are regularly seen in car accident victims because of the nature of the crash. The following are only a few examples of common auto accident injuries.
Head injuries – Most people do not wear helmets inside their cars or trucks. Therefore, the head is generally completely exposed in a crash. Despite airbags that are meant to protect a motorist from hitting his or her head on a steering wheel or dashboard, the head often suffers trauma in a serious crash. In addition, the sharp jolt of an impact can be enough to cause injury to the head and the brain. Some common head injuries include:
- Concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull fractures
- Hemorrhaging
- Injuries to the face or teeth
All of the above require medical attention immediately and may have lasting physical and/or cognitive effects for victims.
Neck and back injuries – One of the most commonly cited injuries after a car crash is “whiplash.” The term whiplash can refer to a number of soft tissue injuries in the neck affecting the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Regardless of the specifics of a particular whiplash injury, this type of injury can be painful, can limit mobility and abilities, and can require extensive therapy and treatment to fully heal.
In addition, many parts of the back can be injured in a car accident. There are muscles, joints, and soft tissue in the back that can be damaged. Anyone who has suffered a back injury knows it can cause extreme and chronic pain. Back injuries often keep victims from working or even moving around for a period of time. Medication, rest, therapy, and more may be needed in order to recover from a back injury, and there is always the chance of reinjury in the future.
Spinal cord injury – The spinal cord is an essential part of the body, sending messages from the brain to regulate organ function and facilitate movement in your limbs. When any part of the spinal cord is injured, the body below the point of injury can be affected, as messages from the brain can be disrupted or can even completely cease. Many spinal cord injuries result in a period of paralysis, which can be permanent in the most serious incidents. Spinal cord injuries require emergency treatment for stabilization and constant monitoring to prevent complications and increase the chances of regaining abilities. For paralyzed spinal cord injury victims, their lives will be forever changed, and they will require ongoing care and treatment for the rest of their lives.
No matter what type of injury you sustained in your car crash, it is likely that it affected your life in many ways and resulted in substantial financial losses as well as pain and suffering. You should be aware that if another party caused your crash, you have the legal right to seek financial recovery for all of your injury-related losses.
Contact a Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
By calling a Philadelphia car accident law firm, you are making the financial recovery process substantially easier so that you can focus on your own physical recovery from your serious injuries. The Levin Firm will help you through the insurance claim process and through a personal injury lawsuit if needed so that you receive full compensation for your injury-related losses. We are here to help, so please call for more information at 215-825-5183 today.