Car accidents can be traumatic events, leading to physical and emotional damage that may take years to recover from. In the wake of a serious auto accident, victims often face costly medical bills and an uncertain legal future. For those without experience in navigating this landscape, it can feel overwhelming. To provide a better understanding of what common car accident injuries look like and how they should be treated legally and medically, it is important to analyze the different kinds of accident injuries that victims frequently suffer from – from whiplash to long-term emotional struggles.
7 Types of Physical Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in many physical injuries, some of which can be life-altering. These injuries can cause paralysis or other long-term disabilities that require extensive medical care, so it is important to determine the scope of the injury as early in the process as possible. Knowing if an injury is minor or serious can help victims determine how to proceed with their medical and legal treatments.
1. Whiplash
One of the most common injuries associated with car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly thrown forwards, backward, or sideways. It can manifest in stiffness, pain, headaches, and difficulty turning the head. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may require several weeks to recover from whiplash.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another frequent outcome of car accidents. Broken bones can be caused by direct physical trauma or being jolted around inside a vehicle during a crash. Commonly broken bones that occur due to car accidents include collarbones, arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures. These types of injuries can take months to heal completely depending on their severity and if they require surgery.
3. Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from blunt force trauma to the head during an auto accident. Symptoms can manifest immediately, such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, and loss of consciousness. But more serious long-term damage may not be apparent until weeks after the crash.
4. Internal Injuries
Significant internal bleeding or organ damage can have serious consequences for the victim’s health following an auto accident if left untreated. Victims may experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting if they have internal injuries. It is important to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident for any possible signs of internal injury.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue damage can occur in the form of bruises, cuts, scrapes, and strains that result from being jolted during a crash. While these types of injuries may heal relatively quickly compared to broken bones or other serious trauma, they should still be taken seriously and given proper treatment by a medical professional.
6. Spinal Cord Injuries
The most severe type of physical injury that can occur due to a car accident is spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or full paralysis, loss of feeling and sensation in the body, and other debilitating effects. These types of injuries are extremely serious and may require extensive medical attention and rehabilitation over an extended period.
7. Psychological Trauma
Finally, psychological trauma is also an underlying issue that can arise in the aftermath of a car accident. This type of injury is not always visible but can still have deeply negative effects on victims. Emotional trauma can manifest in various forms, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and nightmares.
How Long after a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
In some cases, accident victims may experience delayed injuries that take days or even weeks to manifest after the crash. This is why it is important for victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, and to continue monitoring their health in the weeks following the incident. If an injury does not appear until days or weeks after the event, it can still be linked back to your original accident and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
How Long after an Accident Can You Claim an Injury?
Most car accident victims have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation for their losses. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies by state. In most cases, the filing window begins on the date of the accident and closes two or three years later. It is important to keep in mind that there are some exceptions to this rule – such as when a child is involved in an auto accident – so it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney about your options soon after your accident occurs.
What Kind of Evidence Do You Need to File an Injury Claim?
When you file a personal injury claim after a car accident, the court will need evidence to support your claim that you were injured in the collision. Evidence needed to file a claim could include the following:
- Medical records that document the extent of your injuries
- Photographs of the accident scene and any visible damage to vehicles or property
- Eyewitness testimonies from those who were present at the time of the accident
- Police report with details on what happened during the collision
- Proof that you’ve suffered financial losses related to the accident
How Can an Attorney Help Your Car Accident Injury Case?
An experienced car accident attorney can help you seek financial compensation for any physical or psychological injuries suffered as a result of an auto collision. They can investigate your case, build a strong argument for your claim, and guide you through the legal process every step of the way. This includes gathering evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, and helping you get the best possible outcome in court.
Conclusion
By hiring an attorney who is knowledgeable about car accident laws in your state, you have a better chance of obtaining full and fair compensation for all damages related to your injury. For more details, read about accident attorney services at Cummings & Lewis.
