Car Accident Injuries And What To Do About Them

Posted November 1, 2024 | Personal Injury Blog

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving, often resulting in significant injuries that can disrupt your life. As an accident victim, you might be coping with physical injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost wages from missed work.

In the US, injuries from motor vehicle accidents caused over $481 billion in financial costs during one year. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing how to handle car accident injuries can make a huge difference in your recovery – both physically and financially. 

Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. The following are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. 

Bruising

Most bruises are not serious and will heal in a week or two. However, it is important to monitor any bruises you notice following a car accident because some bruises can indicate more serious injuries.

In some situations, a bruise can be a sign of internal bleeding. Pay special attention to any bruises on your head, as these could hint at brain injuries, which can escalate quickly. 

Broke bones

Broken bones and fractures from a car accident commonly occur in the arms, legs, and pelvis. You also may have broken ribs from the seat belt locking or the airbag deploying. 

Broken bones may require surgery and lengthy recovery periods. It is important to have fractures diagnosed and treated quickly to avoid complications like infection or improper healing. 

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is forced to move back and forth rapidly, straining the muscles and ligaments. 

Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately but can include:

• Headaches
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Dizziness
• Tingling and numbness

If it is left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

Cuts and lacerations

Cuts and lacerations can occur from broken glass, debris, or sharp objects inside the vehicle. Some cuts may require stitches and heal within a few weeks. Deeper cuts can damage nerves, muscles, or tendons and require more extensive medical care. 

Facial injuries

The following injuries could occur from the face hitting a steering wheel, airbag, or glass:

• Eye injuries
• Facial lacerations
• Soft tissue damage to the nose or ears
• Burns
• Broken facial bones
• Tooth loss

Spinal cord injuries

Motor vehicle accidents can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or other damage to the spine. Tragically, some spinal cord injuries cause paralysis. 

Spinal cord injuries can lead to the following:

• Muscle spasms
• Loss of experiencing heat or cold
• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic pain
• Loss of feeling and touch

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Even if you don’t hit your head on anything, the force from a car accident can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling. 

TBIs are notoriously slow to reveal symptoms and difficult to diagnose. Signs of a traumatic brain injury can range from headaches and dizziness to more severe cognitive and emotional issues. 

The Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may initially feel okay and decide to go home to avoid the hassle of a doctor’s visit. But this is not a good idea because not all injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident. 

The rush of adrenaline in your body can mask pain. Some injuries like internal organ damage or traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms for days or even weeks later. 

Delaying medical care can lead to worsened conditions and a more difficult recovery. It also leaves a gap in your medical records, which could harm your personal injury claim. 

Medical Documentation Supports Your Personal Injury Claim

When you seek compensation for your injuries, your medical records become an important piece of evidence used to prove the extent of your injuries and their connection to the car accident. 

Failure to provide immediate medical documentation can result in the insurance company arguing that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that your condition is less severe than you claim. 

By seeking immediate medical treatment after the car accident, you can:

• Provide a clear timeline showing that your injuries were a direct result of the crash
• Establish credibility, reducing the odds of insurance adjusters disputing your claim
• Ensure evidence of all of the injuries you suffered in the accident, including those that could result in long-term disability

Protect Your Legal Rights by Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer

Besides seeking medical attention, contacting a personal injury attorney is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you receive fair compensation for your car accident injuries. 

Here’s how a car accident lawyer can help:

• Investigate the car accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to strengthen your case. 
• Value your claim: Car accident attorneys can accurately assess the full extent of your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiate with the insurance company: Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators and know how to secure maximum compensation for their clients. 
• Represent you in court: If the insurance company is acting in bad faith or refusing to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will represent your case in court before a judge.

Get Maximum Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained in car accidents can have long-term consequences, affecting your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Knowing what to do after an accident means you can get the care you need to recover and protect your rights. 

If you have been injured in a car accident and are unsure what to do next, consider reaching out to the personal injury attorneys at Fielding Law. We can help you through every step of the claims process. 

With our compassionate legal team on your side, you can secure the compensation you need to cover your losses fully and focus on your recovery. Contact our law firm at (877) 880-4090, start a live chat with a member of our team, or complete the contact form to schedule a free case consultation.