Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Injuries sustained in car crashes can be especially devastating, in large part because of the high speeds and heavy machinery involved. Injuries can range in severity from minor bruises and lacerations to broken bones and nerve damage. Often, drivers and passengers who were involved in horrific car accidents also suffer from emotional trauma for years after their physical injuries have healed. Fortunately, victims can obtain compensation to help pay for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The injuries sustained by those involved in car crashes depends largely on the type of collision and the number of vehicles involved. For instance, multi-car pile-ups are notoriously deadly because vehicle occupants experience multiple, high-speed impacts. Collisions where one car was rear-ended often result in neck injuries and whiplash, while accidents involving large trucks are more likely to cause spinal damage and brain trauma.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in car crashes include:

• Broken and fractured bones;
• Minor and severe lacerations;
• Contusions;
• Organ damage;
• Internal bleeding;
• Spinal cord damage;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Severe burns;
• Head injuries;
• Toxic exposure;
• Miscarriages;
• Ligament and tendon damage;
• Herniated discs; and
• Nerve damage.

While small cuts and minor bruises may heal quickly and easily, many injuries can take years to fully heal, and others could lead to permanent disability or death. Expensive surgeries, doctor’s appointments, therapy, rehabilitation services, and full-time nursing care can be financially devastating for victims and their families. 

However, if another driver’s negligence or wrongful act caused the accident, he or she can be held responsible for all costs associated with injuries sustained in the crash. In order to make a claim for damages, victims must bring a claim within two years of the accident, or the claim will be barred.

Physical scars are not always the only permanent reminders of a traumatic car crash, as many survivors experience at least some degree of psychological injury, especially when the accident involved severe injuries or death. Some victims are unable to drive for months or even years after being involved in an accident, which can make sustaining employment or completing daily tasks almost impossible.

Some of the most common types of psychological injuries experienced by people involved in car accidents include:

• Stress disorders;
• Persistent anxiety;
• Depression;
• Mental anguish; and
• Emotional distress.

Treating psychological injuries can be a painful, time-consuming, and expensive process. Depending on the severity of the trauma, victims may require years of therapy or prescription medications.

The costs of treating injuries sustained in car accidents can be prohibitively expensive, especially if multiple surgeries or ongoing therapy and rehabilitation services are required. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can protect your interests. Please contact the dedicated Monterey County personal injury attorneys at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. for a free consultation.