If you’re one of the 3 million people injured in a car accident each year, you know that even minor injuries can have a negative impact on your day-to-day life. Common car accident injuries range from cuts and bruises to severe head injuries and everything in between.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should consider speaking to a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents to ensure that you get everything that you are entitled to. Here are some of the most common accident injuries that car accident victims may suffer.
1. Whiplash
This is the most commonly known car accident injury. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back. The sudden movements of the crash cause the body to move faster than you would normally move, causing strain to your soft tissue.
There’s not much you can do to prevent whiplash and it’s often very painful. The recovery time can be lengthy as well.
2. Back Injuries
Car accidents can severely damage your spinal cord which could impact your feelings and control of your other body parts. Severe spinal cord damage can cause paralysis as well.
Less severe back injuries include herniated discs. Herniated discs cause back pain that can impact your ability to engage in your normal daily activities.
3. Scrapes and Cuts
Scrapes and cuts are also common, especially if your airbags deploy. Any loose items in your car can become projectiles in a crash, including phones, bags, and drinks. If any of these hit you, they can cause cuts or scrapes.
Shattering glass can also cause cuts, particularly if the accident is severe. These injuries are often minor and don’t require medical attention unless they need to be cleaned or stitched up.
4. Head Injuries
Head injuries could be as minor as a laceration but could be more serious, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries are serious and if they aren’t treated properly, can result in long-term problems with brain functions. Even a concussion, if not treated properly, can result in serious problems.
If there is any concern about a head injury, do not delay getting medical treatment.
5. Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are common due to the impact of airbags and your body being restrained by the seatbelt. The force of the seat belt or shoulder harness can be extremely strong and result in contusions or bruises. More severe chest injuries could include broken ribs and internal injuries or bleeding.
Contact an Attorney If You’ve Experienced a Car Accident Injury
Insurance companies often do not want to adequately compensate you for your car accident injuries. Instead, they want to try to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible. A personal injury attorney can help ensure that this does not happen, though.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us at Maurer Law. Our experienced Spokane persoanl injury attorneys can advise you of what you are entitled to and handle the negotiations for you. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.