Five Types of Injuries Associated with a Car Accident

Five Types of Injuries Associated with a Car Accident When a car strikes another vehicle or object, the force of impact can result in a wide range of injuries. The nature and severity of those injuries may not always be immediately apparent. For instance, at first, you may feel a pain in your lower back. The seemingly minor ache could be the sign of a much more serious problem such as a bulging or herniated disc. The human body simply is not designed to absorb the energy unleashed upon impact or to go through the bending and twisting motions that typically occur in a crash. For this reason, you should see a doctor as early as possible after you have been involved in a car accident. The doctor will know how to examine you for possible injuries and order X-rays, MRIs or CT scans which can detect some injuries which are not so obvious. As our Florida car accident attorneys have seen over the years, some of the most common types of injuries associated with car accidents are:

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur if a person's head strikes an object in a crash such as a dashboard or windshield. The jolt to the brain at impact can also cause TBI. Even a mild form of TBI such as a concussion can have lingering effects on the way a person thinks, moves, communicates or regulates his or her behavior. In the worst cases, TBI may cause a coma or death.

Spinal Injuries

The nerves, bones and discs within the spine can sustain serious damage from a direct, traumatic blow or due to the unnatural motion that the body goes through in a crash. The major concern is paralysis, or the loss of feeling and control in the body below the point of where the injury occurs in the spine. Paraplegia is paralysis of the legs and lower body, while quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) is paralysis of every limb. Paralysis frequently leads to millions of dollars in lifetime medical costs.

Neck and Back Injuries

The rubbery discs which provide a cushion for the bones within the spine, or vertebrae, can suffer damage in a crash due to a direct hit or due to compression of the spine. A bulging or herniated disc may result. These are highly painful injuries and often require surgery. Additionally, the neck can snap back and forth in an accident and damage soft tissue, causing a condition commonly called "whiplash." This injury often occurs in rear-end collisions.

Broken Bones

Fractures are highly common in crashes, especially broken limbs. Many people can achieve a complete recovery from a fracture within a matter of months. However, some people experience chronic pain and long-term disability due to a fracture, which can limit their ability work. Additionally, certain types of fractures such as broken hips, ribs or pelvic bones can lead to serious complications such infections or nerve damage.

Burn Injuries

A car accident can expose a driver or passengers to thermal burns from a fire or gas tank explosion or from getting splashed by hot fluids. Friction burns also frequently occur from scraping against a hard surface in a crash.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida

If someone else's negligence causes you to suffer serious injury in an auto accident in Florida, you have the right to seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, emotional distress and other harm. The experienced car accident attorneys of Holliday Karatinos Law Firm can provide a timely and free review of your case. To learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation through our offices in Brooksville, Inverness or Lutz.