There are millions of auto accidents in the United States every year and more than two million injuries that result from them. As you think about the types of injuries most often sustained in a car accident, can you guess what the top four are? Keep reading to get the answers you want, then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney.
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken Bones
- Brain Injuries
- Whiplash
It does not matter how slowly a vehicle was moving, it is always possible to damage soft tissue. Even if the seatbelt simply locks up, bruising can occur. If anything within the car went flying when the brakes were applied, such as phones, purses, mugs, etc., bruising or cuts can occur. When a vehicle is moving at a high speed, cuts and bruises can be caused by many other things, including broken glass. Minor cuts may just need cleaning and bandaging, while more serious cuts can require surgery.
It is very common for a victim in a car accident to suffer from broken bones. Any bone can break in this type of accident but the bones in the hand are particularly vulnerable because the force of the airbag and the steering wheel can snap them. Feet and legs often suffer breaks, as do the hips and pelvis in more serious accidents. It is possible to have broken ribs, a broken neck, or a broken spine.
The severity of broken bones can range from a hairline fracture that requires nothing more than rest to bones that are essentially pulverized into many pieces. The treatment for broken bones can include a cast, splint, or surgery. Physical therapy is often required.
A concussion happens when the head moves back and forth quickly and the brain moves without the skull. This can cause physical damage or chemical imbalances in the brain. The bad news about brain injuries is that they are not always obvious right away. Look for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and ringing in the ears. If you have reason to believe that you have a concussion, get immediate medical help.
This injury is the result of strained soft tissue within the neck. The tissue of the ligaments, muscles, and joints all get stretched suddenly and can lead to neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. Other symptoms can include dizziness and headaches. Whiplash can take up to 12 weeks to heal and a cervical collar may be required to protect the neck during this time.
If you have suffered one of the above four injuries, or any other injury, then we urge you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free legal consultation. We are standing by now to answer questions and help you better understand your options.
