Any car accident, even one in which all vehicles were traveling just ten miles an hour, has the capability of causing injury. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we have seen a wide range of injuries from car accidents, ranging from relatively minor to catastrophic injuries. Read on to learn about the five most common injuries caused by vehicle accidents. If you have experienced one of these or another type of injury, please contact us at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Head trauma
- Spinal damage
- Broken bones
Medically speaking, a sprain refers to a ligament or tendon that has been stretched or torn. It is the most common injury in a car accident for both drivers and passengers. Sprains and strains can occur in the neck, chest, back, shoulder, and other body parts. This type of injury does not always become clear right after an accident and sometimes takes hours or even days to manifest. Some sprains and strains are minor and heal on their own, while others require physical therapy or even surgery.
A laceration is an open tear in the skin and is most commonly caused by forceful contact with sharp objects like glass or plastic. Lacerations can include cuts, bruises, and even burns. A laceration can be nothing more than a minor annoyance or it can be life threatening. Even in those that heal, additional medical procedures such as scar revision surgeries may be required.
Today’s vehicles have many safety features designed to reduce the chance of head trauma, such as seatbelts and airbags. However, these safety devices cannot prevent 100% of head trauma. If a driver or passenger experiences blunt force trauma to their head, they could end up with a lifelong injury. This is an injury that is especially likely to not always be obvious and may only be diagnosed by a medical professional.
When spinal damage is minor, it is generally covered by the strain and sprain category. However, when it is more serious, it can be life-threatening. There are a number of types of spinal damage but disc herniations are the most common. They can result in nerve impingement, which requires surgery and physical therapy. A person who experiences spinal damage may have mobility issues for the rest of their life.
Fractures can occur in a number of places in the body, including the legs, ribs, knees, and back. Most broken bones are treated by immobilizing the break via cast or a sling. Most broken bones can be fixed relatively easily but others may require surgery.
No matter the type of injury you have sustained, if you have been hurt in a car accident then you should first get medical care. Then contact a personal injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you are owed. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
