Car accidents can cause many different types of traumatic injuries. If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to see a doctor promptly, as traumatic injuries can often worsen or become more difficult to treat if not diagnosed right away.
Obtaining a prompt diagnosis is also important for protecting your legal rights. If you wait too long to seek treatment, the insurance companies will likely claim that either:
- You cannot prove that your injuries are accident-related
OR - You are responsible for your condition being worse than necessary
In addition to seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, it is also important to speak to a lawyer at your earliest convenience. A car accident injury lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and how to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Traumatic Injuries in Auto Accidents
When you are involved in a car accident, there are several ways in which you can be seriously injured. The impact forces involved – even at relatively low speeds – can cause many different types of trauma, and even modern vehicles are not capable of protecting drivers and passengers against all types of injuries.
In fact, there are numerous issues that can cause serious injuries in the event of a car accident, including:
- Airbag deployment
- Airbag failure or malfunction
- Broken glass
- Crushing or crumpling
- Fires and explosions
- Impact with a seatback, headrest, dashboard, or door
- Seat belt injuries
- Sudden vehicle stop or impact
These and other factors can cause many different types of serious traumatic injuries, including injuries that will not necessarily have immediate symptoms. The injuries you suffer in a car accident will depend on the circumstances of the crash. However, even minor accidents with limited damage to the vehicle can result in injuries with long-term consequences.
Common Types of Traumatic Injuries in Auto Accidents
While many types of injuries will be readily apparent, others may require an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan in order to assess the full damage that has been caused. The most common types of traumatic injuries resulting from serious car accidents include:
- Burns – While fires and explosions can result in severe, disfiguring, and potentially life-threatening burns, drivers and passengers can also suffer burns from seat belts and airbags. Burn injuries can lead to permanent limitations and chronic pain, and intensive treatment will often be necessary.
- Broken Bones – Broken bones can result from impacts with seatbacks, dashboards, doors, and other internal vehicle components. They can also result from crushing or crumpling in the event of a high-impact or rollover accident.
- Internal Bleeding – Internal bleeding is fairly common among victims of serious car accidents, and it can be a sign of various types of severe injuries. Emergency medical treatment will almost certainly be necessary, as bleeding internally could be indicative of organ damage.
- Internal Organ Damage – Internal organ damage can result from punctures caused by broken bones and external objects, as well as from blunt force trauma. Additionally, complications from internal bleeding and other injuries can lead to organ failure if not treated promptly.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Brain injuries are among the most common types of serious traumatic injuries sustained in car accidents. This includes concussions as well as more severe forms of brain trauma such as diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) and coup-contrecoup injuries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries are also fairly common due to the fact that the soft tissue in our bodies is highly susceptible to being damaged. This includes sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries can range widely in severity. While relatively minor spinal cord injuries may be treatable, more severe forms of trauma to the spinal cord can result in permanent injuries and full or partial paralysis.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a common car accident injury that most often occurs in head-on and rear-end collisions. When the head moves forward and then snaps back suddenly, this can cause potentially severe damage to the nerves and soft tissue in the neck.
This list is not exhaustive. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is extremely important that you see a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis right away. You should also speak with an attorney promptly to find out if you are entitled to financial compensation for your car accident injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Mickey Fine
The Law Offices of Mickey Fine has been representing clients in car accident injury cases for decades. Attorney Mickey Fine and his team are committed to achieving maximum compensation for the damages our clients and their families sustain.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please call (661) 333-3333 today for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Mickey Fine serves clients in Bakersfield, and nearby areas of California.