What Injuries Can You Get from a Car Accident?
Potential car accident injuries range from simple bumps and bruises that require almost no recovery time to more serious ones, such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that could leave the victim unable to fully recover.
The severity of your injuries will play a role in the settlement amount you could receive in a personal injury case.
High-Speed Car Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
When vehicles collide at high speeds, those riding in the vehicles have a greater chance of severe injuries. Even though vehicles have multiple safety features built into them, some of those benefits become less helpful at higher speeds.
According to Traffic Injury Prevention, at collision speeds up to 25 mph, airbags are effective in preventing or reducing the effects of injuries. However, the effectiveness begins to wane at crash speeds greater than 25 mph, meaning the possibility for more severe injuries begins to increase.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI is one of the most serious injuries a car accident victim can suffer. It is challenging to diagnose, and recovery is difficult, too. This involves a major injury to the brain, either from something piercing the skull during the accident or from a severe blow to the head that causes the brain to strike the skull’s interior.
Some of those who suffer a TBI in a car accident may never recover fully. Death and permanent disability are possible. According to Tulane University’s Center for Brain Health, some of the long-term therapies used to treat a TBI include:
- Behavioral health therapy
- Speech therapy
- Language therapy
- Physical therapy
Spinal Cord Injuries
After a high-speed crash, the victim’s back and neck can undergo significant trauma. Injuries in these areas of the body could lead to a spinal cord injury, leaving the victim with nerve damage or even paralysis. With this type of disability, it is possible the victim may never work again. If this is the case in your accident, you may be eligible for a large settlement that reimburses you for the wages you won’t be able to earn going forward.
Internal Organ Injuries
Severe internal bleeding is possible after a high-speed car accident. This type of injury is not easy to diagnose at the scene. First responders may recommend that an ambulance take you to a hospital so that you can receive immediate examination for a suspected internal organ injury.
With an internal organ injury, you could be facing a long hospitalization period, which likely will result in large medical bills. Your injuries also could be permanent.
Seeking the Settlement You Are Due After an Accident
After you have suffered a significant injury in a car crash that was not your fault, you may have the right to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
When someone else’s driving error caused your injuries, that negligent party and their insurance company should pay your bills. Accident victims who may have a greater reduced quality of life could receive a larger award in the personal injury settlement.
Less Severe Car Accident Injuries
Some common injuries you could suffer in a car accident will give you a chance to recover fully. These injuries can still be serious and require aggressive medical treatments. But injuries like this may not end up causing long-term health problems or disabilities for you.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a severe neck strain that commonly happens in car accidents, especially when another vehicle strikes you from behind. The neck and head suddenly jerk forward from the stress of the collision before whipping backward. This often causes an extremely painful strain in the neck that can lead to a long recovery process.
Broken Bones
Just before a car accident, those in the vehicle may attempt to brace themselves. This act often leads to broken bones because of the stress placed on the body.
Broken wrists, arms, ribs, legs, and ankles are all possible in a crash. Most people can recover from these injuries in a short time. Still, you may have to miss quite a bit of time from work while you recover.
You Do Not Pay Us in Advance to Secure Our Services
After suffering injuries in a car crash, you may want to seek a personal injury claim to recover your damages. Our car accident lawyers understand that money is tight after a crash when you can’t work. We do not want to add to your financial stresses. We encourage you to call us as soon as you can. You have only two years to pursue your case, per CC Art. 3492.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay us anything when you hire us. Our fee comes from a percentage of the final settlement instead. For a free consultation, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as soon as possible at (337) 777-7777.
