5 Serious but Common Injuries From Car Accidents That Can Be Compensated
Car accidents and fatalities are on the rise in the US. On average, around 20 million-50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries, many of which result in long-term disabilities, during car crashes each year across America. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may wonder if you can claim compensation. Read on as we take a look at five common injuries from car accidents and the associated compensations.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury from car accidents and can result in long-term neck pain. If you have been diagnosed with whiplash, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Whiplash is caused by the head being suddenly thrown forwards, backward, or to the side. The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain, but you may also experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
Seeing a doctor is vital because whiplash isn't necessarily an injury you can document or take pictures of for evidence. A doctor's visit on your medical records for whiplash will help with any compensation claims.
Serious whiplash injuries can leave people unable to work due to ligament tears in their necks and shoulders. If you cannot work, especially if your job requires manual labor or lifting, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings.
You can also claim medical expenses, such as physiotherapy or pain and suffering. Pain and suffering claims mean claiming any physical discomfort or emotional distress caused during your accident. These are compensatable for injury sufferers despite being non-economic.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury from car accidents. The most common broken bones in car accidents are ribs, collarbones, and the arm. This is usually from the blunt force impact of a car colliding with another vehicle or something solid.
As with whiplash, if you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because, like with whiplash, there may not be external evidence of your injury. However, having an X-ray or other medical records from a hospital visit will help support your claim.
More serious examples of broken bones are fractured spines or slipped discs, which can result in paralysis or losing function of the arms and legs. The severity of your broken bones and range of movement will determine your compensation claim. This is because the more pain and suffering you experience from an injury, the more you can claim.
Broken bones are particularly harrowing injuries as they can take several months to repair fully. This means you could be unable to work for long periods of time and may be unable to perform basic tasks that involve the broken ligament.
3. Head Injuries
Another common injury from car accidents is a head injury. Head injuries can be caused by the blunt force of an impact or from hitting your head on something inside the car, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.
Head injuries can range from a concussion to severe brain damage. You should see a doctor as soon as possible because some symptoms, such as concussions, can take days or weeks to develop.
If you have suffered a concussion, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If your concussion is severe, you may be able to claim for long-term loss of earnings and future medical costs.
Head injuries can impact both your memory and your cognitive thinking. If they are not treated quickly and appropriately, they can impact someone for the rest of their lives. After all, the head protects a person's brain. Impact injuries can affect brain function, leading to significant illnesses like brain damage or dementia.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents and can include sprains, strains, and bruises. These injuries are usually caused by a form of impact or from being thrown around inside the car during an accident. Some soft tissue injury symptoms, such as bruising, can worsen in just days.
It's vital to document your injuries and how they develop over time. If your soft tissue injuries are painful and not getting better, see a doctor who can help prescribe you medication to alleviate the symptoms.
It's also possible to claim compensation for soft tissue injuries, especially if the injuries limit daily activities. For example, if your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to claim a loss of earnings.
You need to be wary of potential infections, or excessive bleeding if you've experienced these injuries. Should these occur, they can lead to further complications in the future.
5. Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage is a common but often overlooked injury from car accidents. This is because the symptoms of internal organ damage may not be immediately apparent after an accident. A person might not even realize the extent of their organ damage if they can't see or feel anything. Their body might be full of adrenaline, which is masking the pain.
However, if you are experiencing pain in your abdomen or chest, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because internal organ damage can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
As with other common injuries from car accidents, you can claim medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. Loss of earnings essentially means claiming if this serious injury has meant you've been unable to work or earn money for an extended period.
What to Do if You Suffered Common Injuries from Car Accidents
These are some of the common injuries from car accidents. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to claim compensation, but you must act quickly. First, seek medical attention immediately after an accident and document your injuries. This ensures you have evidence for a potential claim.
Then, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you want to speak to one of our expert car accident lawyers about your claim, contact us today to learn more about our services.