The road is a dangerous place, especially in the United States. In 2024, approximately 6 million car accidents occurred. Most car accidents are non-fatal and result in non-life-threatening injuries that can drastically affect your health and daily life.
In this article, we will go over the most common car accident injuries, how they occur, treatments, and the legal steps you should take following the accident. If you find yourself injured and are reading this article, consult an Irvine Car Accident Attorney now to guide you through the process of recovery and compensation.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents that occur. This type of accident is often caused by sudden stops, distracted driving, or failure to maintain a safe following distance. Most common type of injuries from a rear-end collision are as follows:
- Whiplash – When the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and backward. This strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can require physical therapy or chiropractic care.
- Neck Injury – A symptom caused by whiplash. Commonly causes limited movement and tenderness with more severe cases causing nerve damage or disc problems.
- Back Injury – Common with symptoms including strains, herniated discs, and fractures. Severe cases cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and nerve issues making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Treatment varies by severity.
T-Bone Accidents
This type of accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. This accident can result in devastating injuries due to lack of crumple zone on the side of the vehicle. Common injuries from T-bones are as follows:
- Broken Bones – Due to the high impact speed and collision area these injuries are common in T-bones. The most common bone fractures are in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Treatment typically requires casts, splints, or surgery to heal properly.
- Internal Injuries – Caused by significant blunt force trauma. This most commonly damages organs and blood vessels. Oftentimes these injuries are not visible and can be life-threatening. Treatment requires immediate emergency medical care.
- Head Trauma – Refers to any injury to the skull or brain. Can range from mild to severe with the latter requiring emergency medical attention. Symptoms can be dizziness, confusion, headaches, and cognitive issues.
Head-On Collisions
The most dangerous type of collision which often causes severe injuries. Typically caused by distracted driving, this type of collision almost always requires immediate medical intervention to prevent fatalities. Common injuries are the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Occur when an external force impacts the head directly. In car accidents this is often when the head collides with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. This type of injury can be life-changing and cause significant permanent damage. Treatments include hospitalization, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Chest Injury – Similarly to TBIs, this type of injury is caused by blunt force trauma. Injuries include multiple rib fractures, contusions, and damage to internal organs like the lungs, heart, or spleen. All chest injuries require immediate medical attention and can involve prolonged hospitalization. If you’ve sustained any of these injuries, contact a skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Orange County for guidance.
Legal Assistance for a Car Accident Injuries
Seeking legal assistance following a car accident is common and encouraged. Oftentimes, injuries from accidents will result in medical expenses, loss of work, and ongoing symptoms. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer is great for ensuring that you receive compensation for the injuries following an accident.
The legal process can be long and arduous, and the benefits of a personal accident lawyer are tremendous. A good lawyer will help you collect evidence, guide you through insurance claims, and represent you and your interests in court. Do not wait, if you’ve found yourself injured in a car accident, seek out an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer immediately.
Conclusion
Car accidents, while often unavoidable, can lead to a large range of injuries that can easily last a lifetime. Understanding what causes these injuries and the steps you can take to heal them as best as possible are incredibly important. Moreover, consulting with an experienced attorney ensures that you are rightly compensated and gain access to the best medical care possible. If you’ve received Injuries from Car Accident, seek out a lawyer who can guide you through the web of legal complexities to protect you while you can focus on healing.
