Any injury sustained in a vehicle accident should be examined by a qualified physician. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents.
Brain Injuries
Any brain injury can be life threatening. Persons who survive a brain injury may have long-lasting problems associated with head trauma. Even a mild brain injury can permanently change a person's life and, consequently, the lives of those around him or her.
The injuries that result from a concussion may be indicated with lesser symptoms such as a headache, dizziness or slight confusion. The effects of a more serious brain injury, however, are more significant and include inability to concentrate, easy fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression, and a quick temper. Because they often appear much later than the accident, some injured persons and their families never make the connection between these real injuries and the accident or incident that caused them. It is essential to first recognize it as a serious injury and seek help.
Spinal Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord and severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal column. The majority of spinal cord injury victims experience permanent paralysis, and, sadly, many die as a result of their injury. A spinal cord injury of any kind can change the quality of life of the victim as well as their loved ones. Because of the complexities and long-term medical implications of spinal cord injuries, victims need to be aware of their health care benefits and rights.
Orthopedic Injuries
The most common type of car crash injuries is orthopedic in nature. Broken bones, sprains and strains are among the most common orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains describe an injury to a ligament and strains describe an injury to muscle. These are usually not life threatening; however, if left untreated, this type of injury can prove to be very serious and have lifelong effects for the victim. When not diagnosed early and managed appropriately, common musculoskeletal injuries may result in long-term disabling conditions.
Trauma Pain
Trauma pain can be described as aching, sharp or throbbing, and can result from any injury that damages tissues, including cuts, bruises, fractures and burns.
Acute pain (sudden, short-term pain) and trauma pain can overlap, as sometimes traumatic injuries lead to chronic pain when pain persists longer than expected. Severe trauma pain requires medical attention. Treatments vary depending on the type and seriousness of the injury or wound and may range from splinting to surgery.
Burns
Gas tank explosions, smoke, toxic fumes and superheated air are all potential hazards that can occur with a vehicular accident. Injuries can include thermal burns affecting the skin or burns that affect the airway. A burn injury can affect the victim's muscles, blood vessels, and bones, and cause him or her great pain due to damaged nerve endings. Burn victims can also experience a wide variety of major and potentially fatal complications, including electrolyte imbalance, infection of the skin and muscles, shock, and respiratory problems. A burn injury can also cause emotional or psychological distress due to scarring and physical deformity; if full recovery is not possible, the victim could suffer from depression for the rest of his or her life.
Mental Trauma
Individuals sometimes experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an event involving trauma pain, such as a vehicular accident. This can be a debilitating "injury," preventing the victim and his or her family from resuming a normal life after the accident (i.e., returning to work, functioning as a spouse or parent, etc.).
Post-Accident Pain
Accident victims can sometimes experience less obvious or hidden injuries as a result of a vehicular crash, even a minor one. These injuries are just as real, but more difficult to recognize, diagnose and treat. These less obvious injuries usually result from the stress and strain put on the victim's body from the force of impact of the collision. Symptoms may not occur until days, weeks or even months after the accident.
The most common forms of "hidden" injuries are myofascial injury (whiplash) and mild traumatic brain injury (concussion).
To discuss your case with an experienced personal attorney, contact Hance & Srinivasan, P.L.L.C., locally at 502-473-6025 or toll free at 877-345-7389 to schedule a consultation.
