After a car accident, you may have questions about your injuries. It is likely that you are wondering whether your injuries are significant enough to pursue a claim. Fortunately, there are a few common car accident injuries that span many legal cases.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained after an accident will vary depending on how the accident occurred. For example, different injuries will result from a head-on collision versus from the side or rear. Further, the rate of speed relative to each vehicle will play a part in injuries sustained. Injuries will also vary depending on whether safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, were engaged. However, despite all of these factors, there are some common car accident injuries you should be aware of.
Head Injuries
This type of injury may involve minor bruises, scrapes or cuts. More serious head injuries include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you hit your head during a collision, internal swelling or bleeding may occur. Losing consciousness during a crash is a telltale sign that a serious injury may be at play.
Neck and Back Injuries
Pain in the neck or back after an auto accident may point to serious injury. These injuries may include:
- Muscle strains
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
Unfortunately, neck and back injuries are often sources of lasting pain. These injuries typically need monitoring and treatment over a long period of time.
Burns
Flames and hot surfaces pose a serious threat to a vehicle’s occupants. The more serious a burn is the more likely skin grafting and plastic surgery may be required.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries may result in the loss of sensation or ability to move various parts of the body. Pain or tingling sensations are also likely. Damage to the spinal cord may also cause spasms and an inability to control one’s bowls and bladder.
Broken Bones
A forceful collision may result in one or more broken bones. Successfully mending a broken bone takes time and sometimes even surgery. On top of this, navigating your everyday life becomes much more difficult without use of the limb or appendage you usually rely on.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
If you experience a car accident, you should seek medical attention, among other things. Some injuries are more obvious than others, such as broken bones and burns. These injuries will need assessment and treatment quickly.
At the same time, other injuries might not show up right away. There are late appearing car accident injuries that you may miss if you do not seek medical attention right away. Often, head, neck and back injuries are difficult to detect immediately following a collision. Many people find that they wake up the next day, or even weeks later, to aches and pains. Seeing a doctor after a crash will increase your odds of catching serious issues.
Will My Auto Accident Case Cover My Medical Bills?
Once a doctor has inspected your injuries after a car accident, you’ll be facing medical bills. On top of this, these bills may pile up given the severity of your injuries. However, filing a claim to recover damages for medical expenses is an option.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are difficult to win over. They look for ways to discredit your claim and downplay your injuries. That is why working closely with a lawyer is beneficial for securing the compensation you need.
Contact Our San Jose Car Accident Lawyers
If you suffer from any of these common car accident injuries, you should speak with a lawyer. Winning your car accident case will give you the resources you need to get your life back on track after a serious collision. For a free consultation, contact our San Jose car accident attorneys at (408) 716-1668 or online.