Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents
A car accident can happen when you least expect it, but the injuries can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a fender bender on I-93 or a severe collision on a rural road, crashes in New Hampshire can leave drivers and passengers dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and lost time from work. The severity of injuries from a crash depends on many factors. While some people may walk away with minor scrapes, others may suffer life-altering injuries.
How do car crashes cause head and brain injuries?
A sudden impact can cause a driver or passenger’s head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, leading to serious trauma. Common head and brain injuries sustained in crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Concussions are one of the most common types of TBIs. A mild concussion might cause dizziness and headaches, while severe cases can result in memory loss and long-term cognitive issues.
- Skull fractures and lacerations: A high-impact collision can cause a skull fracture or deep cuts to the scalp. These injuries can lead to dangerous internal bleeding and require immediate medical attention.
Why are neck and back injuries so common in crashes?
The force of a car accident puts extreme stress on the neck and spine and can lead to painful injuries that take a long time to heal. The most common neck and back injuries suffered in crashes include:
- Whiplash: This is the most well-known injury in rear-end collisions. The sudden jerking motion strains the muscles and ligaments in the neck, causing stiffness and pain that can persist for weeks.
- Herniated discs: The spine’s soft discs act as cushions between vertebrae, but the impact of a crash can push them out of place, pressing on nerves and causing severe pain.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and medical care.
What chest and abdominal injuries result from car crashes?
The chest and abdomen absorb a lot of force in a crash, especially when a driver hits the steering wheel or a seatbelt tightens upon impact. These injuries typically include:
- Broken ribs: A hard impact can crack ribs, making it painful to breathe or move.
- Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma can injure internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, leading to internal bleeding that requires emergency medical care.
- Cardiac injuries: A forceful impact to the chest can bruise the heart muscle or rupture blood vessels, sometimes triggering a heart attack.
How do car crashes injure arms, legs, and extremities?
In a collision, the arms and legs are vulnerable to severe injuries, particularly when a person braces for impact. Most injuries to the arms and legs include:
- Broken arms and legs: Many people instinctively put out their hands to brace for a crash, which can lead to fractured bones. Legs are especially at risk in high-speed head-on collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and dislocations happen when muscles and ligaments stretch beyond their limits. These injuries often require physical therapy to heal properly.
- Amputations: A severe crash, particularly one involving a large commercial truck, can lead to limb loss. In some cases, doctors must amputate a limb due to extensive damage.
Can a car accident cause psychological trauma?
Not all car accident injuries are visible. The emotional impact of a crash can be just as damaging as physical injuries. In some cases, crash victims experience physiological trauma such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: Many accident victims struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety when driving again. This is especially common after a serious crash.
- Depression and anxiety: Chronic pain, financial stress, and the inability to return to normal activities can lead to emotional distress. Some victims feel hopeless, especially if they can’t work or do the things they once enjoyed.
How a car accident attorney can help if you've been injured
If you’re injured in a New Hampshire crash, seek medical treatment immediately. The shock and adrenaline of a crash might mask the pain, which means you may not be aware that you're hurt until hours or days later. A doctor can diagnose any injuries and start treatment early to help prevent long-term complications.
If another driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In New Hampshire, fault-based insurance laws allow you to file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, insurance companies often don't play fair. They may ask trick questions or use other tactics to reduce or deny your claim.
At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin P.A., our experienced legal team has spent over a century fighting for the rights of injured victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. We can handle your claim from start to finish and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. You only have to focus on your recovery.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us online or call us today to get started. Your recovery starts with the right legal team by your side.
"Engaging the firm Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin was a very good decision for me. After thoroughly reviewing our partnership concerns and rights, our situation was quickly and efficiently resolved. I couldn't have chosen a better firm... Many thanks to them for their professionalism and helpful guidance." - M.C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
