Common Injuries from Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are the leading preventable causes of deaths in the United States. They are also one of the leading preventable causes of injuries. Causal agents for traffic accidents include alcohol and drug consumption, drowsiness, talking on cell phones, eating, and myriad other distractions. People who are distracted while driving are liable for the deaths and injuries they cause.

There are several common injuries in auto accidents suffered by victims. Some of these include whiplash, back injuries, head injuries, and numbness and tingling in the extremities. Some of the symptoms of these injuries are:

• A whiplash injury involves an injury to the neck. It not only causes extreme discomfort but also can reduce the range of movement in the neck. The most common type of accident involving whiplash is a rear end vehicular collision. It can cause the victim’s head to whip violently backward and forward. A major problem with whiplash is that it is difficult to treat effectively. The pain from a whiplash injury may also not appear immediately, but may arise some days after the accident.
• Spinal injuries may include fractures, but often are misalignments in the spine that can cause nerve damage and other serious problems such as harm to discs and ligaments. Nerve pressure increases due to stress on the spine. Such pressure on the spine, if not treated or relieved, can lead to other long-term medical problems. If the spinal cord is damaged, full or partial paralysis may result.
• Head injuries—these can range from mild concussions, to fractures, to serious brain damage. Quick diagnosis and treatment is essential for the possible prevention of some long-term effects. The effects and pain from head injuries can vary widely from person to person, and can be temporary or permanent. Head injuries may permanently affect the victim’s vision, among other things. Side impact collisions account for a large percentage of head injuries sustained in auto accidents.
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities can occur from a variety of injuries to the body, including spinal damage. The numbness can become more than just a nuisance. It can continue for years, and victims may lose strength of grip, and may have trouble holding things without dropping them. In extreme cases, it can cause disabilities that could even threaten the victim’s employment.
• Damage to internal organs may have permanent effects on a victim’s life. Organs can be damaged by severe trauma or broken bones. Organ damage may require surgery, and can cause lifelong problems.

These are just a few of the serious troubles that can arise following a motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one is involved in an injury accident, contact a competent personal injury attorney to help you learn all your options before settling with an insurance company. Remember, injuries can have long lasting effects of which you may not immediately be aware.