Understanding Auto Accident Injuries

A devastating car accident can leave victims with life-altering physical damage that persists for years. Prompt medical attention is imperative to avoid further health issues and may even be necessary for saving lives. Recovery is your top priority, but what happens to the person or party that caused your injuries?

At Klink Law, PLLC, we comprehend the terrible impact that car accident injuries can have on individuals and their families. That is why our accomplished personal injury lawyer offers victims of car accidents personalized care as they provide them with a legal roadmap to financial recompense for any personal damages incurred. We are here to defend you and give support during this unpleasant time in your life.

Most Common Types Of Auto Accident Injuries

Whiplash Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, every year 120,000 individuals suffer from whiplash–the most frequent injury resulting from an automobile accident, typically caused by rear-end collisions. While this neck pain can be debilitating and painful at times, it is often resolved within a few weeks. Common signs of whiplash injuries include the following:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain worsens when the neck moves
• Neck loses range of motion
• Headaches
• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Tingling and numbness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Other symptoms can include:

• Irritability or personality change
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus (ears ringing)
• Sleep difficulties
• Depression

Neck injuries

Our delicate necks bear the burden of our heads, so even small shakes or jolts can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage that keep them in place. Whiplash is one such injury that occurs when there is a violent movement of our neck similar to cracking a whip. Though not always visible at first glance, whiplash or other trauma may take months – if ever – to heal and could potentially lead to life-long discomfort.

Did you know that your head, when sitting up straight and normally balanced on your neck, weighs only 11 pounds? Yet tragically in the event of an accident where it is thrown off balance just slightly- a mere tilt to one side can make its weight feel like 60 pounds instead. This sudden force may lead to serious neck injuries from both airbags deploying and contact with hard objects such as steering wheels. If you experience any discomfort or pain following a collision be sure to seek medical attention immediately!

Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of back and spinal cord injuries, including strains or sprains, disc slips, and fractures. Back and spinal injury symptoms will vary according to where the injury occurred (on the spinal column/neck) and how severe that injury was. Some of the more common symptoms of these types of car accident injuries include but are not limited to:

• Back pain
• Weakness and/or tingling in the legs
• Limited mobility and/or range of motion in the spine
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.

There are many risk factors when it comes to an injury to your back or spinal cord. Auto accidents tend to cause back and/or spinal cord injuries when:

• Rollover accidents occur
• Vehicle occupants are thrown from vehicles
• High-speed collisions occur
• A car or truck collides with a pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle

Head & Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the third leading cause of motor vehicle fatalities in America. These head and brain traumas can vary from mild to extreme depending on the point and intensity of impact during a car crash. Common symptoms associated with these head trauma caused by automobile accidents may include:

• Cognitive symptoms, such as memory and concentration problems, difficulty speaking, perception impairments, etc.
• Behavioral symptoms, like mood swings, anxiety, increased irritability, etc.
• Physical symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, balancing and coordination problems, headaches, etc.

Bone Fractures

From broken arms to shattered legs, fractures are an all-too-common outcome of being in a car accident. Symptoms of bone fracture may differ depending on the location; signs could include:

• Severe pain and bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling and/or tenderness in the affected area

Bone fractures are more likely to result from car accidents when:

• Side- and/or front-impact collisions occur.
• High-speed crashes take place.
• Occupants are thrown from vehicles as a result of the crash.
• A car or truck collides with a pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle.

Psychological Injuries & Impacts

Car accidents can have a lasting psychological impact on victims that is different for each individual. Those with permanent physical injuries often experience more severe mental anguish due to the resulting disruptions in their career, quality of life, and independence. In some cases, these psychological effects may persist for years or even throughout one’s lifetime.