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 auto accident 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:

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.

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Top Causes Of Auto Accidents In Arizona

Arizona roads have become battlegrounds, with reckless and distracted drivers taking innocent lives through collisions caused by intoxication, inexperience, or hazardous conditions. A car is an instrument of destruction – a heavy mass of steel powered by a hot engine fueled with gallons of combustible liquid. To drive carelessly in these circumstances could mean the difference between life and death for those around us.

Reckless Driving

It is all too common to witness drivers who ignore the rules of the road. Stop signs are seen as a mere suggestion, blinkers are viewed unnecessary and every street appears like it was meant for two-way traffic. However, if recklessness takes hold behind the wheel of a car, it can sadly lead to tragedy by ending your life or someone else’s in an instant.

Distracted Driving

We are a people of passengers who can’t seem to keep their eyes on the road. From eating breakfast at the wheel to participating in Zoom calls, our lack of focus not only puts us in danger but also those around us. Fatigued driving is just as hazardous, if not more so, than distracted driving and all individuals should practice these precautionary measures:

  • In a call, set your phone to speaker mode, or connect it to your car’s Bluetooth system so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes forward.
  • Have a passenger do tasks that would distract you.
  • Pull to the side of the road and park to take care of something urgent.
  • If you often change radio channels during commercials, make a playlist instead.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, legal or illegal, is a leading cause of road, boat and bike accidents. When taking any new medication you should always take note of the warnings on its prospectus and allow it time to affect your body before attempting to get behind the wheel. Whenever in doubt about how something might impact your driving abilities err on the side caution – don’t risk putting yourself and others at harm’s way by driving intoxicated.

Contact Our Arizona Auto Accident Lawyer Today

Have you been hurt in a car accident? If so, it’s time to contact our trusted Arizona accident lawyer at Klink Law, PLLC. Our legal team is here to provide honest guidance and reliable representation for victims throughout all of Arizona, including Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, Surprise, and beyond.

At Klink Law, PLLC, we understand that everyone should be represented in the legal process regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our consultations are always free, and our contingent fee contracts have no upfront costs, meaning you only pay for our services if we win your case. We believe this is a strong way to ensure fairness to all people from different walks of life. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.

Questions? We Can Help

Based out of Glendale, AZ Klink Law, PLLC focuses on Personal Injury Litigation, Licensing Board Defense, and General Civil Litigation. David Klink takes pride in the opportunity to personally serve his clients and he will take the time to explain the legal process and answer your questions.