California residents should know that, every day in this country, some 7,000 people are injured in car accidents. The injuries can vary widely based on the type and severity of the crash, but below are some of the most frequently reported.
Traumatic brain injuries and whiplash
A collision can send a person’s head into the windshield, side window, steering wheel or roof, and such trauma can lead to a traumatic brain injury or concussion. Symptoms, which can range from headaches and nausea to neck pain, may appear only weeks after the crash, and if the injury causes bleeding underneath the skull, surgery may be required.
Whiplash refers to the straining or tearing of the neck muscles when the neck snaps back and forth, usually in a rear-end collision. While victims may recover with the help of pain medications, they may have dislocated some of the neck vertebrae, which would necessitate surgery.
Seatbelt-related injuries
While seatbelts can save lives, they may still do some damage. The body may press against the shoulder belt, the result being collarbone and rib injuries. Occupants may also damage their internal organs, including their heart, liver and lungs, or start to bleed internally if their lap belt is worn incorrectly.
Besides that, occupants may injure their foot, leg and back. Psychological trauma is also possible with post-traumatic stress disorder, sometimes, arising among crash victims.
Lawyer to represent accident victims
The personal injury you incurred in a crash may have been extensive. If the other driver was clearly negligent, though, you have a good chance of recovering damages from that driver’s insurance company. You may want to hire a lawyer, though, because the process of filing a claim can be complicated and time-consuming. While you focus on recovering, the lawyer may get the case prepared for negotiations, litigating only as a last resort.
