Auto Accident Injuries
Common Injuries From Auto Accidents
Head injuries such as concussions or brain injuries happen in bad accidents or in minor collisions when people do not wear seat belts. Back injuries such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage may happen due to impact. Whiplash and traumatic cardiac arrest also occur in some instances. Sprains, strains, lacerations and broken bones are common in the extremities. Emotional distress is also a form of injury that accompanies many accidents even if the physical injuries are not severe. This type of injury also occurs in witnesses who see a collision or its traumatic consequences.
What Is Whiplash?
Many people assume that whiplash is only one injury that causes a sore back or neck. However, the term refers to several possible injuries that happen because of a sudden impact. The injuries can happen whether a vehicle is traveling fast or slow. The impact causes a person to lunge in one direction and back in the other. This jerking motion often leads to hyper-extension of muscles, ligaments or vertebrae. Unfortunately, these injuries cannot always be identified immediately after an accident. They may take days or weeks to develop. Here are some symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck stiffness or tightness
- Persistent neck aches
- Dizziness
- Frequent headaches
- Persistent back pain
Children And Fatal Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the main cause of childhood death is car accidents. Although not all child injuries or deaths are preventable, many can be prevented by proper use of car seats and vehicle safety features. Children who meet the state's criteria for being in a booster seat should always be in one that is approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some people wrongly assume that children will be safe when traveling a short distance at a slow speed. However, many childhood deaths have occurred because young children were not in their car seats.
Claims For Injuries
The at-fault driver is responsible for the medical costs of the other vehicle's occupants and any long-term effects of their injuries. In addition to being responsible for physical damages, the at-fault driver is responsible for property damage. These are some common damages that can be included on a claim:
- Loss of affection
- Reduced employment opportunities
- Lost wages
- Long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
To learn how to file an auto accident injury claim, contact an attorney.
Learn More
Are attorneys that handle motor vehicle accidents the same? The answer is no. Take your time when it comes to signing with a law firm. Speak with an attorney who
The legal profession uses the law of negligence in deciding motor vehicle accidents. The law states that those who operate a vehicle must do so in a reasonably careful manner. If the motorist does not use “reasonable care,” he or she can be accused of negligence. A driver who is determined to have operated his or her vehicle negligently may be ordered by the court to pay for any damages that resulted from his or her actions. These damages may be to people or property.
If a second motorist directly caused the collision, you should make sure you get the driver’s insurance information. The insurance provider will want to record an official statement. Do not give any statements without speaking to an attorney first.
The policy should at least cover the state
After a car crash, you may feel disoriented, and some of the details from the accident can be a bit hazy. This includes remembering who is at fault for the crash, which you will need to prove. If you are unsure, you must find out to determine who is liable for any injuries and property damage.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in the Orlando area, an attorney can help you seek compensation. Florida Law can be complicated---and it may be difficult to know the proper steps when you are the victim of a vehicular incident.
If you were ever hurt in a car accident and accumulated medical bills, you probably wish you knew about PIP.
If you live and drive in the United States, you need to know how the state you live in impacts your auto insurance.