Car Accident Injuries: Causes, Effects, and Legal Options

Car accidents can lead to life-altering injuries and emotional distress, impacting victims in various ways. Understanding the types of injuries, their symptoms, and the necessary legal steps can empower victims to seek justice and compensation. This guide explores the most common car accident injuries and provides essential insights into managing their aftermath.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity and impact. Here are the most common types:

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced into a rapid back-and-forth motion, straining muscles and ligaments. It’s common in rear-end collisions and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Concussions

Concussions result from a sudden jolt or blow to the head, causing the brain to move within the skull. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and memory issues, which may persist for weeks or months.

Back Injuries

The force of a collision often leads to back injuries, such as herniated discs, sprains, or fractures. These injuries can cause severe pain, nerve issues, and limited movement, affecting a person’s ability to work.

Fractures

Broken bones are common in high-impact collisions. Fractures can range from minor cracks to complex breaks requiring surgery. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.

Impact on Daily Life and Work

Minor injuries might heal within weeks, but severe injuries can result in chronic pain, long-term disability, and reduced earning capacity. These effects highlight the importance of seeking medical and legal help promptly.

Specific Injuries and Their Symptoms

Each type of car accident injury presents unique symptoms and challenges. Below is an in-depth look at some of the most significant injuries:

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries, such as whiplash and cervical sprains, can cause stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty turning the head. Severe cases may involve nerve compression or damage, leading to numbness or weakness in the arms.

Head Trauma

Head injuries range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms include nausea, confusion, and sensitivity to light or noise. Severe head trauma can lead to cognitive impairments and long-term health complications.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries, such as bulging or herniated discs, can result in intense back pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. In severe cases, spinal cord damage may cause paralysis.

Leg and Arm Injuries

Fractures, sprains, and dislocations in the legs or arms are common due to the force of impact. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and limited mobility.

Conditions to Monitor Post-Accident

There are several specific conditions you want to watch for, as they may not be noticeable right away and can worsen with time. These include:

• Bulging Discs: May cause localized pain or radiating discomfort in the arms or legs.
• Nerve Damage: Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or sharp pain.
• Swelling and Pain: Monitor for inflammation, which may indicate internal injuries or fractures.

Delayed-Onset and Hidden Injuries

Not all injuries manifest immediately after a car accident. Understanding the nature of delayed-onset and hidden injuries is crucial for long-term health and legal claims.

Why Symptoms May Appear Later

The adrenaline rush during an accident can mask pain and discomfort. Days or weeks later, victims may notice symptoms such as stiffness, headaches, or abdominal pain, signaling potential internal injuries.

Hidden Injuries to Watch For

• Internal Bleeding: Can cause dizziness, fainting, or abdominal pain.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Symptoms may worsen over time as inflammation sets in.
• Post-Accident Trauma: Emotional and psychological effects might only become apparent after initial shock subsides.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Car Accidents

Car accidents don’t just affect the body—they take a toll on mental health as well. Emotional and psychological injuries are often overlooked but can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after a serious car accident, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. Victims may feel reluctant to drive or even be near traffic.

Anxiety and Depression

The aftermath of an accident may leave victims struggling with fear, sadness, or a sense of helplessness. These feelings can interfere with daily activities and relationships.

Psychological Injuries in Legal Claims

Emotional and psychological injuries are valid components of personal injury claims. They require thorough documentation from mental health professionals to support compensation claims.

What to Do if You Experience Pain After an Accident

Experiencing pain after an accident is a clear sign to take action. Here are the recommended steps to take:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, a thorough medical evaluation is important for your health—and your personal injury claim. This helps identify hidden injuries and creates a medical record for legal purposes.

Document Your Symptoms

Keep a detailed log of symptoms, including pain levels, frequency, and any new developments. This documentation strengthens your case for compensation.

Follow Medical Advice

Adhere to prescribed treatments, including physical therapy or medication. Non-compliance can weaken your legal claim.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

Lastly, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. An experienced car accident attorney can advise you on your next steps, help you gather evidence, such as photos of injuries, accident reports, and medical records, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Compensation and Legal Recourse for Accident Injuries

Understanding your rights and potential compensation is essential for recovering after a car accident.

Pain and Suffering Payments

Compensation for pain and suffering considers the physical and emotional toll of injuries. Factors influencing these payments include:

• Severity and duration of pain
• Impact on daily life
• Long-term prognosis

Average Settlements for Common Injuries

Like pain and suffering payments, settlement amounts vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident. Every case is unique, and to know what your accident may be worth, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan. For free, they can review the specifics of your case and advise you on your next steps.

How Legal Representation Helps

The experienced attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can negotiate with insurance companies to maximize settlements, gather evidence to prove negligence and establish liability, and even represent you in court if necessary.

Compensation Types

When working with your lawyer, they will review your case to see what compensation types you may be eligible for, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time off work and reduced earning capacity.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for mental anguish and trauma.

Guidance for Passengers and Specific Situations

Passengers and unique accident scenarios require tailored advice to ensure proper care and compensation.

Passengers Injured in Car Accidents

Passengers can file claims against the driver’s insurance, whether it’s the driver of their car or another involved vehicle. Legal representation ensures fair treatment and compensation.

Airbag-Related Injuries

While airbags save lives, their deployment can cause injuries such as burns, fractures, or abrasions. In cases of defective airbags, victims may pursue claims against manufacturers or car companies.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Car accident injuries can have far-reaching effects on victims’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. With over 35 years of experience in personal injury law and over $23 billion recovered, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Injuries

Can I get a concussion from whiplash?

Yes, due to the violent movement of the head and neck at the time of a strong vehicle impact, you could get a concussion from whiplash. 

Whiplash develops when the head and neck snap back and forth at a high velocity because of an incredibly strong impact produced by a vehicle collision, and a concussion can subsequently develop because of the impact the head makes on another object. 

Do you get drug tested after a car accident?

Responding officers evaluate the scene of an accident and determine if anyone involved might have been impaired. However, when serious injuries occur, vital clues may be overlooked during the flurry of paramedic activity and the chaos of scattered car debris, gathering crowds, and blocked traffic. Suppose the behavior that indicates drug use is missed. In that case, a drug user might get away without being held accountable for their negligent actions.

On the other hand, if you were in an accident and were forced to do a drug test without probable cause, your Fourth Amendment rights may have been violated. In either scenario, Morgan and Morgan Law Firm is here to protect your rights and make wrongdoers pay for their misdeeds.

Why do airbags hurt?

Despite their many benefits, airbags can hurt when activated. Many individuals complain of bruises or facial pain after an airbag deploys. However, the government believes that the benefits of airbags outweigh their risks, and they remain an essential part of every new automobile.

However, many airbags may cause injuries due to a malfunction or manufacturing error, such as with the Takata airbags recall. In that case, you should speak with an attorney about your legal options.

Why do I have pain after my car crash?

Knowing why you are in pain can alleviate some of the stress that a car accident triggers. Auto collisions cause a wide variety of injuries that mostly depend on the force of an impact. Some of the injuries can produce life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical care. If you are in an accident, seek medical attention to ensure your health and safety. Some injuries won’t show symptoms right away and can worsen over time if left untreated.

Seeing your healthcare provider will also establish a medical record that is used as vital evidence for insurance claims and even lawsuits.

Can car accidents cause PTSD?

Yes. While many people recover from their injuries relatively quickly, some may suffer long-term effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a car accident. 

There are a few different ways that car accidents can cause PTSD. First, the accident itself can be traumatic. If you were involved in a severe accident that resulted in death or injury, it's natural to feel scared and traumatized by the experience. Even if you weren't injured, just seeing the damage to your car can be enough to trigger PTSD symptoms.

Second, PTSD can be caused by the stress of dealing with the aftermath of an accident. This can include dealing with insurance companies, repairing your car, and missing work due to injuries. If you're already overwhelmed by these things, it can be hard to cope with them emotionally. This can lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Finally, some people develop PTSD after a car accident because they feel like they're not in control of their lives anymore. After an accident, you may feel like you can't do anything right or that everything is out of your control. This can be especially true if you were seriously injured in the accident and are now dealing with chronic pain or disability. These feelings of helplessness can lead to PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance of anything that reminds you of the accident.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a car accident that wasn’t their fault, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to have your story heard and get advice for your next steps.