Common Car Accident Injuries

Lawyer Helping Car Accident Injury Victims in Hagerstown

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering disabilities. The severity of an injury will often depend on the circumstances of the crash, such as the speed of the vehicles involved and the point of impact. Injuries sustained in a car accident can have long-lasting consequences, affecting a person's ability to work, take care of their family, and enjoy life as they once did. For those who have been injured in accidents, recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering is crucial to ensure that they can move forward from these difficult situations.

When you have been injured in a car accident, the issues you face can be overwhelming. At Serafini Law, we help people in Hagerstown and the surrounding areas address their injuries and damages. Our goal is to ensure that you can focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects of your case. With our in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and our commitment to achieving positive results, we can help you resolve your case successfully.

Serous Injuries in Car Accidents

The injuries that may occur in a motor vehicle collision can vary widely, and in some cases, they can lead to severe, long-term impairments. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that occur in auto accidents:

Whiplash

When violent jolts cause the neck to be jerked backward and foreword or side to side due to the sudden impact of a collision, this motion can strain or tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. In some cases, nerve damage may also occur, leading to long-term or permanent impairments. Whiplash may not cause immediate pain, but symptoms such as stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck, shoulders, and arms can develop within hours or days of the accident. While many cases of whiplash resolve over time with proper treatment, some people experience chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A strong blow to the head during a car accident, such as hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, can lead to serious brain injuries. TBIs may range from mild concussions to severe injuries that cause long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. Even a seemingly minor head injury can have serious consequences, affecting a person's ability to work and engage in daily activities.

In cases involving moderate or severe TBIs, victims may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with basic tasks. These injuries can profoundly affect not only the injured person but also their family and loved ones.

Broken Bones

The force of a collision can cause bones to fracture. Broken ribs, legs, arms, and collarbones are common in car accidents, especially when the body is thrown against a hard surface or when a person braces themselves for impact. In more serious accidents, multiple fractures may occur, requiring surgery to repair the bones.

Bone fractures can lead to significant pain and mobility issues, and these injuries may require lengthy rehabilitation and physical therapy. In severe cases, fractures can result in permanent limitations, affecting a person's ability to perform physical tasks at work or enjoy activities they once loved.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord may be some of the most serious injuries sustained in car accidents, and they often lead to permanent disabilities. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, and depending on the location and severity of the injury, a person may experience a loss of sensation or control in different parts of the body. Victims may lose the ability to walk or use their arms, and they may need assistive devices or even lifelong care.

The impact of a spinal cord injury is not only physical, but it can also affect a person emotionally and financially. People who experience spine injuries often face substantial medical bills, costs related to rehabilitation, and modifications to their home or vehicle to accommodate their needs.

Internal Injuries

In a car accident, the force of impact can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions. Common internal injuries include damage to the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, but it can quickly become a medical emergency.

Because internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose without medical tests, it is important for accident victims to seek immediate medical attention, even if they do not feel injured right away. When left untreated, internal injuries can lead to severe complications or death.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons in a collision may result in serious sprains or strained or torn muscles. Tissues anywhere in the body may be affected, but these injuries are particularly common in the neck, shoulders, back, and knees. Soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. While these injuries are not always visible on X-rays or other diagnostic tests, they can still impact a person's quality of life, especially if they lead to chronic pain or long-term discomfort.

Burns and Lacerations

Burn injuries and serious lacerations are common in car accidents, particularly when a vehicle catches fire or when windows shatter. Burns can range from mild to severe, potentially requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scars. Lacerations, or deep cuts, can damage muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, and they may sometimes lead to infections or cause lasting disfigurement.

The Impact of Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can affect nearly every aspect of a person's life. In addition to physical pain, many people experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as a result of their accident. The recovery process can be long and difficult, particularly for those with severe or permanent injuries.

Financially, the costs of medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications can be overwhelming, especially for those who are unable to work during their recovery. In some cases, victims may be permanently unable to return to their previous jobs, affecting their long-term earning potential. Families often bear the burden of care giving responsibilities, adding to the emotional and financial strain.

Contact Our Hagerstown, MD Car Accident Lawyer for Serious Injuries

As you deal with the injuries you have suffered in a car accident, it is important to remember that you do not have to handle this situation alone. Serafini Law is here to help you recover the compensation you need so that you can receive the proper treatment and avoid difficulties that may affect you and your family. Contact our firm at 240-744-1600 to set up your free consultation and begin your path to recovery.