As much as they are common, car accidents are a dreadful scenario that impacts many people’s lives. According to the NHTSA, 27% of deaths were occupants of light trucks.
- 20% comprised pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and other non-occupants
- 14% were motorcyclists
- 4% consisted of occupants of large trucks or buses
Unfortunately, accidents resulting in injuries involve all vehicles, especially when drivers exhibit negligent behavior.
This is because many car accidents can inflict nerve damage and other subtle injuries that are challenging to detect. Specific forms of nerve damage may take days or even weeks to manifest noticeable symptoms. Without a medical evaluation, it is impossible to ascertain whether your accident has caused nerve damage or other enduring injuries and symptoms.
Hiring knowledgeable lawyers to get compensation for your car accident injuries is important. Keep reading to learn more about what goes into determining how great an injury could be from a crash and how understanding these things can help keep you safe while on the roads.
Not Using Seat Belts
Wearing a seat belt is not only a legal requirement but also substantially diminishes the likelihood of sustaining severe injuries in an accident.
As per the CDC, fastening your seat belt can reduce the risk of serious injury by as much as 50% and lower the fatality risk by 45%. Seat belts prevent your body from colliding with other surfaces and help maintain stability during a collision.
Location of Impact
The location of impact, whether the side, rear, or front of your vehicle, can impact the severity of injuries sustained. Additionally, your seating position within the car can influence the type of injuries you may experience based on the point of impact.
Body Positioning
Your body’s orientation, whether facing forward or turning within your seat, can also affect the nature and severity of injuries. Twisting or turning during an accident can exacerbate certain types of damage.
Fractured Bones
Car accidents frequently result in fractured bones. While some fractures may be evident, others could remain unnoticed. It’s possible not to realize that a bone is broken until after you’ve left the accident site. As with all the items on this list, seeking immediate medical attention yields the best outcomes.
Head Injuries
Direct or indirect impacts to the head and skull can lead to severe injuries. Head injuries, including concussions, can have long-term and life-threatening consequences, even if initial symptoms seem mild.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries encompass direct-impact and indirect-impact injuries like whiplash, which can result in nerve swelling and tearing. Whiplash symptoms may not manifest fully until days or weeks after the accident.
Airbags
Airbags minimize head, neck, and chest impacts during a collision. In head-on crashes, statistics indicate that airbags can reduce the risk of death by 30% for front-seat passengers, with an even greater reduction (over 50%) combined with seat belt use.
Fractured or Contused ribs
Car accidents frequently result in rib injuries, ranging from minor bruising to fractured bones. Assessing the full extent of the damage immediately after the accident may be challenging. While fractured ribs generally heal naturally, they can lead to further complications, such as damaging blood vessels or internal organs. If you experience chest pain, informing medical personnel to identify the underlying cause is crucial.
Summing Up!
Car accidents are no laughing matter and can cause serious injuries requiring extensive recovery time. An experienced lawyer can strongly advocate on behalf of their clients to reach a fair settlement or favorable judgment in court.
With crucial knowledge of all elements related to auto collisions, an individual is in good hands when supported by an attorney with their best interests in mind.
Therefore, if you have been critically injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence or recklessness, consider hiring experienced car accident lawyers to help you pursue justice through compensation.
Seeking legal guidance will put you and your family first and ultimately help you move on with your own life while holding at-fault parties accountable for their actions and ensuring justice is served.
