As you and your family drive home from a movie, you feel a sudden impact. You realize that another vehicle slammed into you. Your immediate concern is for your children. You start to evaluate the scene. Your entire family is shaken up, and you notice that there are car accident damages.
You must call 911 to get the police department and paramedics to the scene. Everyone who was in your vehicle has to be taken to the hospital. You aren’t sure what the extent of the injuries is yet. These are some of the most common injuries a person might face and can happen in a car accident.
Scrapes, Cuts, and Bruises
Scrapes, cuts, and bruises are likely the least serious type of injury that a person might face in a car accident. These often don’t require much medical intervention. Some cuts might require stitches, but this is only if they are deep, long, and serious. You will have to monitor any areas with broken skin for signs of infection since infection would likely require medical care.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries
Broken bones and soft tissue injuries are a little more serious. You might suffer a broken arm or leg. Twisted ankles, whiplash, and a dislocated shoulder are some types of injuries. You might even pull your back muscle. In all of these cases, some medical care might be necessary, but it will not likely be anything too serious.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often catastrophic or very serious life-threatening injuries. These can lead to paralysis and other lasting effects. The chance of a spinal cord injury is one of the reasons why paramedics use stiff backboards to help move people involved in car accidents. Life-long medical care is almost always required after a spinal cord injury.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can also be catastrophic injuries. Superficial head injuries might not result in very serious issues. Traumatic brain injuries are another story. These can lead to lasting effects on how your brain functions. It can also mean you have to deal with long-term medical care.
After an accident that produces serious injuries, you might opt to seek compensation for the car accident damages that you faced. This can help you get back some of the money you lost if you had to take time off work to care for yourself or your children after the accident. Other damages might also be covered in a car accident injury lawsuit.