Car crashes can lead to severe injuries that may inspire long-lasting effects on victims and their loved ones. While some people have only minor injuries when they’re involved in a crash, others suffer catastrophic injuries.
Because car wrecks lead to the release of adrenaline, some people may not realize how badly they’re injured at first. As such, anyone who’s been in a crash should seek out urgent medical care. Understanding some of the more common catastrophic injuries may help victims determine if they have something wrong in the days or weeks after the crash if anything gets “missed” during an initial medical assessment.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often one of the most stressful injuries that can occur during a car crash. These injuries occur when there’s damage to the spinal cord or the spinal column’s bones, discs or ligaments. The effects can include paralysis, loss of sensation, and decreased motor function below the damage.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, are common yet serious injuries resulting from the force and impact of car crashes. The severity of fractures can vary widely, from simple breaks that might heal with casting and rest to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones. Multiple fractures can occur in some high-speed crashes and complicate healing.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur with a hit to the head or because of the violent motion of the head at the time of the impact. The severity of TBIs can range from mild concussions, which may result in temporary confusion and headaches, to severe injuries causing prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia.
All of these injuries can require costly and long-term medical care. The victims of these crashes shouldn’t be liable for those expenses if the wreck was the result of another party’s negligence. In those cases, the victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim.
Working with a legal representative may benefit these victims. The representative can build their legal case while the victim focuses on healing. Ensuring all damages, such as medical care costs and missed wages, are pursued to the fullest extent can help to minimize the financial impacts of a wreck.