Is it possible to have major injuries from a minor car accident?
Car accidents can happen anytime and they can either be major or minor accidents. A minor accident is one where you can still drive away from the scene of the accident. Typically, you’ll only suffer from mild injuries in minor car accidents. Yet, sometimes a minor injury can turn into major ones over time. So, you must get checked out as soon as possible after the accident. The doctor can spot the hidden progressive injuries and treat them before they can have a huge impact on your health.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
A vehicular accident may cause serious injuries to any part of a person’s body. Here are a few of the most common injuries suffered by car accident victims:
- Burns
If a car catches fire after a collision or if the skin comes into contact with hot surfaces, fluids, chemicals, or steam, then the occupants can suffer burns. Extremely severe burns may require surgery or even skin grafting.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Car crashes are a leading cause of TBI, which occurs when the brain is damaged by a piercing injury or a blow to the head. Based on statistics, each year around 90,000 people suffer long-term disability, and another 50,000 die from TBI.
- Back Injuries
The body and spine can’t sustain heavy impact, and back injuries are a common result of vehicular accidents. Back injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car crash. Not to mention, the pain and disability from a severe back injury can be serious and enduring.
- Crush injuries
Any body part that gets caught between two objects being pushed together under pressure can result in a crush injury. Aside from lacerations and minor bruising, it can also cause serious damage to muscles, organs, bones, and tissues.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
The impact of a car crash and torque on a body can cause long-term disability brought about by spinal cord injuries. A damaged spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis.
- Internal injuries
When a crash forces a body into an object or the body is hit by a flying object, it can cause damage to the internal organs. This type of injury leads to internal bleeding and requires emergency medical treatment.
- Soft tissue injuries
Car accidents can usually cause bruising, strains, sprains, and other damage to ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These injuries are not only painful they can also be long-lasting.
- Limb loss and amputation
A finger, leg, arm, toe, or other appendages can be severed in a car crash. In more severe cases, surgical amputation may even be necessary. This kind of injury can cause permanent disability to a victim.
- Whiplash and neck injuries
Whiplash is the common term for ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries like neck pain after damage to the soft tissue of the neck resulting from a crash. Even speeds as low as 15 mph can create whiplash, with or without a seatbelt. Cervical dislocation and severe disk injury may also occur from vehicular accidents.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Car accidents not only affect the physical state of the person but can also cause mental and emotional injuries. Victims can also suffer from mental and emotional injuries following a car crash. Some of them can suffer from PTSD and normal activities may become worrisome and even impossible. The good news is that they can still recover from it provided they are given proper treatment and adequate support.
If you find that you need help after a car accident or vehicle collision, please call our office and speak to one of our experts today. 304-594-1800
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
