Car accidents can result in many types of injuries. Some are more common and more consequential than others. Understanding these common injuries and their effects can help you know what kind of medical, financial, and legal assistance you might need if you suffer injuries in a traffic collision.
Whiplash
The unexpected force of an automobile collision can result in a sudden back-and-forth motion of the head. This whip-like movement can damage nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments within the neck.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Tingling and numbness in the shoulders or arms
- Weakness of the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles
- Dizziness
Any or all of these symptoms can limit the range of motion of the head and neck. As a result, many whiplash victims are unable to drive, work, or participate in the activities that are important to them.
Treatment for whiplash includes medication, physical therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment. In some cases, healing from whiplash can take several months. The worst cases of whiplash can result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most common car accident injuries. The hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, pelvis, legs, and facial bones are the most susceptible to fractures. Depending on the severity of the break, treatment may entail medication for pain management, a cast to stabilize the bone as it heals, or surgery to reset a bone that has sustained a complete or complex fracture.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head experiences a severe jolt that disrupts brain function. A TBI can result from a car crash when an occupant’s head collides with the inside of the vehicle or if debris pierces the skull. Brain injuries also occur when the force of the collision ejects an occupant from the car, causing the head to strike the pavement or another external surface.
A concussion is a type of milder TBI occurring when the brain bumps into the inside of the skull. Depending on its severity, concussions can lead to:
- Pain
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of consciousness
More severe TBIs can lead to long-term or permanent cognitive, behavioral, and physical challenges. You should receive swift medical treatment as soon as possible after any head trauma to mitigate the potential for life-threatening and disabling conditions.
Back and Spinal Cord Injury
Many car accident victims suffer damage to their back muscles, which can cause debilitating pain. When an accident harms the spinal cord, the consequences are even more dire. A spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to permanent paralysis below the injury site. Victims may require lifelong care, assistive devices, and expensive modifications to their homes.
Internal Injuries
The extreme force of a traffic crash can damage vital organs and cause internal bleeding. These injuries require immediate medical attention to prevent fatal consequences.
Injured in a Car Accident in Wisconsin? Contact LawtonCates Today
Were you hurt in a car accident in Wisconsin? You may be eligible for compensation. Learn more by contacting the experienced car accident attorneys at LawtonCates today. After nearly 60 years of providing legal help for car accidents, we know how to fight for the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
