When you're involved in a car accident, the experience can be traumatic. Your body may react in a variety of ways, oftentimes with pain and injury. Unfortunately, many individuals don't understand the full scope of how car accidents can affect their body.
This article will explain what to expect when it comes to the physical effects of a car accident. We'll discuss the different types of injuries that may be sustained, as well as what medical treatments are available to help recover from them. Additionally, we'll also offer advice on how to avoid injuries in future accidents and provide resources for individuals who have been injured in a crash.
Ultimately, our goal is to arm you with information about the potential physical consequences of being involved in a car accident so that you know what to do if it ever happens to you or someone you care about. Contact one of our experienced Austin car accident lawyers for more help.
The Physics of a Car Accident
In a car accident, your body is subject to the powerful forces of physics, which can cause serious injury. Whether you're driving in a low speed collision or a high speed crash, the physical force of your body crashing into and being compressed by the vehicle's interior can have serious long-term consequences.
When the force of an impact affects your body, it can cause:
- Bruising or contusions: Blood vessels rupture and cause temporary discoloration and swelling.
- Internal organ damage: The force from a car accident can cause organs such as the heart, lungs, spleen and more to shift out of place.
- Muscular tears: Muscles are stretched beyond their normal limits and may tear as a result of an accident.
- Fractures to bones: Bones may crack or shatter due to the rapid movement or compression caused by an accident.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when restrained with a seatbelt, victims of car accidents can experience concussions, contusions and other types of brain trauma due to the violent jerking motion that usually occurs in an auto collision.
These kinds of injuries can occur even at slow speeds because the human body isn't designed for the physical stresses associated with car accidents. Knowing what types of injuries can result from auto collisions is essential for assessing any potential personal injury claims that may arise from an accident.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of physical injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, head and neck injuries, and whiplash.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most common car accident-related injuries. Depending on the severity of the collision, you could suffer multiple fractures, some of which may require surgery to set and heal properly.
Back Injuries
The jolting motion of a car accident can also cause back injuries such as herniated disks or spinal damage. The pain caused by these types of serious back injuries can be disabling and require ongoing treatment plans such as physical therapy.
Head and Neck Injuries
Even if you're wearing your seatbelt and have airbags, you can still suffer from head and neck injuries in a car crash. For instance, whiplash is a common type of neck injury caused by the rapid forward and backward movement experienced in a collision. Other head trauma can include concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Additionally, it may also be beneficial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands how to help victims get compensation for their medical bills, lost wages or future needs related to their injury.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident
If you suffer an injury in a car accident, it's essential to get the medical help you need. Even if your injuries seem minor, such as scrapes or bruises, it's important to get checked out by a doctor in case there are underlying and more serious issues.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The force of the crash could have caused unseen trauma that may not manifest for days or even weeks. In some cases, delayed symptoms can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms to look out for after a crash include dizziness, headaches and fatigue that won't go away with rest.
Know Your Rights
It's also important to know your rights and seek legal advice if necessary. If your injuries were caused by another person's negligence or recklessness while driving, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawyers specialize in helping people injured in car accidents get the help they need and ensure they are fully compensated for their suffering.
Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?
Knowing who is at fault in a car accident is often one of the first steps taken in determining the legal responsibility that may exist. Generally speaking, the driver who behaved negligently by driving while distracted or impaired will be considered responsible for any injuries sustained by victims. Negligence can also be proven when a driver disregards road rules and laws, such as speeding or failing to signal for a turn.
The term 'negligence' also applies to a situation in which the driver's conduct was not reasonable and was not what would be expected from an ordinary person under the same circumstances. This means that if you were injured due to another driver's reckless behavior on the road, you may have a legitimate claim against them and their insurance company.
Furthermore, some states have contributory negligence laws which prohibit any person injured in an accident from recovering damages if they have contributed even slightly to the accident occurring - so it is important to consult with knowledgeable lawyers who are familiar with your state's laws.
Ultimately, car accidents can have serious consequences, so it is important to understand who is at fault before taking any legal action. With experienced professionals on your side, you can make sure that justice is served.
Consulting an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the car accident claims process can be difficult and complex. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is key to understanding your legal rights and obtaining compensation for damages that you may have incurred after an accident. A lawyer can help you:
- Analyze the facts of your case and advise you of your legal options.
- Conduct an investigation into the crash, review police reports, medical records, and track down witnesses and evidence in order to build a strong case for you.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation for your losses.
- Take your claim to court if necessary, advocating for your rights in front of a judge or jury as needed.
The right lawyer will provide expertise on the laws and regulations governing car accidents in your area, helping to protect you and make sure that any insurance payouts are fair and appropriate given the severity of the injuries sustained during the crash.
Financial Compensation for Car Accidents
When a car accident happens, those involved often suffer physical and emotional injuries that can have serious economic impacts. Victims of car accidents may be eligible for financial compensation in the form of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses.
Understanding the financial compensation available to victims of car accidents can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to seek help from an experienced personal injury law firm. A legal expert can help you navigate the claims process, so you get the financial assistance you deserve.
Here are some common forms of financial compensation that victims of car accidents may be entitled to:
- Medical bills - including medical expenses incurred before and after the accident, as well as future medical expenses related to ongoing treatment
- Lost wages - damages may cover lost wages due to time away from work while recovering from an accident
- Pain and suffering - victims may be entitled to both physical and emotional damages related to the trauma experienced during a car accident
- Property damage - damages may cover damage done to vehicles or other property involved in the accident
How To Recover From A Car Accident Injury
The aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling pain and discomfort for weeks or months. If you are involved in an accident, understanding the basics of car accident injury treatment and recovery can help you find relief from the pain and start to regain your health.
As soon as possible after the accident, visit a medical professional to diagnose any injuries. Seeking medical attention promptly can ensure that any injuries are fixed and that you receive the right care for recovery.
When recovering from an injury caused by a car accident, it is important to focus on both restorative and rehabilitative treatments such as:
- Restorative Treatments: These techniques help improve your body's overall health so it can better heal itself. Restorative treatments include massage therapy, hot or cold therapies, natural healing methods like acupuncture, physical therapy and chiropractic care.
- Rehabilitative Treatments: These treatments focus on realigning musculoskeletal structures so that the body functions correctly and free from pain. Some examples of rehabilitative treatments include electrotherapy, manual mobilization techniques and physical therapy, which can help speed up recovery time and reduce discomfort.
In some cases, medication may be included in your treatment regimen to reduce inflammation or relax muscles to reduce stiffness and pain. Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents if you think you may have suffered financial losses due to your injury such as lost wages or medical expenses related to the accident.
Contact Fletcher Law For Your Car Accident Case
If you've been injured in a car accident, it's important to seek legal counsel from a qualified personal injury attorney. The team at Fletcher Law has years of combined experience in auto accident cases and will fight for your rights as an accident victim.
Fletcher Law's process begins with a free initial consultation, during which we'll listen to your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation. We'll investigate the details of the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We also have extensive experience advocating for clients in court when necessary.
Our experienced attorneys understand how stressful your situation can be and provide personalized attention to every case that comes through our doors. Your satisfaction is our primary goal – we strive to get you the compensation you deserve while also providing empathy and understanding throughout the process.
At Fletcher Law, we have decades of experience helping car accident victims secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, automotive repair costs, and other damages incurred after an auto collision. If you've been injured in an automobile accident, contact us today to set up a free initial consultation.