Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in California

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of accidental injuries and deaths throughout the country each year. These incidents occur in various ways, sometimes causing tremendous physical harm to victims. If you drive in California, it’s vital to know your rights after an accident and what you can do to limit your risk of causing an accident and facing liability for damages caused to others. You should also know the most common car accident injuries and what you can do if you experience such injuries due to another driver’s actions.

A car accident can be a life-changing experience, and the victim of another driver’s negligence or misconduct could face an extremely painful and stressful recovery process. The following are some of the most commonly reported injuries from car accidents, their possible effects, and tips for holding another driver accountable when they cause such injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most commonly reported car accident injuries is a traumatic brain injury. This happens whenever external forces damage the brain. This could entail a concussion, which results when the brain hits the inside of the skull. Penetrating head injuries are also possible in severe crashes, and this type of injury is caused by a foreign object penetrating the skull and rupturing the brain. Any traumatic brain injury has the potential to be very difficult to treat and cause lifelong disabilities.

Spinal Injuries

The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body, carrying neurological signals and allowing for conscious and unconscious control over movement and bodily functions. The spinal cord is one of the most important structures in the human body.Unfortunately, it cannot repair itself when injured like the rest of the body.Any spinal cord injury is permanent, and the potential effects can include diminished sensation, reduced range of motion, or even paralysis.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments are some of the most commonly reported car accident injuries. Crash impact forces can place tremendous stress on the joints and complex musculoskeletal systems of the body. These injuries may not be very obvious at first, but they can quickly escalate to be extremely painful and disruptive. Most soft tissue injuries will heal with time, rest, and appropriate care, but severe soft tissue damage may require surgical correction.

Internal Injuries

The impact force of a car accident can cause damage to the internal organs, and many such injuries are not immediately noticeable. The victim may not experience much pain at first, but internal bleeding and damage to internal organs can potentially lead to a life-threatening situation very quickly. It is vital for any car accident victim to seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident, even if they think they only sustained minor injuries.

Broken Bones

Bone fractures can easily occur whenever the human body is subjected to heavy physical trauma. Even though most modern vehicles have crash-absorbing frames designed to crumple and reduce the strength of a collision, bone fractures are still commonly reported injuries from motor vehicle accidents across the country. Some broken bones will heal with appropriate treatment, and victims will regain full functionality.Others are more damaging, and some require surgical placement of steel rods and plates to correct severe fractures. Some bone fractures will cause soft tissue degeneration in the affected area, chronic pain, and other long-term complications.

It’s possible for a car accident to cause a host of injuries, and the victim could face a very long and painful road to recovery. Whatever your case entails, having an experienced attorney represent you will ensure that you are best prepared to meet the challenges that your recovery efforts may present.

FAQs

Q: How Can I Reduce My Risk of Being Injured in a Car Accident?

A: While you cannot always anticipate the actions of other drivers, you can drive defensively and attentively to reduce your risk of causing an accident. To limit the risk of sustaining injuries when an accident occurs, invest in a vehicle with a very high crash test safety rating, give yourself plenty of time to reach destinations so you are not inclined to rush, and avoid driving at night or during inclement weather whenever possible.

Q: What Is the Most Common Fatal Injury in Car Accidents?

A: The most commonly reported fatal injury from car accidents throughout the US is traumatic brain damage. While some brain injury victims recover completely or with some residual effects, others are not so fortunate and do not survive. If a brain injury does not receive prompt treatment, the victim’s condition may worsen to life-threatening levels very quickly.

Q: How Do I Prove Injuries in a Car Accident Claim?

A: If you intend to file an auto insurance claim and/or a personal injury suit against an at-fault driver, you must be prepared to prove that they directly caused actual harm of some kind. Your attorney can assist you in gathering any evidence you may need to prove the scope of your injuries from a car accident, including medical reports from your treatment team and your doctor’s prognosis of the long-term or permanent effects you could face in the future.

Q: How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

A: The total value of a car accident claim in California hinges on the total economic damages sustained by the victim. A severe accident could lead to a host of immediate and long-term economic damages for the victim, and an experienced attorney is the best resource to consult if they want to maximize the results of the recovery efforts they pursue.

Q: Should I Hire an Attorney If I Was Injured in a Car Accident?

A: Hiring experienced legal counsel to help you recover from a car accident can make a tremendous difference in the overall quality of your recovery. The right attorney can help you with preliminary court filings and assess the total value of your claim, likely revealing compensation you didn’t know you could claim. Ultimately, it is always worth having legal representation you can trust for any type of civil claim for damages in California.

The Kreeger Law Firm has years of experience helping California clients recover from car accidents. If you are ready to explore your options for legal recourse after a recent accident, contact us today and schedule a consultation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer.