An automobile accident can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on you and your family. Some people walk away from a crash relatively unscathed, but others suffer serious injuries. Here, auto injury lawyer James Alexander Law highlights some of the possible long-term effects and consequences that may stem from a car accident.
Potential Car Crash Injuries
Victims of car crashes can sustain immediate physical injuries, like broken bones, sprains, and bruises. But the psychological trauma of a collision can have a long-lasting impact, too. Some of the injuries and conditions that can result from a car accident include:
Bone Fractures
The impact of a car crash can cause a broken bone in a driver or passenger. Common bones broken in an accident include:
- Ribs
- Wrists
- Arms
- Legs
- Ankles
- Clavicle (collarbone)
- Hips
If a person is not wearing their seatbelt, they may also suffer cranial or facial fractures caused by hitting their head against the windshield. In some cases, a broken bone can be treated with a cast or sling. Depending on the type of fracture, however, a patient may need surgery to ensure the bone heals properly.
Whiplash
This is a type of sprain or strain in the soft tissues of the neck. The sudden impact of a car hitting another vehicle can cause a person’s neck to move quickly forward and backward, resulting in injury to the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Whiplash can cause symptoms including:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Whiplash often occurs in a driver or passenger of a vehicle that has been rear-ended.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is usually caused by a blow to the head. Mild TBI, such as a concussion, can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness. Moderate or severe TBI can lead to long-term health problems like seizures, hearing problems, and cognitive disorders. A person who experiences severe trauma to the brain may even end up in a coma or a vegetative state. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBI-related injuries account for about 190 deaths daily in the United States.
Other Conditions
Other conditions, which can develop after a car crash, include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Anxiety
- Depression
Financial Repercussions after an Auto Accident
A car crash can also have a major impact on your finances. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may need to take time off from work, resulting in lost income. Even after you’re cleared to return to work, you may still require time off for physical therapy, counseling appointments, or other medical care.
Additionally, medical expenses can vary widely depending on your insurance coverage and the type of injuries you sustained. You may need to travel for medical care if you’re referred to a specialist in another part of the state. You’ll need to account for out-of-pocket medical expenses, too, like prescription drug copays. To manage these unexpected financial consequences, you may want to file a claim to receive compensation.
Working with an Auto Injury Attorney
Car accident victims may be eligible for financial compensation. Attorneys are prohibited from predicting the outcome of a case. However, they may be able to provide an estimate that accounts for:
- The victim’s relevant medical bills
- Future expected medical costs
- Lost wages
- Cost of rehabilitation care
- Counseling, therapy, or other mental health services
Firms like James Alexander Law offer free consultations, so there is no risk in speaking with one of our experienced attorneys to learn about your options after a crash.
Choose Trusted Auto Accident Injury Lawyers
There’s a reason why James Alexander Law is known as Car Crash Central. Having worked with over 10,000 local clients, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for our client’s rights in every case. Whether we reach a settlement or go to trial, you can count on our trustworthy and knowledgeable auto injury lawyers.
Our practice areas also include truck and motorcycle accident cases, so you can call on our team regardless of the type of crash you’ve been in. Serving Central New York, Rochester, the Southern Tier, and the North Country areas, James Alexander Law has been a member of your community for over 38 years. To learn more, review our frequently asked questions or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The content of this blog was prepared by James Alexander Law for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to solicit business or provide legal advice. Laws differ by jurisdiction, and the information in this blog may not apply to you. You should seek the assistance of an attorney licensed to practice in your state before taking any action. Using this blog site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and James Alexander Law. Client relationships can only be created by written contract.
