Three Million People Injured in Car Crashes Every Year
When it comes to car accidents, people tend to worry about the damage to their vehicles first and foremost. However, the most important consideration should be their health. Even in accidents that appear to be relatively minor, the potential for injury can still be high. In fact, it is estimated that 3 million people are injured in car accidents every single year in the United States alone. Below, we will cover some of the most common injuries resulting from a car crash.
Whiplash
In the most common type of car accident, a rear-end collision, vehicle occupants can suffer injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. The most common injury cited by victims in this type of crash is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when sudden, violent movements of the head cause damage to the soft tissue in the neck and can leave victims with tremendous neck pain for extended periods of time. While most perceive whiplash as a risk only in high-speed accidents, the majority of whiplash injuries are sustained in accidents where the speed is 12 miles per hour or less. According to the National Safety Council, 80% of those who experience a whiplash injury have pain that lasts longer than one week. Half of whiplash sufferers continue to experience pain for more than one year.
Back Pain
In addition to whiplash injuries, car accidents also have a high potential for causing back injuries. Even at low speeds, the sudden and often violent compression of the spine can cause intense back pain that persists for days, weeks or even years afterward. The delicate structure of the spine can be seriously injured even during minor accidents. Back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world, preventing sufferers from engaging in work or everyday actives.
Burns, Lacerations, and Broken Bones Due to Deploying Airbag
In crashes that occur at speeds of 20 miles per hour and over, a vehicle’s airbag will deploy. While the airbag is a lifesaving mechanism, the force of it deploying at 100 to 220 miles per hour can cause significant damage to the driver and passenger. Airbags are known to cause burns, lacerations, and even broken bones. Similarly, seat belts can also cause injuries, such as bruising or lacerations to the wearer’s body.
Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Fatigue, and Other Head Injury Symptoms
One of the most serious types of injuries that can be sustained in a collision is a head injury. While traumatic brain injuries may not be easily detected right away, the striking of the head in an accident can cause injuries that persist for weeks, months, or even years.
Commonly, a traumatic brain injury causes:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Reduced cognitive functioning
- Fatigue
- Behavioral changes
Symptoms may present quickly or may take days. In any case, signs of a traumatic brain injury should be taken very seriously.
Why Seeking Immediate Medical Attention is Important After a Car Accident
After a collision, it is important to see a doctor immediately regardless of whether injuries are immediately present or not. Even when damage to vehicles is minimal or nonexistent, it is still entirely possible to suffer severe injuries. Additionally, insurers may be able to deny claims down the road if treatment is not sought in a timely manner. Regardless of whether or not you think you’re fine at the scene, it is always a good idea to be fully evaluated by a medical professional right away.
Contact a Haddonfield Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran represent clients injured because of car accidents and other types of motor vehicle accidents in Camden, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856)437-4080 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
