Types of Injuries Sustained in Baltimore County Car Accidents

Thanks to the latest advances in safety technology, today’s cars are safer than ever. Side airbags, accident prevention systems, and blind spot warnings are just a few safety features that are standard on many vehicle models. Yet millions of people are injured in car accidents each year in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over three million people are injured each year in car accidents in the United States alone. The severity of the injury depends on the seriousness of the crash, but any car accident injury victim should be checked by a medical professional to rule out any internal bleeding, concussion, or other conditions that may not be initially obvious.

There are certain factors that can lead to particularly severe injuries, including: if one or more of the passengers is not wearing a seatbelt; if the vehicle was hit head on; if it was a high-speed crash; and the position of the occupant’s body when the vehicle was hit, among others. Whether the injuries were relatively minor or life threatening, car accident injuries are generally categorized as impact injuries or penetrating injuries. The following are examples of some of the most common car accident injuries.

  • Arm and leg injuries: When a vehicle collides with another car, the arms and legs are vulnerable to injury. From minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, these are some of the more common injuries that victims suffer. Like other injuries, it is crucial that you seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. 
  • Back injuries: These are very common in car accidents, and can often lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Injuries can range from sprains and strains to disc injury, thoracic spine injury, and lumbar spine injury. Oftentimes, these injuries may not immediately be apparent following the accident, so if you feel any discomfort, stiffness, or pain, seek medical attention right away.
  • Chest injuries: Also a common injury in car accidents, chest injuries can range from relatively minor to quite serious. Scrapes and bruises from hitting the steering wheel tend to heal on their own. However, broken ribs can puncture the lungs and other internal organs. Also, if the victim already suffers from heart issues, the impact can cause him or her to go into cardiac arrest.
  • Facial injuries: Car accident victims may sustain injuries to the face, including cuts, scrapes, and bruising from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. Shattered glass can cause serious lacerations requiring immediate medical attention. Other injuries may also include facial fractures and injuries to the teeth and jaw. 
  • Head injuries: These can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries should always be checked by a medical professional as some injuries that can not be seen are often the most dangerous. If the impact to the head causes the brain to bleed or swell, it can be very dangerous if it is not treated quickly.
  • Nerve damage: During a collision, the peripheral nervous system can be damaged, resulting in a range of injuries that can lead to muscle twitching, weakness, numbness, and paralysis.
  • Psychological damage: Car accidents can be extremely stressful and traumatic. If you suffered a serious injury in a wreck that causes chronic pain or that prevents you from being able to work, it can lead to depression and anxiety. In more extreme cases, the victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring intervention from a qualified medical professional.
  • Whiplash: This occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the neck are stretched upon impact of a collision. Symptoms may not appear right away so if you experience any stiffness or soreness, seek medical attention right away.

Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Car Accident Victims

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Baltimore County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will provide you with the dedicated legal counsel you need to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Baltimore County, including the towns of Arbutus, Baltimore, Bowleys Quarters, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Garrison, Hampton, Ilchester, Kingsville, Lansdowne, Lochearn, Lutherville, Mays Chapel, Middle River, Milford Mill, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium, Towson, White Marsh, and Woodlawn, Maryland.