Carroll County Car Accident Lawyers
Types of Car Accident Injuries
If you have ever witnessed a car accident or been involved in one personally, you know that they can cause serious injuries to those involved. While some car accident victims are lucky enough to walk away without a scratch, others may suffer serious, life-threatening injuries. The severity of the injury depends largely on the type of accident; a multi-vehicle pile-up is likely to cause much more serious injuries than a minor fender bender. However, any injury sustained in a car accident should be checked by a medical professional in case the injury is more serious than it appears.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over three million people are injured in car accidents across the country each year. Some of these injuries require minor medical attention, while others call for immediate emergency medical care. In addition to the effects from the impact, the severity of the injuries can be even more serious if the passengers were not wearing seat belts, if the driver was speeding, or if the occupant’s body was in an awkward position when the vehicle was hit. The following are examples of some of the most common types of car accident injuries:
Soft Tissue Injuries
This is the most common type of car accident injury, which occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are injured. Whiplash is one of the most common examples of a soft tissue injury. It occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back are stretched upon impact, causing pain and discomfort.
Scrapes and Cuts
When loose objects like cell phones, purses, and coffee mugs get thrown through the air during a car accident, they can hit the face and other exposed parts of the body, cutting the skin. Deep cuts or scrapes may require stitches.
Broken Bones
In more serious car accidents, victims may suffer from broken, or fractured bones, which would require immediate medical attention. Arms and legs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of an impact. The following are examples of other common broken bone injuries:
- Skull fractures
- Hip fractures
- Broken pelvis
- Broken ribs
- Broken or fractured wrists
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are some of the most serious car accident injuries, as they can have permanent, debilitating effects. In addition, symptoms may not show up right away. Common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include confusion, headaches, difficulty retaining information, nausea, mood swings, and insomnia.
Back Injuries
These can range from minor aches and pains, to herniated discs and broken or fractured vertebrae. Oftentimes, back injuries take months, if not years, to fully heal. Some injured victims suffer chronic, lasting pain and discomfort.
Chest Injuries
The chest often hits the steering wheel upon impact, which can cause serious bruising, or even broken ribs and internal injuries. If a broken rib is suspected, a person should seek medical attention right away as the rib could puncture a lung or other internal organs.
Facial Injuries
The face is very vulnerable to injuries in a car accident. From hitting the steering wheel to getting cut by shattered glass, facial injuries range from cuts and scrapes to fractures and serious injuries to the eyes, jaw and teeth.
Psychological Injuries
Beyond the physical injuries, many victims suffer serious mental and emotional injuries due to the traumatic nature of the wreck. Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among car accident victims.
Regardless of the severity of an injury, it is always a good idea to get medical attention in order to rule out any internal injuries or other conditions that could become worse if not treated right away.
Carroll County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Injured Victims Secure Maximum Compensation
If you or someone you love has suffered from any of the injuries discussed above after being involved in a car accident, you are urged to contact the Carroll County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will protect your rights as we pursue the optimal financial settlement that you deserve. We will guide you through the complex legal process, making sure that we reach the best possible outcome. 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 Carroll County, which includes the towns of Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, Union Bridge, and Westminster, Maryland.