Car accidents and other sudden impact incidents often result in head and neck injuries. When automobiles collide, especially at high rates of speed, injuries can occur. The most common car crash injuries affect the head and the neck. These injuries range from relatively minor sprains and strains to traumatic brain injury and broken vertebra. If you have injured your head or neck in a car wreck, you must have a personal injury lawyer on your side.
Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
Whiplash often occurs after being hit from behind. Symptoms include:
Individuals with whiplash may need to have their neck stabilized with a collar until it can be x-rayed in case it is fractured. At the hospital, physicians will likely x-ray the neck to check for fractures. Whiplash can usually be treated at home with rest and pain medications, but it may take months to improve and leave you with permanent pain and impairment.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur in a car accident when the head forcefully hits the steering wheel or the windshield. Sometimes the sudden jarring movement of the car is enough to cause TBI, even without direct impact of the head. There may not be any outside indication of TBI, even in cases where brain bruising or bleeding is occurring. Symptoms include:
Anyone who exhibits signs of TBI after a car crash should receive medical treatment immediately. TBI is serious and can have lasting effects. A physician may use an MRI or CT scan to determine if brain injury has occurred. TBI may require surgical treatment, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation. Damages can be fairly minor (like a mild concussion) or severe (resulting in permanent disability). We are familiar with the various types of experts needed to prove these injuries.
Scrapes and Lacerations
Scrapes and lacerations of the head often occur in car wrecks. These can occur from the airbag, impact with the steering wheel, objects in the vehicle, or broken glass from the windshield. All scrapes and lacerations should be cleaned and checked by a physician to determine there are not glass fragments or remaining debris. Some lacerations may require stitches and can result in scars. these injuries are very important and must be recorded in photographs. Scrapes and cuts mean a lot to insurance companies in evaluating claims.
Car accident injuries can range from mild and uncomfortable to devastating and painful. If you or a loved one were injured in a car wreck, you need strong representation. Contact us online or at 727-475-6854 for a free consultation. Remember – there will never be a fee until after we make a recovery for you.
