Injuries from car accidents can range from mild to severe. You have the right to seek compensation whether you sprained your wrist or suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to someone else’s negligence.
Even minor injuries can lead to significant harm that can interfere with your quality of life and ability to earn money.
You can obtain compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit against them directly. You need to work with an experienced Marion car accident attorney, regardless of the severity of your injuries, if you want to maximize your chances of recovering fair damages.
Injuries You Can Sustain in a Car Accident
Car accidents lead to millions of medically consulted injuries every year. By understanding the types of injuries you have and evaluating their effect on your life, you can make the right decisions when seeking compensation. The common types of injuries that may or may not appear right after a crash are:
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious and life-changing consequences of a car accident. These injuries range from concussions and contusions to TBIs.
Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior. Prompt medical attention is crucial in diagnosing and treating these injuries to prevent further complications.
People with head and brain injuries may experience challenges with daily activities, work, and personal relationships. Rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical care may be necessary to manage the long-term effects of these injuries.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. A crash can forcefully jerk the head and neck forward and backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
This can lead to pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and headaches. Car accidents can also result in more severe neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage.
These injuries can limit a person’s ability to work, participate in physical activities, and enjoy daily life. Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management techniques, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Chest Injuries
A crash can cause chest injuries ranging from minor bruising to more severe conditions, such as fractured ribs or internal organ damage. Chest injuries can result in difficulty breathing and chest pain and may, in extreme cases, lead to collapsed lungs or internal bleeding.
Prompt medical attention can diagnose and treat chest injuries and prevent further complications.
Physical limitations resulting from these injuries can reduce a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, engage in physical activities, and maintain employment.
Limb Injuries
The force of a crash can cause many limb injuries, including fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, and damage to muscles and tendons. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. They may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Severe limb injuries can sometimes lead to permanent disability or even require amputation.
Psychological Injuries
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can cause psychological injuries. The emotional trauma of a car accident can result in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or phobias related to driving or being in a vehicle.
Psychological injuries can lead to difficulties with sleep, concentration, and interpersonal relationships. They can significantly impair a person’s quality of life, and therapy or counseling may be necessary to overcome the associated mental health challenges.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
After a car accident, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention for your well-being and your personal injury claim.
Getting the Help You Need
You must prioritize your health by seeking medical attention following a car accident. Your injuries may seem minor or even non-existent, but some injuries may not present immediate symptoms.
Prompt medical attention can identify any underlying injuries or conditions requiring treatment. It can also prevent injuries from becoming worse and aid a swift recovery.
Establishing a Medical Record
Obtaining a medical evaluation after a car accident creates an official record of your injuries, which serves as solid evidence when seeking compensation. Insurance companies, courts, and legal professionals rely on medical records to assess the extent of your injuries and determine an appropriate settlement amount.
Without a documented medical record, proving the connection between the accident and your injuries becomes challenging, potentially jeopardizing your claim.
Following Your Doctor’s Orders
Comply with your doctor’s orders to aid your recovery and your personal injury claim. It demonstrates a commitment to your health and the effort you are making to fully recover.
Failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations, such as not attending follow-up appointments or skipping prescribed treatments, can undermine your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that you are not taking your recovery seriously. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
Establishing Causation
Seeking immediate medical attention and following your doctor’s orders help to establish a clear link between the car accident and your injuries. Insurance companies often try to dispute this connection, particularly if there is a delay in seeking medical care.
Medical professionals can properly document and attribute your injuries to the accident. A car accident attorney can then use these doctors’ reports as evidence to support your personal injury claim.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
Once a medical professional diagnoses your condition and establishes a course of treatment, your attorney can use this information to evaluate the monetary value of your injuries. They will use evidence, such as doctors’ reports, prescriptions, and hospital bills, to build a strong case and fight for the money you deserve.
Always make your health the highest priority, and do not ignore any symptoms you may experience after the accident. Our experienced Marion personal injury attorneys stands ready to guide, support, and fight for you every step of the way.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
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