An auto accident injury attorney can help if you suffered harm in a crash that was not your fault. From neck and back pain to serious brain and spinal injuries, auto accidents can cause a variety of different types of injuries.
If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms after a car accident, it is important to make sure you get the treatment you need. Along with protecting your health, obtaining prompt treatment is also important for protecting your legal rights. If you have a claim following the collision, you will need to be able to prove that your injuries are accident-related. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult this will become.
Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop can help if you need a lawyer for a car accident. Call (402) 241-5020 today for a FREE consultation with an auto accident injury attorney.
7 Common Auto Accident Injuries
Pain, swelling, bruising, limited mobility, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and other symptoms can all be indicative of multiple forms of physical trauma. If you are experiencing these or any other symptoms after a car accident, you may have injuries including:
1. Bone Fractures and Dislocations
Bone fractures and dislocations are common injuries in car accidents. Fractures involve damage to one or more of the bones in your body, while dislocations involve the separation of two bones where they meet at a joint (i.e., at the shoulder or elbow). Intense pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, and tingling are all possible signs of a bone fracture or dislocation.
Fractures and dislocations are often treated with rest and immobilization. However, surgery may be necessary in some cases.
2. Bulging or Ruptured Discs
A bulging or ruptured disc (also known as a herniated disc) is a type of spinal injury that is common in car accidents. The symptoms of a bulging or ruptured disc are often similar to those of a bone fracture or dislocation, though the pain caused by a disc injury may radiate away from the point of injury into the arms or legs. The treatment options are similar as well, and a prompt diagnosis can be critical for mitigating the risk of serious nerve damage.
3. Concussions and Other TBI
Concussions (a type of brain injury) are extremely common in car accidents. Even if your airbags deploy, this won’t necessarily save you from a concussion; airbags can even cause concussions in some cases.
Additionally, car accident victims who experience whiplash will often also suffer concussions. Severe headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and fatigue are some of the most common concussion symptoms. These can potentially be symptomatic of other, more serious types of traumatic brain injuries as well.
4. Cuts Requiring Stitches or Sutures
Severe cuts suffered in car accidents will often require stitches or sutures. Without these forms of treatment, severe cuts can lead to unnecessary scarring. The risk of infection also increases significantly.
if you suffer lacerations, signs that stitches or sutures may be necessary include:
- The bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure
- The cut is deep or at least 1/2 an inch long
- Debris from the car accident is embedded in the cut
5. Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a common—and potentially serious—injury sustained in car accidents. Localized pain combined with swelling and bruising may be symptomatic of internal bleeding. Additional symptoms of internal bleeding include:
- Nausea
- Clammy skin
- Excess thirst
- Loss of consciousness
Due to the various risks involved, if you have concerns about possible internal bleeding after a car accident, you should get someone to take you to the hospital right away.
6. Muscle, Ligament, and Tendon Injuries
The forces involved in car accidents can easily damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. While sprains and strains are usually considered minor and will typically heal with rest, torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons may require surgery.
Common symptoms of sprains, strains, and tears may include:
- Localized pain that worsens with movement
- Limited range of motion
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Spasms
7. Organ Damage
Organ damage is a very real concern for car accident victims as well. Damage to the liver, kidneys, stomach, lungs, and other organs can result from external blunt-force trauma or from trauma within the body (i.e., when a rib punctures a lung). Similar to internal bleeding, concerns about possible organ damage should be treated as a medical emergency.
These are just examples. Car accidents can cause many other types of injuries as well. In some cases, even seemingly minor symptoms can be the result of a serious internal injury. To protect your health, you should see a doctor as soon as possible—and, to make sure you are able to recover the financial compensation you deserve, you should consult with a lawyer promptly as well.
Contact an Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today
The attorneys at Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop have more than 200 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. We understand the injuries commonly suffered in car accidents, and our team is committed to pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
For a FREE case review, contact Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop today. Our auto accident injury attorneys serve clients in Omaha, Sarpy County, and all of Nebraska and nearby Iowa.
-What Are Common Injuries in a Car Accident?
I had the pleasure of working with Jeremy and his team. Beyond professional, very in tune with what was all going on for me after my accident. I could not recommend them enough for honestly any of the avenues of business they provide. Truly a kind and moral team to work with.