Published in Personal Injury by Chris Eskew on December 17, 2018.
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries in Indiana.
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, more than 52,000 people were injured in traffic accidents in the state in 2016.
Auto accident injuries come in a wide range of different forms.
While some injuries are thankfully minor, many others are severe, even life-changing.
In this article, our dedicated Indiana car accident attorneys highlight some of the most common car accident injuries.
The Most Common Car Accident Injuries
You cannot always judge the severity of an auto accident by simply looking at the vehicle damage.
In some cases, a relatively modest-looking wreck can result in truly catastrophic injuries.
In other cases, people are able to walk away from seemingly devastating collisions with little more than a few scratches or bumps and bruises.
At Eskew Law, our top-rated Indianapolis car accident lawyers have experience handling the full range of personal injury claims.
No matter the severity of your injuries, our legal team is prepared to protect your rights. Some of the most common auto accident injuries include:
Cuts/Lacerations
Cuts and scratches are always an issue in auto accidents. There are many things inside a vehicle that could cut a person should a crash occur.
Notably, if glass breaks, these cuts can be devastating. They could require emergency medical attention and they could leave major, even permanent scars.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common form of soft tissue damage that occurs when a person’s neck is ‘whipped’ violently back and forth. It is one of the most common car accident injuries.
Soft tissue injuries can be extraordinarily painful and they can take a considerable amount of time to heal.
Broken Bones
Broken and fractured bones are also a huge issue in motor vehicle accidents. A person’s limbs — arms and legs — are especially exposed during accidents.
Broken bones always require emergency medical attention. In the worst cases, these injuries can be so severe that amputation becomes a concern.
Bruised/Broken Ribs
Rib injuries are also common in car accidents. If the victim’s rib cage strikes an object, whether it is the steering wheel, a seat, the dashboard, or even an airbag, it can cause severe harm.
Broken ribs are notoriously painful and often require extensive recovery time.
Back Injuries (Herniated Discs)
Many car accident victims report that they have suffered back injuries in their crash. Back injuries come in many different forms — with herniated discs being among the most common.
A serious back injury can take months or even years to recover from. The victim may be unable to work on a full-time basis.
Facial Injuries
Dealing with a facial injury is always traumatic. Common facial injuries in car accidents include cuts, broken nose, broken jaw, loss of teeth, and loss of vision.
Head Injuries (TBIs)
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most frightening injury that any person can be forced to endure. In the most severe cases, brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive or physical impairment.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
Not all auto accidental injuries are purely physical in nature. In some cases, victims are forced to deal with severe psychological damage, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Car accident victims should not hesitate to seek professional treatment for their mental or emotional trauma.
Spinal Cord Damage
The spinal cord is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. As protected as it is, even a tiny amount of damage can have catastrophic consequences.
A spinal cord injury could result in loss of range of movement, partial or total paralysis, permanent cognitive impairment, and loss of control over basic bodily functions.
You Need Immediate Medical Attention
All injuries from car accidents require immediate medical treatment. Following a car accident, it is normal to be pumped up on adrenaline — you may be far more injured than you realize.
It may take up to 72 hours for your injuries to fully materialize. Do not assume that you are ‘fine’ because you do not feel that much immediately after a crash.
Please note: It would be difficult to bring and maintain a personal injury claim unless have seen a doctor. Without valid medical records, the insurance company will likely decline to offer you a fair car accident settlement.
How an Attorney Will Help — Get Compensation for Your Auto Accident Injuries
Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers are standing by, ready to fight for your legal rights. Our law firm knows how to get our clients the maximum available compensation for their injuries.
We will:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive review of your accident;
- Answer your questions and explain your legal options to you;
- Investigate your auto accident case;
- Negotiate with the insurance company; and
- Prepare for a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Eskew Law, our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers have experience handling the full range of car accident claims.
If you or your loved one was injured in a crash, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team at (317) 268-8760 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
From our office in Indianapolis, we represent injured victims throughout the state.
