No two car accidents are alike, no matter how similar they may appear at first. As an experienced personal injury firm, we understand that each of our clients has a unique situation that requires a unique approach to their case. There are some very common types of car accident injuries that people sustain from car accidents, and there are some very common types of car accidents that we can expect in San Diego. While these factors may have a lot of similarities from case to case, this is where the overlap ends. Determining how to best serve a client through a personal injury case requires a broad understanding of their finances, their employment, their pain levels, and more.
If you have been injured in a car accident that someone else caused, you may be entitled to additional compensation that goes well beyond what their insurance company would like to offer to you. The best way to get started on this process, or to understand even what options are available to you today, is to contact our firm as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation. During your consultation, we will be able to discuss the specifics of your situation, answer questions for you, and give you examples of cases that we have won in the past that are similar to your own.
Read more below to get a general idea of some of the most common types of car accident injuries that we help our clients seek compensation for. It is important to understand that this list is not intended to be comprehensive, so if you do not see an injury that resembles your own, contact us now so that we can discuss it directly.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in San Diego Car Accidents
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in any car accident, even at very low speeds, simply because of the nature of the injury itself. Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked forward, down, and then back in a rapid motion, stretching all of the soft tissues in the process. This stretching causes tears in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck, and is extremely painful for an extended period of time.
Recovering from whiplash requires that the victim keeps their head still and in a neck brace while the soft tissues are able to repair themselves. During this time, side effects can include things like headaches, trouble sleeping, limited mobility, back and shoulder pain, and much more.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures are also very common in car accidents, but generally not at very low speeds. Fractured or broken bones occur when the affected bone is bent beyond its ability to flex, and a fracture opens up as a result. Some fractures may be “hairline” or minor, while other fractures may involve the bone completely breaking in half.
Depending on the type of fracture, the severity of the injury, and many other factors, some fractures and bone breaks may require surgery in order to re-set the bone for proper recovery and ensure that the victim’s mobility will not be impacted long-term. In some cases, a broken bone may put the victim at risk of internal bleeding or organ damage. If you suspect that you or someone in your car has suffered a major fracture, it is generally advised that you do not attempt to move them.
Seatbelt Injuries
A seatbelt is one of the most important safety developments ever introduced to automobiles. In fact, more than half of the people killed in car accidents in 2009 were not wearing seatbelts. Since seatbelts are designed to restrain a passenger during a collision, though, there are risks of being injured by the belt itself. These types of injuries typically include whiplash, serious bruising along the belt, possible fractures, and even nerve damage.
Even though a seatbelt may cause injuries, these possible impacts are significantly less serious than the risks associated with not wearing a belt at all. The energy that is absorbed through the chest when a passenger is restrained would otherwise be transferred into their body and propel them forward, into the dashboard or windscreen.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are the result of a violent impact or jolt to the head or the brain. The injuries can range from minor to severe, and even life-threatening depending on the force of the impact or the damage done to the brain. A minor TBI may simply result in headaches, nausea, or a minor concussion that will clear itself up over a short period of time. Serious TBIs, however, have serious and long-term risks associated with them that could result in permanent brain damage, comas, vegetative states, or even death.
Sometimes a TBI will go untreated because the victim can not physically see an injury, and therefore brushes it off. In the past, people would brush a concussion off as “getting their bell rung,” which is now recognized as a very irresponsible and dangerous way to treat brain injuries. If you notice that you are suffering from any symptoms of a possible TBI, see your doctor immediately.