Car Accident Injuries

According to data from the CDC, the most common car accident injuries include:

• • Whiplash
• • Broken Bones
• • Spinal Injuries
• • Soft Tissue Damage

Other common injuries include shoulder and knee injuries, internal organ damage, cuts, lacerations, bruises, burns, and psychological injuries. According to the NHTSA, there are nearly 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year, resulting in 4 million total Emergency Room visits.

The CDC states that in 2022, the total cost of traffic accidents in the U.S. was estimated at over $470 billion.

Catastrophic injuries get the highest settlements in car accident cases. These car crash injuries are severe and life-altering, and victims may never return to the same quality of life as before the accident.

Injuries that typically see higher-than-average settlements include:

• • Traumatic Brain Injuries
• • Spinal Cord Injuries
• • Amputation
• • Injuries Resulting in Permanent Disability

Many injuries from a car accident don’t become apparent until after the fact. If you notice any of these newly onset symptoms in the hours, days, or weeks following a crash, it’s best to seek medical care right away.

• • Back or Neck Pain
• • Headaches or Dizziness
• • Ringing in the Ears
• • Numbness or Tingling in the Extremities
• • Sleep Disturbances
• • Behavioral or Mood Changes
• • Abdominal Pain
• • Visual Disturbances
• • Nausea and Vomiting
• • Excessive Fatigue

The amount of pain you experience after a car accident can vary widely depending on the severity of the crash, the type of injuries sustained, and individual factors like your health, age, and how well your body responds to trauma. However, it’s important to remember that any pain after an accident should be taken seriously, even if it seems mild at first.

Additionally, it’s important to note that some soreness after a crash is normal – but you should always take any symptoms of pain seriously and get a medical exam right away. Common causes of minor soreness after a crash include pressure from seat belts, airbags, and sudden force.

It’s common for car accident victims to experience shock following a crash. This is due to the body producing a surge in adrenaline. The initial shock can last for hours or even days, and symptoms can include quick or labored breathing, pale, clammy, cold skin, dizziness, sweating, vomiting or nausea, dilated pupils, weakness, and fatigue.

Even if the initial shock subsides, the lasting psychological impacts can last for months — or longer. The more severe the accident, the higher the likelihood of experiencing a longer period of shock.

Yes, getting rear-ended while you’re stopped often causes more severe injuries and vehicle damage than being rear-ended while moving. This is because stationary vehicles offer less opportunity to absorb the impact, potentially leading to more serious ramifications.

When it comes to rear-end accidents, the person who is rear-ended is almost always hurt more than the person who hits them. This is often due to muscle bracing, as the person in the moving car is more likely to be aware of the imminent impact, while the victim who is hit is usually unaware of the impending danger.

The physics of the impact and the sudden, forceful movement associated with being rear-ended are dangerous. Such force typically causes the front car to lurch forward and the occupant’s body to move violently. The most common resulting injury from these types of accidents is whiplash.

Back pain after a car accident can appear immediately, or it can be delayed, even for days or weeks, as the body’s response to the trauma can mask initial pain. Most importantly, you should seek prompt medical care to diagnose and document your injuries.

Proving back pain resulting from a car accident can be challenging, but it is essential if you plan to pursue a personal injury claim or seek compensation. To effectively prove that your back pain was caused by a car accident, you need to establish a clear connection between the accident and your injury.

Here are steps you can take to prove your back pain is from an accident:

• • Seek medical attention immediately.
• • Get a clear diagnosis.
• • Follow prescribed treatments and document your medical visits.
• • Gather documentation of advanced imaging like MRIs, CT Scans, X-rays, and more.
• • Keep copies of the accident reports and police reports.
• • Show how the injury impacts your daily life.
• • Track your financial losses and keep copies of medical bills and receipts.
• • Consult with a car accident injury attorney.

An experienced lawyer will provide further guidance on how to establish proof of your injury. At Kanner & Pintaluga, we employ various subject matter experts who will help substantiate your claim and may recommend an independent medical exam to corroborate your injury and claims.

There are a few common long-term effects of car accident injuries. The more severe and long-lasting the effects, the larger your personal injury settlement will likely be. Here are a few lasting effects that victims report:

• • Chronic Pain
• • Headaches and Migraines
• • Emotional Distress & PTSD
• • Traumatic Brain Injuries
• • Loss of Mobility
• • Nerve Damage
• • Vision and Hearing Impairment
• • Social and Lifestyle Impacts
• • Significant Financial Loss

Injuries from a car accident can appear at different times depending on the type of injury and individual circumstances. Symptoms can develop immediately, within a few hours, or even days or weeks after the accident. The most important thing is to seek medical care quickly. It’s always best to get evaluated at the scene of an accident and to visit an Emergency Room or Urgent Care immediately.

However, it’s common for injuries to become apparent after a crash. Immediate injuries like cuts, breaks, or head injuries may present signs right away. Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, may not present until hours later. Still, headaches, dizziness, and swelling may appear after a few days. Herniated discs and spinal problems may take weeks to show up.

It’s very common for car accident injuries to worsen in the hours and days following a crash. First, the shock of a collision and the resulting adrenaline surge that victims often experience can mask initial symptoms. Next, soft tissue damage usually causes swelling and inflammation that takes some time to appear. Lastly, continued movement after a crash can cause injury pain to appear or worsen.

For this reason, it’s essential to seek medical care immediately following a crash, even if you don’t believe you’re injured. If your condition worsens over time, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Sometimes, injuries can seem minor initially but become more severe with time.

Yes, if you suffer injuries with actual damages in a car accident, you may file a personal injury claim after a crash. However, it’s imperative to recognize that settlements are awarded based on fault, liability, and negligence. Different states have different laws regarding this stipulation.

For example, there are at-fault insurance states, no-fault insurance states, and states that operate on the principle of comparative negligence. An attorney can review the facts of your case, help establish fault, and advise you on the best course of action moving forward.

How an insurance company handles a car accident injury claim will depend on the state in which you reside, the types of insurance coverage you have, as well as the coverage limits themselves. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, MedPay, and Bodily Injury Liability clauses may offer compensation.

Insurance companies assess the damages based on medical reports, evidence from the accident scene, and statements from involved parties. The insurance settlement may cover medical costs, vehicle repairs, and other related expenses.

However, policy carriers often try to settle claims as quickly as possible for as little as they can. They’re likely to make you an offer that’s less than what you deserve. That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney represent you throughout the negotiation and settlement process.

Yes, contacting a personal injury attorney regarding car accident injuries is always best. These lawyers are crucial in helping car accident victims secure fair compensation after a crash. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept low offers quickly when you’re entitled to more.

At Kanner & Pintaluga, we fight for car accident victims’ rights, ensuring you get the settlement you deserve.