Around 7,000 people a day suffer from car accident injuries, and the severity of these injuries can naturally vary. If you incurred harm at the hands of a negligent driver in Connecticut, you may be able to seek compensation for those injuries, namely for the medical costs and the pain and suffering involved. Below are some of the more common types of crash injuries.
Brain injuries and whiplash
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are often linked to car accidents because the sudden impact can send one’s head into a hard object like the steering wheel, the roof, a side window or the windshield. There’s also the well-known condition known as whiplash, which refers to the straining or tearing of the neck muscles after the neck is rapidly snapped back and forth.
Injuries to the back and spine
If crash victims injure the back and spine, the condition is likely to be severe: disc herniation, for example, or perhaps fractured vertebrae. Without surgery, the latter may cause nerve damage and loss of function in the extremities.
Seatbelt-related injuries
Wearing a seatbelt can save one’s life, but the shoulder portion can crack the collarbone and ribs in the event of a crash. The lap belt, if worn incorrectly, can contribute to internal injuries, including internal bleeding and damage to the heart, lungs, spleen and liver.
Seeking compensation after a crash
Motor vehicle collisions can lead to emotional suffering, too, but if you file a successful personal injury claim against the driver who caused your crash, you may be compensated even for this. It may be wise to hire a lawyer before filing, though. The extent of your injuries may be unknown to yourself, so the lawyer may have medical experts determine this. Crash investigators may gather evidence, and the lawyer may then begin negotiations.