Even a relatively minor accident such as a rear-end impact can cause the driver’s head to decelerate and accelerate with such force that the person’s brain strikes the rough interior surface of their skull.
Details of Car Accident Injuries in Washington, D.C.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that roughly three million people are injured in car accidents yearly. The injuries range from whiplash to traumatic brain injury and their severity differs according to the nature of the accident. While more minor injuries heal within weeks to months, that is not always the case. More serious car accident injuries not only take longer to heal but also lead to disability and life-threatening consequences. Let’s take a comprehensive look at auto accident injuries and how their damages are recovered.
What Affects the Severity of Car Accident Injuries?
The following elements affect the outcome of car accident injuries:
- The part of the car that was impacted
- Whether the injured party was wearing a seatbelt
- Did the crash occur at a low- or high speed
- Did the vehicle have airbags and did they deploy
- How the person was positioned in the vehicle
Broad Types of Car Accident Injuries
There are two broad types of car accident injuries. The first is a penetrating injury such as a laceration. This usually occurs from a sharp object inside the vehicle. The next is an impact injury as the person’s body hits objects in the vehicle. This could be the dashboard or flying debris.
Head Injuries
This type of injury can cause devastating damage. Even a relatively minor accident such as a rear-end impact can cause the driver’s head to decelerate and accelerate with such force that the person’s brain strikes the rough interior surface of their skull. This can result in a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood on the brain’s surface to damage that shears off the communicating parts of the nerve cells. The latter can result in significant injury and death in many cases.
Chest Injury
When the chest impacts with the steering wheel at a high speed, severe injury to organs and bony structures can result. For instance, a rib fracture can be painful, and in some cases, the rib can penetrate the lungs or the heart. A blow to the chest can also result in a heart contusion with serious effects. A chest injury is often the result of the driver hitting the steering wheel but can also happen due to seat belt defects.
Soft Tissue Car Accident Injuries
This type of injury is commonly seen when the vehicle is hit from behind. This causes damage to the neck and upper back muscles and can result in a concussion. While most concussions heal within six months with rest and analgesics, the injured party may not be able to work for some time. In other cases, the injury is more complex, and it takes up to two years to heal. This type of injury is not always symptomatic within the first 72 hours, and that is why it is important to see a medical professional.
Fractures
Fractures can range from simple injuries that heal once they are cast. However, some fractures are more complex and take longer to heal and may require surgical intervention. Some fractures such as the femur and pelvic fractures are difficult to manage and usually take longer to heal. In some instances, the individual will not be able to do the activities he/she once enjoyed or work at the same type of employment.
Roeser Law Firm
The Roeser Law Firm is here for you if you suffered car accident injuries due to another’s negligence. Call us at (202) 660-4070 to schedule a free case review. Don’t let yourself be both physically and financially harmed by another’s mistakes. Rather, obtain the compensation you deserve. You can also reach out to us online.
