badly damaged front end after car accident

Car accidents can result in many different types of injuries. Vehicle occupants may escape with minor injuries such as bumps or bruises or they may suffer devastating injuries and even death. The nature and extent of injuries sustained in a car accident could depend on a number of factors including the speed of the vehicles, the force of the collision and the manner in which safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags worked during the accident.

Regardless of the type of injuries you have sustained in a car accident, it is critical that you get immediate medical care. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you should go to the emergency room or see the doctor as soon as possible. In the event you have suffered an injury, seeing a doctor and getting the treatment you need is the best way to document it.

Car Accident Injuries

Here are some of the most common injuries car accident victims suffer:

man holding neck after car crash
  • Neck injuries: Whiplash is the most common neck injury individuals suffer in auto accidents. These injuries occur after a sudden acceleration-deceleration force that causes rapid forward and backward movement of the head and neck. While some people recover from these injuries, others continue to experience pain and symptoms even years after the injury.
  • Facial injuries: These are injuries occur when occupants hit their face on any part of the car such as the steering wheel or windshield. In severe cases, facial bones could be crushed. In addition, broken glass can cut the face. Victims of facial injuries may require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Some may become permanently scarred or disfigured.
  • Broken bones: Broken bones sustained in a car accident can be more serious because of the extreme forces on the person. Car accident victims who suffer broken bones might need surgery and hardware, such as screws, to secure the bones.
woman with facial injuries after car accident
  • Internal organ damage: Auto accidents often result in damage to internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and spleen. Internal bleeding is not always immediately identified and can even be deadly. This is why car accident victims should seek treatment even if they have no visible injury. You cannot see an internal injury, but that does not make it any less dangerous.
  • Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are a common consequence of auto accidents. When you hit your head against the windshield or any part of the car or if you are ejected and strike your head, you are likely to suffer serious brain injuries that could leave you permanently disabled. Brain injury victims often need lengthy hospitalization, surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
spinal injuries diagram
  • Spinal injuries: Spinal injuries result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column or to the spinal cord. A traumatic injury to the spine might be caused by a sudden blow that fractures, dislocates, crushes or compresses one or more of your vertebrae. Added damage can occur over days or weeks because of bleeding, swelling, inflammation or fluid accumulation around the spinal cord. These are injuries that need immediate attention. Serious spinal cord injuries could result in paralysis.

Contact An Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer

Two clients talking to a personal injury lawyer with regards to an injury after a car accident

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates can help you better understand your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-(800) 992-6878 or fill out our contact form online.