Car crashes happen every day across the country. Statistics show that about 520 people are injured or killed daily in California due to car accident-related injuries. To learn more about the most common types of injuries in car accidents, continue reading and work with a San Mateo County, California car accident lawyer for skilled legal advice.
What Types of Injuries Occur in a Car Crash?
There are generally two categories of injuries recognized during car accidents, called blunt trauma and penetrating injuries.
Blunt trauma: Blunt trauma, or impact injuries, refers to an injury caused by a forceful impact from a generally dull object. Impact injuries occur when a driver or passenger hits a part of the car or, if thrown out of the vehicle, the road or an object outside of the car.
Penetrating injuries: Penetrating trauma involves an injury sustained by an object or material piercing the skin and causing an open or penetrating wound. During a car accident, this is often caused by loose objects inside the vehicle or glass shattering due to the force of the impact.
Both categories of injury can cause a variety of wounds and ailments.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents?
The type of injuries sustained in a car accident will depend on the type of accident, where the vehicle was struck from, how fast the cars were traveling, and several other factors. However, in general, the following are common occurrences during a collision.
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Strains
- TBIs
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- PTSD
- Depression
Injuries can be both visible and invisible. Some ailments tend to conceal themselves and do not show symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks after a crash. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain or an injury so it is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after being involved in an accident.
What Legal Action Can I Take After Being Injured in an Auto Crash?
Some states are no-fault accident states, meaning that after a car crash, all drivers involved will seek damages for medical expenses through their own insurance provider, regardless of fault. However, California operates under a tort system.
Under a tort system, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering costs associated with injuries, property damage, loss of income, etc. After being injured in a car accident your first step should be to hire an experienced injury attorney. With their help, you can file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company and negotiate a settlement.
Sometimes the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will not cover the entire extent of your damages. In this case, you can file a lawsuit against the individual for the missing funds. Speak with an attorney to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options and rights during the aftermath of your car accident.
