Sunday, July 28, 2013

Common Auto Accident Injuries That Can Lead to Lawsuits


Approximately 75,000 people are struck by a car each year, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Injuries are more common and wide-ranging than most people realize until they become a victim. A lawsuit ensures all of a victim's injuries, both immediate and latent, are paid for by the wrongful party. It also compensates lost work time, lingering pain, and diminished enjoyment of life.

Traumatic brain injury is a common auto accident injury. It can result from skull fractures, nerve damage and bruising of the brain. TBI can occur upon impact or by the whiplash effect. Like neck injuries, the true extent of brain trauma is usually not apparent right away.

The tests needed to diagnose brain injury, such as a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are very expensive. Doctors may not prescribe them right away in every situation, and insurance companies do not automatically cover them. Therefore, it is common to file a lawsuit to make sure diagnosis and treatment of latent injuries are paid for by the wrong-doer's insurance.

Neck and back injuries are also a common auto accident injury. This type of trauma ranges from temporary whiplash to injury of spinal discs. Discs in the neck can herniate (bulge), rupture or slip. Compression fractures or herniation can harm discs in the mid and lower back. This can lead to permanent disability and require risky surgery.

Injuries to the trunk are also common. An auto accident can cause fractured ribs, punctured lungs, and injuries to spleen, liver, aorta or heart. All require emergency surgery to treat.

The hands, wrists, arms and shoulders are frequently injured in accidents because victims either grip the steering wheel tightly or stiffen and brace for impact. Fractured bones and rotator cuff (shoulder) injuries are common. Physical therapy and loss of motion can limit your quality of life and lead to lost time at work. Successful lawsuits ensure that treatment and all aftercare are covered by the responsible party and not the innocent victim.

Finally, sprains and fractures of the lower body have a long-lasting impact that deserves compensation by the wrong-doer's insurance. Your body might hit the steering wheel or dashboard if an air bag does not deploy. Drivers reflexively jam the brake pedal upon impact, stiffening the right leg and leaving it vulnerable to injury. Rehabilitation for lower body trauma is usually lengthy, requiring casts, surgery, a wheelchair or crutches - even hip or knee replacement.

Whether a car accident involves brain injury, neck trauma, or other life-altering effects, attorneys file lawsuits to ensure that a victim's full treatment, lost income, pain and suffering are fairly compensated.

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