What types of injuries are caused by car accidents?

In a recent post, this blog discussed the case of a fatal car accident. In that accident, one person was injured and two people were killed in a collision between two cars in Sammamish. Accidents, like this one, often remind people just how dangerous it can be to drive in a car, especially when other drivers can be so dangerous. It may make people think about all the different injuries that can be caused when a person is in a car accident.

Car accidents that cause injuries are common in the United States. According to some data, in 2012, there was 1.6 million car accidents that caused injuries. These injuries had an economic impact of around $277 billion. The injuries caused by these car accidents are obviously varied. However, some injuries are more common than others.

Neck and chest injuries are common in car accidents, for example. These injuries include whiplash, neck pain and damage to vocal cords. Blunt force trauma to the chest is also common. This can cause broken ribs, collapsed lungs or even heart attacks.

Head and back injuries are also common in car wrecks. Back injuries include spinal cord damage. These are catastrophic injuries that can cause paralysis, pain and weakness. For some people, these side effects can be permanent. Head injuries include traumatic brain injuries which are also very serious. A traumatic brain injury can include long-lasting and irreversible side effects. Head injuries can also include problems with a person’s vision or hearing.

Emotional distress is another common type of injury from a car accident. While this injury isn’t physical, it can be just as devastating.

People who suffer from these types of injuries can seek legal compensation if the car accident was caused by a negligent driver. With the right legal advice — which this post cannot give — people may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Source: Findlaw.com, “Types of Car Accident Injuries,” accessed on Jan. 19, 2015

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• License Number: 25378
• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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