Common Injuries In Louisiana Car Accidents: Types, Symptoms, and Recovery
Car accidents are among the most common causes of injuries and deaths in Louisiana each year, and Louisiana remains consistently among the most dangerous states to drive in. Injuries, like car accidents, range dramatically in severity based on the nature of the accident, the speed at which it took place, and seatbelt use, among other factors.
From life-endangering injuries and fatalities to mild injuries that go virtually undetected, these harms are all part of the extensive cost in lives and dollars to individuals and families involved in car crashes. When you are the victim of a car accident due to another driver’s negligence you are entitled to have those costs, including medical bills, compensated.
To do so, however, it is important to understand the types of injuries you can receive, how to detect them, and the recovery process involved.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Injuries In Car Crashes And Accidents?
Those who are lucky enough to survive serious car accidents are unlikely to emerge unscathed. Injuries, including long-lasting ones, are common. Some types of injuries, however, are more common than others, due to the nature of vehicle collisions.
The most common and frequent types of injuries sustained after car accidents are the following:
Impact or Collision injuries - by far the most common, these occur when part of your body strikes, or is struck by an object or part of the car. The most common are neck, back, shoulder, and chest injuries from hitting the seat, window, or steering wheel.
Piercing injuries - still quite frequent, these injuries happen when small or sharp debris, often broken class, strikes your body causing cuts or stab-like injuries.
Burns - less frequent but still dangerous, if part of the car such as the engine or gasoline ignites, car accident victims can sustain quite serious burns to all or part of their body.
The most serious injuries are usually to the head or spine, though if an important artery or vein is damaged, blood loss can be extremely deadly.
How To Detect Car Accident Injuries To Different Body Parts?
If you are in a serious car accident, you should always seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel significant pain, injuries can take a long time to manifest. Some injuries may even go undetected for months or years, which can complicate trying to claim compensation.
Pain and discomfort are always important and may be found with any injury, and should be reported to your doctor for recording and investigation, but it is not the only symptom to look out for. The following symptoms and warning signs can help you identify where or how you may have been hurt, and should always be mentioned to a doctor or emergency respondent.
Head Injuries - Head injuries are common in car accidents, as your head may strike the side window, headrest, steering wheel, or even the airbag. If you have any trouble seeing, thinking, or speaking, these could be signs of traumatic brain injuries or concussions. Even symptoms as mild as dizziness or a headache should be carefully investigated as they could be signs of serious injuries.
Neck Injuries - These are perhaps the most common injury, as whiplash can occur even in accidents at speeds as low as 15 mph. Stiffness and soreness in the neck, trouble moving your head, or a loss of sensation or mobility in any extremities or limbs should be reported and carefully investigated by medical professionals.
Spinal Cord Injuries - Very serious accidents often involve damage to the spine, which is both fragile and incredibly important. Any sort of paralysis, motor troubles, loss of reflexes or sensation, as well as unexpected pains elsewhere in the body could be signs of spinal injuries.
Internal Injuries - not all wounds will show, others may be internal, including damage to important organs. If you experience difficulty breathing, eating, going to the bathroom, or any number of everyday functions, as well as any bruising, you should seek immediate and careful medical attention.
Bone fractures and muscle or joint sprains - the bones and joints of your legs, arms, wrists, and ankles are all vulnerable to various injuries during a car accident. If you experience any pain, discomfort, loss of mobility, or weakness in your joints or limbs you should have them investigated, even months after an accident.
The sooner you have injuries recorded and investigated after an accident the better. Record any wounds or injuries with photographic evidence, as well as have nurses or doctors take careful note of any symptoms you experience. This type of evidence can be vital in establishing the source of your injuries later during any insurance or personal injury claims procedures.
How Can I Afford Medical Care For My Injuries After A Car Accident In Louisiana?
If you are fortunate (and wealthy) enough to have medical or car insurance which will cover the costs of your treatments or injuries, that is great. But many families in Louisiana will not be able to afford the extensive care that is sometimes required. This can sometimes even make injuries worse and more extensive in the long run.
Luckily, car accident injury attorneys like Don Williams can help. Not only will we be able to help you get a doctor’s lien or other means of affording the immediate and ongoing care you need, but we will help you get the full compensation for all harm and costs sustained.
So long as you or your loved one were a victim of another driver’s negligence or error, we can bring a case against them at no cost to you to help you get the medical care you need to recover and get your life back on track.
Call (225) 267 9729 or contact us online for a free consultation to begin the claims process and ensure you get the care you need after a car accident injury in Louisiana.