The Most Common Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Two weeks ago, a college student died in a drunk driving accident in Philadelphia. The woman and her friend called an Uber ride-sharing vehicle on the night of the accident. A driver who appeared to be drunk hit the Uber vehicle and instantly killed one female passenger. The other passenger suffered serious injuries, including two broken femurs, a broken arm, four fractures in her pelvis, and a forehead laceration. The Uber driver also suffered a concussion and lacerations on his face. This tragic accident demonstrates the severity of injuries that a person can suffer in a car accident. So, what are the most common Philadelphia car accident injuries?
Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Spinal cord injuries are often the most severe car accident injuries. When the spinal cord becomes severed, an individual can suffer paralysis or even death. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 285,000 people in the United States live with a spinal cord injury. Car accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. Indeed, 38.4% of spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents.
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most expensive injuries to treat, as well. The average yearly expenses associated with high tetraplegia came in at over $1 million for the first year after the injury and $187,443 for every subsequent year. Sadly, the life expectancy for someone with a spinal cord injury has not improved since the 1980s. Pneumonia and septicemia are common causes of death for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Heart disease, stroke, arterial diseases, urinary diseases, digestive diseases, and pulmonary embolus can also occur as a result of spinal cord injuries.
Neck Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Whiplash is a common injury caused by car accidents. Whiplash is an injury that takes place in the neck area. Whiplash happens with rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck that takes place like the cracking of a whip. Rear-end car accidents are a common cause of whiplash injuries. When a car slams into the car in front, the driver of the first car’s neck will rapidly fly forward and snap back into the headrest. Whiplash causes damage to the soft tissue in the neck and can also cause nerve damage. Symptoms of whiplash include stiffness and pain in the neck.
Symptoms of whiplash also include losing range of motion in the neck, headaches, and tenderness in the upper back, arms, and neck. Whiplash can also cause tingling or numbness in the arms, dizziness, fatigue, neck pain and stiffness. Whiplash is one a car accident injury that may not show up until days or even weeks after the accident. After the shock of the accident wears off, many victims start to feel pain in their neck. This is why it is important to avoid telling insurance companies that you have no injuries until after seeking a medical evaluation.
Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
The brain is one of the most sensitive organs of the body. The jolt to the head caused by a car accident can cause serious brain injuries. Even when the passenger or driver in a car accident is wearing a seatbelt, the force of the accident can cause the brain to slam into the skull and cause bruising or bleeding. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and those not wearing a seatbelt in a motor vehicle may also slam their head against the ground, the dashboard, or another object that is flying through the air during the car accident.
Traumatic brain injuries happen at the moment of impact. The skull does not need to be crushed or damaged for a traumatic brain injury to occur. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury caused by car accidents can include bleeding, bruising, and tearing of nerve fibers in the brain. A car accident victim may not know the extent of his or her brain injury. A victim of a traumatic brain injury can appear to be fine, but can quickly become unconscious. Sometimes the bleeding inside the brain can cause additional trauma.
Bone Fractures Caused by Car Accidents
Bone fractures are another incredibly common injury suffered by Philadelphia car accident victims. Every bone fracture is unique and requires evaluation and treatment by a skilled medical professional. Motor vehicle accidents can cause bone fractures by the force of the car accident, when the body hits an external object, or when someone is thrown from the vehicle in an unnatural way. When passengers put their feet up on the dashboard, they can receive severe bone fractures caused by the force of the accident. The most commonly fractured bones include the following:
- Broken ribs
- Broken bones in the skull
- Broken neck bones
- Broken ankle bones
- Broken pelvic bones
- A broken collarbone
- A broken femur
- Broken neck bones
- Broken vertebrae in the spine
The length of time it takes to recover from a bone fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Compound fractures happen when the bone pushes out of the skin. Healing from a compound fracture often requires surgery and physical therapy. The more severe the bone break, the greater the recovery time. At the very least, treatment for bone fractures requires an x-ray and a complete medical evaluation. When multiple bones become fractured, the victim may need to take significant time off of work to heal.
Lacerations and Burn Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Debris from the car accident, especially shattered glass, can cause injuries that require serious medical treatment. Lacerations can be dangerous because of the risk of infection for those who suffer them. Additionally, burn injuries are commonly caused by car accidents. Burn injuries can be some of the most painful injuries from which to heal and can cause limited mobility, scarring, and require time off of work for recovery.
Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers are Here to Help
If you have suffered an injury in a Philadelphia car accident, our lawyers are here to help. Contact Benedum Law today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can fight for your right to compensation.
