Collisions are extremely common in Virginia, as they are in all states. In 2019 alone, 128,000 auto collisions occurred in this state, with 827 fatalities and 65,000 injuries. Even more common is the type of injuries sustained in those accidents. From broken bones and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries, we’ll take a look at the most common car accident injuries in Virginia and across the nation.
If you have suffered any of these injuries after a collision, it’s imperative that you get in touch with an auto injury attorney in Southwest Virginia to ensure you are properly compensated.
Whiplash
This is one of the more common injuries as a result of either a minor or major collision, and it encompasses muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. When your vehicle hits something at a high rate of speed, your body moves suddenly, certainly faster than you would do so on your own. This trauma pulls muscles and strains soft tissues, even though it doesn’t break bones. Whiplash is painful, with the usual treatment being just lots of time to heal.
Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises
Another common form of injury involves cuts, scrapes, and bruises. You may sustain these from the impact itself, from the air bags or from projectiles of items in your car. Not only are cuts, scrapes, and bruises painful, they can lead to infections or other medical symptoms if not properly treated.
Broken Bones
Ribs are one of the more common bones to be broken in a collision. That’s because ribs are fragile and can be snapped, cracked or broken with even the slightest impact. When suddenly pushed forward, backward or to the side due to the impact, broken ribs may result. Again, time will heal this affliction, but recovery is very painful.
Broken arms, legs, hips and shoulders are also common after a collision, especially with rear and side-impact collisions.
Concussions/Traumatic Brain Injuries
Due to its delicate nature, the brain can easily be injured in a collision. During a collision, it’s fairly common for passengers and drivers to hit their heads on parts of the car, such as the roof or the steering wheel. Concussions are a result of the brain moving quickly back and forth in the skull. Essentially, it a bruise on the brain and needs time to heal. You may have bad headaches, trouble seeing or speaking correctly, or you may have difficulty remembering or concentrating.
If not treated, it can get worse, leading to headaches and more serious effects. Brain injuries can range from concussions and bruising to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can lead to lifelong complications that may include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, blackout, confusion, slurred speech, or seizures.
Neck and Back Injuries
The intense, rapid force that your body goes through in a collision can lead to herniations or ruptures of your spinal discs. Spinal cord injuries can cause numbness and paralysis.
Internal Bleeding
This can be dangerous and even fatal if not treated right away. Sometimes, internal bleeding isn’t immediately apparent, which is another good reason to seek medical attention even after a less severe collision.
Knee Injury
Sudden impacts can cause your knees to hit the dashboard, damaging your ligaments and kneecaps. Knees are complex joints, and can lead to lifelong injuries, such as difficulty walking. You’ll likely need braces, crutches or even surgery to correct the damage and perhaps rebuild the knee.
Contact your trusted Roanoke auto accident attorney in the event you have suffered any of the above injuries.
Contact Altizer Law
Altizer Law has many years of experiencing representing clients who have been in a serious auto collision. Our car accident lawyers have seen all possible injuries and their devastating effects. Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation today at 540-345-2000 if you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle collision of any kind. We can help get you justice while you heal.
