Car accidents can range from a minor fender bender to a serious incident that can have life-altering consequences. The severity of a driver or passenger’s injuries can depend on several factors, including how fast the vehicles were traveling, whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts, if airbags deployed and the type of accident.
Common car accident injuries
Common car accident injuries include fractures and broken bones in the arms, legs and torso from the impact of the accident. Drivers and passengers can also suffer from head and brain injuries in serious situations, which can range from a mild concussion to permanent loss of brain function. Car accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries which can lead to total or partial paralysis.
Occupants can also have internal injuries, like bleeding or damage to internal organs which may not be immediately visible. They can suffer from burns and facial injuries from broken glass and from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting in long-term anxiety and depression.
Seeking compensation
It may be necessary to seek compensation from the other driver after a car accident to pay for expensive medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, medications and to replace lost wages. This includes present and future income.
If the vehicle and the occupants’ personal belongings were damaged, compensation can be helpful to repair or replace them.
In some cases, the occupants may be permanently disabled or disfigured which, along with PTSD, can affect their outlook on life and self-esteem. This can affect their relationships, including loss of companionship and affection, which may also be compensable.