Car crashes are one of the leading causes of serious injuries. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the economic and societal harm caused by motor vehicle crashes amount to more than $871 billion each year in the United States. Approximately $277 billion of this total price tag was attributed to economic costs – nearly $900 per person each year. The remaining $594 billion was accounted for harm from loss of life and pain and decreased quality of life.
Although car crash injuries generally vary for each victim based on the specific facts of the accident, there are some fairly common injuries. Below is an overview of common car accident injuries.
Head and Back Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious types of car accident injuries. Car accident victims involved in high-speed collisions can hit their head against steering wheels, dashboards, or windows. This can result in serious head injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries generally require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Back injuries are also common amongst motor vehicle accident victims. Even the slightest damage to the spinal cord can result in significant nerve damage and require lifelong medical care and treatment. Another common type of back injury is a herniated disk. Although these tend to be less serious than spinal cord injuries, it can still result in significant problems that require extensive medical care and treatment.
Neck and Chest Injuries
One of the most common types of car accident injuries is a neck injury. People generally dismiss neck injuries as a slight injury that does not require much treatment. What most people fail to realize is that neck injuries can cause severe pain and long-lasting impact on the victim’s overall health. Without adequate and proper medical intervention, the victim may be in pain for the rest of his or her life.
Blunt force trauma in a motor vehicle accident can also result in serious chest injuries, such as broken ribs and collapse lungs. Victims with heart problems can go into traumatic cardiac arrest after a car accident involving a chest injury. Other injuries that can require immediate medical attention include damage to internal organs, pelvis and the abdomen.
Emotional Distress
Another common car crash injury is emotional distress. Not all car accident injuries show physical symptoms. Most of us need cars as a primary source of transportation. A serious car crash can leave emotional scars that may prevent accident victims from ever wanting to get into a car – whether as a passenger or a driver. Motor vehicle accident victims may need counseling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and similar psychological injuries to overcome these emotional injuries.
Call Us
At Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C., our attorneys understand the ramifications of a motor vehicle crash on the victim and their family members. We are aggressive in getting our clients the full extent of monetary compensation they are entitled to for the injuries they have suffered.
If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligent actions of another driver while riding your bicycle and would like to consult with an experienced New York car accident attorney, please call Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.
