Most Common Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents

Injuries in a car accident are a common occurrence. To be sure, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, of 285,477 total reported crashes in the year 2013, there were 85,031 injuries reported. When an injury occurs that required medical care, seeking an experienced Rockford car accident attorney may be within you best interest. The following considers some of the most common injuries that are sustained in auto accidents, and what you should do if you are hurt:

Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are incredibly common in car accidents. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are a leading cause of all reported TBIs in the United States, responsible for 14.3 percent of TBIs. TBIs and other head injuries (like lacerations) can vary in severity. A mild TBI may heal on its own with rest and time, whereas a more severe TBI may require emergency intervention and cause long-term complications.

Facial injuries in a car accident are also quite common, and can be caused when an airbag implodes or when debris makes contact with the face.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Another common type of injury in a car accident is an injury to the body’s soft tissues. Soft tissues are muscle, tendons, and ligaments. During a car accident, one or all of the three can be twisted, pulled, or forced into an unnatural and awkward position. When this happens, a sprain injury or strain injury can occur. Soft tissue injuries can occur in multiple areas of the body, but are most common in the knees, back, and shoulder. Whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries reported following a car accident.

Broken Bone Injuries

Broken bone injuries from car accidents can occur in the event that a person’s bones are crushed, snapped, or otherwise undergo a large and sudden force. The most serious broken injury may be a break in the spinal column, as this can have a negative effect on the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis from the site of the injury downwards.

Lacerations and Bruises

Lacerations and bruises occur when objects in the vehicle make contact with the victim’s skin. Most lacerations and bruises are not serious, although a laceration may be serious enough to warrant stitches, and bruising could be a sign of more serious internal bleeding.

The Importance of Contacting a Rockford Car Accident Attorney

When you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical care. As a result, you will no doubt incur medical bills. You may also be prevented from returning to work, and suffer from pain and psychological repercussions as well. To help you reclaim compensation for the things that you have lost, reach out to an experienced Rockford car accident lawyer. At Fisk & Monteleone LTD., our attorneys are dedicated to serving you. Contact us today using our online form, or call us directly to schedule your free case consultation.