Statistically speaking, the most common injuries sustained in a Warrenton auto accident are similar to those in pretty much any city and state in the country. Researchers have compiled a list of the most common types of injuries that occur in U.S. car crashes. This list doesn’t include all possible situations, of course, but it does give an idea of what happens to drivers and passengers most often during a crash.
- Whiplash. The most frequent type of injury is whiplash. This happens when the head and neck are suddenly thrust forward and then backward. The body is not prepared for such a quick influx of force. This rapid, forceful movement causes unnecessary strain on the bones, muscles, and nerves in the neck. Sometimes the whiplash can be minor and cause little discomfort. Other times, the injury can leave the person permanently disabled.
- Back injuries. This type of injury is very common in automobile and motorcycle accidents. As with the neck in a whiplash, the back is not built to withstand a lot of sudden trauma and force. When a car is hit suddenly from behind, the energy is dispersed through the driver’s (or passenger’s) body, causing muscles, vertebrae, and nerves to become misaligned. Sometimes the full affect of the damage isn’t felt until a few days later.
- Traumatic brain injury. One of the most severe outcomes of a serious car crash is a traumatic brain injury. In this scenario, the force of the impact in the accident causes a person’s brain to actually slam against the inside of the skull, which can result in tearing, swelling, nerve damage, bleeding, and bruising of the brain. Many people who experience a traumatic brain injury suffer from the effects for the rest of their life.
An injury can be a life-changing experience. Sometimes the situation becomes overwhelming and you just don’t know how to proceed. If you’re unsure of what to do next in your case, contact Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas. Talk with an experienced Virginia car accident attorney about how to handle your case and get your life back on track.
