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Common Car Accident Injuries

Even seemingly minor car accidents can cause serious injuries. These injuries not only cause physical issues, they can also take an emotional toll. When damage is significant, they can greatly impact your quality of life. While injuries depend on the type and severity of a car accident, the following are quite common.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissues include muscles and tendons, which can be strained or pulled during an accident. Whiplash is among the most common soft tissue injuries, which often occurs during a rear-end accident. When the back of your vehicle is struck with force, your head will whip forward then back, which causes pain and stiffness in the neck.

While whiplash usually isn’t associated with long-term effects, it can still be quite painful. Additionally, it may take weeks for you to recover from the injury, which can impact your ability to work or do the things you enjoy.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, such as concussions, are usually minor. Their effects are often temporary, and most people make a full recovery with a bit of rest.

However, more serious head injuries can have long-term, or even permanent, effects on a person. Lacerations, fractures, swelling, and bleeding on the brain are all very serious and require immediate medical attention. Brain injuries can cause both physical and mental effects, such as decreased mobility, problems thinking, and fluctuating moods.

Chest Injuries

Like head injuries, chest injuries range from minor to more severe effects. For example, the seat belt can sometimes cause bruising across the chest if your body is thrown forward with great force.

If your chest makes contact with the steering wheel, rib fractures are likely to occur. This can also lead to internal injuries, including excessive bleeding. That’s why it’s recommended you receive emergency medical attention after all serious car accidents, regardless of your outward injuries or how you feel.

Spine Injuries

Spine injuries can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. Depending which part of the spine is injured and how bad the damage is, a person might never make a full recovery.

Even if a fully recovery is possible, spine injuries are often associated with extended rehabilitation and therapy. Some people will require use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, if paralysis is a factor. Chronic pain and immobility are also common after spine accidents, even if there isn’t significant impairment.

When the above injuries are caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to damages for lost wages, medical bills, or even pain and suffering. Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C.understands how a serious car crash can affect you for many years to come. Our car accident attorneys have extensive experience with negligent drivers, whether they’re driving distracted or being careless while operating a tractor trailer.

We’ll make sure the settlement you’re offered is fair for the injuries you’ve sustained. We’ll also represent you in court if the insurance company is unwilling to provide a settlement or disputes the severity of your injuries. Contact us to learn more about our services or call 505-343-1776 to schedule an appointment with our Albuquerque law firm.