In California, thousands of drivers and passengers are injured in accidents every year. While many recover fully, others are left with lasting disabilities or pain.
If you’ve been injured in a California car accident, it’s crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney promptly to protect your legal rights. Various injuries can occur in accidents, with some types being more common in car crashes.
Car accidents can involve high-impact forces, sudden movements, broken glass, and debris. The nature of injuries varies depending on factors like seatbelt use, the impact point on the vehicle, the victim’s seating position, the vehicles’ speed, and airbag deployment.
Injuries are categorized as impact or penetrating. Impact injuries might include hitting one’s head on a seat, while penetrating injuries might involve cuts from broken windows or loose items in the car.
Head injuries, such as brain bleeds, can be perilous and develop slowly. Immediate medical attention is essential for any head injury. Skull fractures and hematomas (bleeding under the skull) are serious concerns. Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury, can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, or even death.
Back and spine injuries are common in car accidents. The spine has three regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back). Thoracic injuries can lead to permanent disability due to the connection to the chest and ribs. Lumbar injuries often cause pain and limited movement. Cervical injuries can affect arm movement and breathing. Spinal cord injuries, regardless of location, can lead to paralysis or permanent disability.
Broken bones and fractures are frequent in car crashes, with various types such as stable, open, compound, transverse, oblique, and comminuted fractures.
These affect ligaments, tendons, and muscles, with sprains and strains being common. Whiplash, caused by sudden jerking movements, is a notable soft tissue injury.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, California has a two-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents.