According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over three million car accident victims nationwide, including Louisiana, have to deal with the consequences each year. Crash injury-related medical expenses and lost wages do not typically form part of anyone’s monthly budget, and too often, other drivers’ negligence causes long-term hardship for motor vehicle accident victims. The severity of the injuries typically depends on various factors.
Severity and nature of crash injuries
The following are some of the factors that determine the severity and nature of crash victims’ injuries:
- The speed of the vehicles upon impact
- The location of the impact, such as side, front or back impact
- Whether vehicle occupants wore seat belts
- Airbag deployment
Types of car accident injuries
The following are typical injuries that could be either penetration or impact injuries:
- Bruising or contusions: These are often caused by the seat belt, but they are minor compared to potential injuries one may suffer without wearing a seat belt.
- Whiplash: The sudden forward and backward movement of the head causes neck injuries and possible concussion.
- Neck injuries: Torn ligaments and displaced discs between vertebrae could cause pinched nerves.
- Back injuries: When the alignment of the neck section of the spine is disturbed, lower back problems could result.
- Head injuries: Head trauma could be from mild concussion to a fractured skull or bleeding in the brain.
- Internal bleeding: The spleen, liver and kidneys can rupture if penetrated by fractured ribs, causing internal bleeding.
Other injuries include hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, leg or shoulder fractures or strained ligaments. A broken windshield or loose objects in the car could cause scrapes and lacerations. Some accidents could even cause post-traumatic stress disorder.
Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Baton Rouge and elsewhere in Louisiana could pursue financial relief by filing personal injury lawsuits in a civil court. However, navigating the legal proceedings could be complicated. For such a claim to be successful, negligence on the part of the defendant must be established. Furthermore, claims for medical expenses, lost wages and other financial and emotional damages must be documented for the court’s adjudication.
