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Common Catastrophic Injuries in Car Accidents

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018 alone, there were 7,425 people injured in car accidents on a daily basis. Although many people are able to walk away from a car accident relatively unscathed, others end up suffering catastrophic injuries as a result of their accident. These injuries are among the most serious, and the consequences of catastrophic injuries can lead to permanent disabilities that preclude someone from performing gainful work. 

From surgery to long hospital visits to rehabilitation to medication, catastrophic injuries can leave drivers with a lifetime of medical care and pain and suffering. The following are some of the common catastrophic injuries that may be caused by a car accident. 

Burn Injuries

Burns are among some of the most painful injuries that people can go through after a car accident. These catastrophic injuries can be caused by a car’s gas, oil, or electricity during an accident, and in extreme cases, they may lead to a car exploding from the impact of the crash. The result of burn injuries can include infections, scars, and disfigurement, and people who have experienced them may be required to have surgeries and rehabilitation.

There are four types of burns, and the severity of the injuries people sustain depends on which type they have:

  • First-degree: These burns cause damage to the skin and redness, but generally do not require medical treatment.
  • Second-degree: This type of burn causes blisters, red and white splotches, and pain on the skin.
  • Third-degree: People with these burns will have severe damage through to the innermost layer of the skin.
  • Fourth-degree: This kind of burn is the most severe and affects all layers of the skin, as well as bones and muscles. 

Internal Injuries

The violent movements of a car during a crash can often lead to internal injuries, such as:

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Broken ribs
  • Punctured lungs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver lacerations
  • Ruptured spleen

In some cases, drivers may not realize that they have suffered this catastrophic injury right after the accident, especially a minor one, as it can take a long time for any symptoms to occur. Other times they may not find out they have had this type of injury until they’ve been examined by a doctor. These injuries are extremely serious and can lead to various other health problems, so it’s important to get medical treatment as soon as possible after a crash.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Although people may associate traumatic brain injuries with sports injuries or combat situations, they often occur during car accidents as well when someone suffers a blow, jolt, or bump to the head during the accident. In fact, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 17 percent of all traumatic brain injuries are the result of motor vehicle accidents. These types of catastrophic injuries can have several serious effects:

  • Physically, people may have nausea, severe headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, grand mal seizures, or stroke.
  • Cognitively, these injuries may lead to loss of memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Emotionally, traumatic brain injuries can cause anxiety and depression.

Contact a San Francisco Catastrophic Injury Attorney for a Consultation

If you have suffered from a car accident that left you with a catastrophic injury, the Law Offices of Scott Righthand can advise you of your rights and help you navigate the complicated legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.  

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Date Of Posting

24 November,2020

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