Updated May 2019
Car accidents can cause severe debilitating injuries resulting in thousands of dollars in medical bills and lengthy recovery time for victims. This can occur even when you are a safe driver but victimized by the negligence of others. Unfortunately, the symptoms of common auto accident injuries can linger for months and in some cases cause chronic pain that lasts for years.
As an attorney, every day I am personally involved in fighting for those who are injured as a result of the negligence of others.
The most common injuries of those in car accidents are:
Neck Injuries.
Neck pain is probably the most common complaint of those in car accidents. This ‘whiplash’ effect is where the neck experiences a quick jerk forward and then back. This unnatural jerking motion can result in severe neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
The victim may require medical treatment for a strain or sprain the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the neck. Pinched nerves and herniated discs are not uncommon and the pain can last for years.
Head and Brain Injuries.
Head injuries are also quite common in car accidents. Drivers and passengers can hit their heads on the steering wheel, windows, and dashboard causing cuts, bruises, concussions, and brain injuries. It’s important to remember that not all head injuries show external indicators; therefore, passengers should always seek medical attention.
Warning signs of head and brain injuries include:
- Nausea
- Memory Loss
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurry Vision
Head injuries can be severe and life-changing.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries.
Back pain is another very common complaint from victims of car accidents. The force of a car accident can cause one or more of your spinal discs to rupture and irritate nearby nerves. Back pain, numbness, or tingling in your back or lower body following a car accident can lead to surgery and even paralysis.
If you experience back pain after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. The faster you are diagnosed, the better chance you have at a full recovery. Chronic back pain is a terrible sentence for anyone.
Bone Fractures.
Bone fractures are common in high-impact traffic accidents. The most common fractures occur in the:
- Wrist
- Arm
- Elbow
- Knee
- Ribs
Recovery, therapy, and limited functionality of the broken limb can be prolonged based upon the severity of the injury and age of the victim.
Internal Bleeding and Injuries.
Car collisions can result in many internal injuries such as bleeding and damage to vital organs. The most vulnerable organs are:
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Liver
- Heart
Lungs are especially vulnerable as a result of broken ribs. If your ribs break upon impact, there is a chance they may puncture a lung. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
What To Do If You’re Involved.
If you’re injured in an auto accident, always . . .
Call Police. Always call the police – even if the accident appears minor. After their investigation, the officer will issue a police report. A police report is very important to your case.
Get Medical Treatment. You and your passengers may be in shock, confused, or scared. When you call the police, their dispatcher can also send an ambulance for emergency treatment. Take photos of any cuts, bruises, or physical injuries that may not be part of the medical report and X-rays.
Get Information & Photos. Never leave the scene of an accident without photographs and the names and contact information of witnesses. Most cell phones today have cameras that you can use to photograph vehicle positions, body damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Note: Use our Auto Accident Checklist.
Hire an Attorney. Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer! Do not wait. We help you avoid mistakes that may weaken your case. We also help you keep track your medical treatment, ensure that no legal deadlines are missed, advise you on realistic compensation, and keep the case moving forward.
We Help Victims.
The Attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law are knowledgeable and expert in representing those injured in car accidents. Auto accidents involving injuries are complex. Insurance companies rely on professional adjusters to negotiate. In order to deal with these professionals, you need a highly-trained, skilled attorney to protect your rights. We know your rights and the applicable laws. We are your advocates. We are experts at negotiating with powerful insurance companies. Experience counts.
We make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you focus upon your recovery.
The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one is injured in an automobile accident, please call my office at 312-346-8465 or contact us using the form below.
