Most Common Car Accident Injuries and How to Take Legal Action
Violent car accidents can result in injuries that can lead to temporary or lifelong problems. Medical expenses on top of car repair costs can quickly drain a person’s finances. However, you may not have to pay for all these expenses if you can prove the other driver was at fault. To start taking legal action, talk with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about what steps this may require.
Top Car Accident Injuries
There is a multitude of injuries that can result from a car accident. The types of injuries a person suffers depend on the severity of the accident, how the vehicle was damaged, and what the person did afterward. Some injuries can worsen when a person moves the afflicted area of the body the wrong way.
The topmost common car accident injuries include bone fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and soft tissue injuries. Each of these injuries differs in severity level and longevity of symptoms. Bone fractures tend to occur from car accidents in the following areas:
- Skull
- Arms
- Legs
- Neck
- Spine
- Ribs
Sometimes fractures to the skull can cause brain injuries and almost all spine fractures result in some spinal cord injury damage. Brain injuries range from mild to severe, with a large variety of symptoms. Moderate to severe brain injuries often result in lifelong impairments and complications. Communication abilities, movement, sensation, perception, and thinking can all be impacted.
Spinal cord injuries are also irreversible in most cases. Complete spinal cord injuries remove the ability to move and feel below the injury site. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may still leave some functionality behind. A person may retain the ability to feel and move their arm. Not only can spinal cord injuries create the complication of permanent paralysis, but they can also create other complications like:
- Infections from bedsores
- Chronic pain
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Breathing difficulties or pneumonia
- Muscle spasms
Internal organ damage is also common and usually involves the digestive system, spleen, and genitourinary system. If left untreated, internal organ injuries can lead to various complications, sometimes with the risk of death. Certain internal organ damage may cause lifelong challenges.
Soft tissue injuries consist of whiplash, sprains, and strains. These involve stretched or torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons. This can result in pain and decreased movement. Whiplash affects the neck and sometimes leads to chronic neck pain. After years of dealing with chronic whiplash pain, many people develop other difficulties like:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood changes like irritability
- Strained social relationships
The treatment expenses for treating severe injuries like chronic whiplash pain, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries can add up. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by multiple medical bills stemming from surgeries, continued treatment, hospitalizations, and physical therapy. Sometimes health insurance does not cover all of these expenses.
This is when filing a personal injury claim might help you pay for these expenses. Not only could you be compensated for medical bills but also for car repair costs and any other financial losses. If your injuries involved pain and suffering or emotional distress, then you could receive additional compensation for non-economic damages.
The hardest part is proving these damages and proving negligence. To be compensated, you must prove the other driver was at fault. This looks different depending on what caused the accident.
How to Sue for Car Accident Injuries
The first step for obtaining compensation for your car accident injuries is filing a car accident claim. This claim should be filed with the auto insurance company with details about the accident. Be sure to include as much car accident evidence as you can by:
- Taking photos of your injuries and vehicle damages
- Including copies of the police report and your medical records
If your car accident claim is rejected, do not panic. The next step would be to file a personal injury claim, something a lawyer can help you with. This starts with filing an initial complaint. An initial complaint is a written-out statement concerning the reason you are taking the case to court, the desired outcome, and supporting evidence.
A summons will be sent with the complaint that tells the other party they are being sued. This includes details about the court date. In some cases, the party being sued will not respond, will admit fault, or will file a counterclaim. Depending on how this goes, there will be a process called discovery. During the discovery process, you can expect:
- Depositions or statements made by witnesses of the car accident
- Written discovery or interrogation of both parties by the opposing side
- Document production or requesting evidence in the form of documents from both sides
Sometimes a settlement is reached and the case ends. Other situations may require going to trial. Consider contacting a Los Angeles accident lawyer to learn more. When the case goes to trial, a jury will be selected, arguments from both sides will be heard, witness testimonies will be conducted, and the jury will decide.
There are options for avoiding lengthy trials. Not everyone has the time or finances to take the case to trial. Alternatives to personal injury cases going to trial include:
- Filing a motion
- Reaching a settlement
Filing a motion is a step an experienced lawyer can take when they see the opportunity to do so. This might mean pointing to facts that cannot be argued against. Reaching a settlement means compromising on an amount to pay you. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a settlement that is fair and will help you cover your expenses.
Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles
No one should have to pay for car accident injuries caused by someone else. All you have to do is call the Law Offices of Jennie Levin by dialing (323) 951-1188 to speak with a California car accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Our dedicated team of attorneys might be able to help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. We serve clients in Los Angeles, California.
