Car accident injuries range from minor issues that resolve within days to lifelong disabilities. There are many factors that contribute to injuries, including whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt, where in the car they were sitting, and the speed of the crash. The use of airbags and an occupant’s position in their seat are also factors. These variables can be assessed by an Orange County or Los Angeles personal injury attorney to determine how much compensation to seek from an insurance company.
The two main categories of injuries caused by car accidents are—impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact wounds are often caused by the body forcefully contacting parts of the vehicle’s interior. Cuts, scrapes, and other penetrating injuries are caused by loose objects and broken glass.
In automobile accidents investigated by our Los Angeles car accident attorneys, the most common types of injuries include:
1. Cuts and Scrapes
Any loose object in a car can instantly become a projectile. A cell phone, book, or pair of eyeglasses can easily cut skin at high speeds. Even a dash-mounted GPS console can become dangerous. The results range from minor scratches that heal on their own to gaping wounds requiring immediate medical treatment and stitches.
2. Soft Tissue Injuries
Connective tissue damage is any injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash is one example of a soft tissue injury involving the muscles/ligaments of the neck and head. Similar types of injuries can occur in the back and spine.
3. Head Injuries
Although a bump to the head might be minor, severe damage can occur even if the symptoms don’t immediately point to something serious. Brain damage might present as just a mild headache at first. Your head might be scraped or bruised due to contact with a window or the steering wheel, but closed head injuries (including concussions and brain damage) can involve fluid buildup and tissue damage even if there’s no bruising at the surface.
4. Chest Injuries
Also common in car accidents, chest injuries include bruises, contusions, broken ribs, and even damage to the lungs or heart. Drivers are prone to chest impacts with the steering wheel. When anyone in a vehicle is thrown forward, blunt force injuries to the chest can occur, even due to force against a seat belt or shoulder harness.
5. Arm/Leg Injuries
A side impact can throw your arms or legs against the door. Knee injuries can occur with impact with the seat ahead or the dashboard. The damage can range from mild scrapes and bruises to tissue sprains and broken bones.
As a leading auto accident attorney in Los Angeles, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani is equipped to help anyone injured in an auto accident get as much compensation as possible from an insurance company. We have represented clients in many different types of cases. Additionally, we represent clients in bicycle accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases. Contact us today to learn more or receive a free consultation.