Millions of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents across the globe every year. Many people lose their family members due to catastrophic injuries. Accidents on the road can be prevented when drivers and pedestrians follow safety rules and traffic laws.
It is important to develop the right attitude towards driving and sharing the road with fellow drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are just some of the common, avoidable reasons for such accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 33,944 traffic accidents leading to 36,096 fatalities in 2019. Surviving family members could likely have filed wrongful death lawsuits against the negligent party for many of these accidents. In addition to fatal crashes, millions of victims suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical attention.
Philadelphia reported a total of 125,267 crashes in 2019, 1,059 of which were fatal. According to Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics, these accidents led to an average economic loss of $1,996 for each man, woman, and child involved in an accident. Some car accidents may require hospitalization for weeks or months. Other accidents result in only minor injuries that can be treated at home.
The severity of the injuries an individual might sustain in an accident depend on a number of factors. The following are some of the factors that may impact the type and the severity of injuries a person sustains:
- Were you wearing a seat belt?
- Did the car have airbags?
- How did the accident happen?
- Did you get hit from the rear, front, or on either side?
- What was the cause of the accident?
- Was it a low-speed collision or a high-speed collision?
- Were you driving the car or sitting in the passenger seat?
- Were you a pedestrian hit by another vehicle?
Different factors may impact different motor vehicle accidents. Bicycles and motorcycles are unprotected. Therefore, the chance of more serious injuries is greater. Accidents can be fatal when a bicycle or a motorcycle is involved.
In truck accidents, the size and weight of the truck, as well as the type and weight of any cargo, may impact the severity of an accident and lead to serious injuries. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident of any kind, you can contact an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Details of Common Injuries
An accident can lead to a mild injury or may have long-lasting consequences. Accidents can have physical, mental, and financial consequences in the life of an individual. The following are some of the more common injuries that people sustain in auto accidents:
- Broken bones – Accidents often inflict such significant force that bones may break. Broken arms, wrists, legs, and ribs are some of the common injuries sustained in accidents. Severe breaks take longer to heal and may prevent an individual from working. Fractures can be of two types – simple and compound fractures. If your doctor diagnoses a compound fracture, you may have to undergo surgery.
- Scrapes and cuts – Flying objects and broken glass can cause cuts and scrapes. Many people assume that cuts are minor and will not have any complications. Even a minor cut can lead to infection or blood loss which may pose serious health risks. Therefore, you should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident to avoid complicating any minor injuries.
- Soft tissue damage – Any injury to muscles, ligaments, or tendons can be described as a soft-tissue injury. It can affect different parts of your body and may disrupt your everyday life. Injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises are common, and the sufferer must get proper medical treatment to reduce the impact of these injuries.
- Head injuries – This injury can be both minor as well as severe. An unexpected stop or an unnatural movement could even damage the skull. Traumatic brain injury has serious consequences. One of the reasons why it is recommended to wear a safety belt is to avoid head injury. In some states, wearing a seat belt is not mandatory.
It is important to understand that a seat belt is for your own safety. Wearing a safety belt properly can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. An extreme head injury can even disrupt the functioning of the brain and may lead to memory loss, neurological issues, and other serious issues. Even mild symptoms of traumatic brain injury can disturb mental health and normal functioning of the brain.
- Chest injury – The vehicle driver is at a higher risk of experiencing a chest injury because they are sitting directly behind the steering wheel, which may compress against them when thrown violently forward during an accident. As a result, the chest may experience a high level of force and the victim may suffer from critical chest injuries.
- Back or neck injuries – In an accident, your body will move suddenly and violently. It can lead to the breakage of the spine and supporting bones and other trauma. Many individuals sustain severe back and neck injuries in such collisions and crashes.
- Arm and leg injuries – Force may be exerted on the arms and legs as well. There is a good chance of experiencing arm and leg injuries. Many people suffer from critical knee injuries because their legs have little space for movement in cars.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder – Many individuals often experience mental trauma, which haunts them for years. After a collision or a crash, an individual may experience different injuries. Some of these injuries affect mental health. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a serious motor vehicle accident.
Every victim has a right to demand compensation for their injuries that result from an accident caused by somebody else’s negligence. Connect with a Auto Accident Lawyer to proceed with the claim. You can concentrate on your recovery while legal professionals work on seeking compensation for damages from the responsibility party.