Riverside Auto Accident Lawyers

The body's limbs are especially susceptible to injuries in the event of a car accident. Emergency and follow-up treatments are typically required. Broken bones can lead to infection, the need for surgery, and physical therapy.

In particularly bad breaks, an amputation might be necessary, which will undoubtedly cause significant impairment and decreased quality of life. Car accidents also commonly cause minor breaks and sprains. These injuries are not usually difficult to treat; some need more prolonged periods of healing and rehabilitation to restore normal function in the area or body part.

Whiplash is the most common type of neck injury caused by car accidents. Even though it's a soft tissue injury, whiplash can be debilitating and take a long time to heal. In an accident, the vehicle occupants' heads can be thrown forward, backward, and even side to side.

The force of these movements can cause severe strain on the muscles and ligaments found in the upper neck and back. Most whiplash injuries will heal on their own after some time; however, some can leave permanent disabilities.

Disc herniation and skeletal trauma in the neck and the back are also injury concerns after a car accident, as well as damages to other soft tissues. Sometimes these types of injuries require surgery and rehabilitation. Others might lead to chronic pain and the need for physical or occupational therapy.

Injuries to the spinal cord are one of the worst types of injuries stemming from an auto collision. They are also one of the most expensive and debilitating injuries. SCI can cause partial or total paralysis or even death.

Sometimes these injuries can't be corrected entirely, leaving the victim with a permanent disability. If this occurs, they are unable to care for their own basic needs, engage in typical everyday activities, or earn a living.

Injuries to the brain and head also have the potential to be severe—over 17 percent of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in the U.S. result from car accidents. Keep in mind that the brain isn't fixed in a specific position in the skull. The forces and impacts of an auto accident can cause rapid movement of the head.

In turn, the brain impacts the hard inner surface of its skull. This action can cause skull fractures, bruising, bleeding, and soft tissue damage. Some TBI victims will have immediate unconsciousness or exhibit other tell-tale signs of injury; others may not realize their injuries until later.

As such, emergency medical treatment is crucial. The sooner a TBI is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. These injuries require emergency care and diagnosis with tools like a CT scan or an MRI and extensive follow-up treatments. Additionally, some victims will have significant impairment in cognitive function and could need lifetime rehabilitation.

Car accident victims can sustain minor or severe facial injuries, including cuts, scrapes, bruises or deep lacerations, fractures, burns, and damage to teeth or the jaw. Minor car accidents are known for causing facial injuries since the face's soft tissues are more vulnerable to trauma. The face can be injured by impact with parts of the inside of the car or objects made airborne in the accident, such as purses or broken glass. Puncture wounds can be caused by related injuries such as broken bones or other sharp objects.

Sometimes, it's the injuries that aren't visible that impact car accident victims the most. An auto accident lawyer can help victims fight for damages for these as well. Psychological injuries can be present, no matter how minor or severe a victim's physical injuries are.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among car accident victims. This disorder frequently requires treatment from a mental health professional following a car accident. Some victims only need a few therapy sessions, and others may need several years to help them deal with the potentially lasting impacts of living with PTSD.

Other psychological injuries resulting from a vehicle accident include generalized or acute anxiety, severe panic attacks, and depression. These can be caused by the trauma of the actual event or recovery from the event.

Often, treating psychological injuries is difficult. Victims might need extensive therapy with a licensed professional, medication, or a lengthy recovery period to return to their normal mental and emotional state. The best Riverside auto accident lawyers can help victims who are entitled to compensation for emotional distress resulting from the car accident get the recovery they deserve.