INJURIES CAUSED BY VEHICLE ACCIDENTSA LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST DEVASTATING INJURIES SUFFERED IN AUTOMOBILE COLLISIONSWWW.KAPLANLAWYERS.COM

The Impact of Vehicle Collisions Though vehicles are safer now than they’ve ever been, the impact of two automobiles at even relatively low speeds can result in catastrophic injuries ranging from internal organ damage to traumatic brain injuries. In the pages that follow, we are going to examine some of the most severe of all injuries that follow in the wake of major vehicle accidents.

Causes of Vehicle AccidentsBefore we look at specific examples of injuries in vehicle accidents, let’s take a look at how these accidents happen. The vast majority of vehicle accidents are the result of driver error, including:

Distracted Driving Impaired Driving Drowsy Driving Reckless Driving

(speeding, improper lane changes, ignoring traffic signs)

Trimalleolar FractureA trimalleolar fracture occurs when all three areas of the ankle (the medial malleolus, posterior malleolus and lateral malleolus) are broken at the same time. Trimalleolar fractures often require intensive medical treatment and take a very long time to heal.

Colles Wrist FractureColles wrist fractures occur when there is a break at the end of the radius bone closest to the wrist. Not only are these fractures painful and expensive, they also severely limit a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Recovery from wrist fractures can also be a lengthy process.

Herniated DiscPeople tend to think of herniated discs as injuries that occur after heavy lifting, but they can also be the result of severe vehicle accidents. Physicians will often look to treat these injuries with risky surgeries called laminectomies and spinal fusions. Unfortunately, these surgeries may fail to fix the problem, and they can even make injuries worse, sometimes causing a whole new set of problems for victims.

TBI - Traumatic Brain InjuryThe impact from vehicle accidents can cause devastating head injuries, often resulting in what is known as traumatic brain injuries. The effects of brain injuries can be quite serious and long lasting. Common symptoms of TBI include problems with memory, language, speaking and concentration. Victims may also face depression, irritability, anxiety and anger, along with possible physical symptoms, such as balance problems, dizziness, fatigue and headaches.

Spinal Cord InjuriesSpinal cord damage can be costly, painful and, in some cases, permanent. When spinal cord injuries lead to paralysis, victims face millions of dollars over a lifetime of care, in addition to the loss of the ability to perform work responsibilities and daily activities. Unlike many other types of fractures, the possibility of recovery is limited, and the damage to the spine cannot be undone.

WhiplashWhiplash is the most common injury suffered in car wrecks. Though these injuries are sometimes relatively mild, they have the potential to be very serious. Symptoms of whiplash include:

Neck pain (especially pain that grows worse) Neck stiffness (reduced range of motion in neck) Shoulder pain Back pain Headache (often starting at the base of the skull) Dizziness Muscle discomfort or tenderness / sore back, shoulder, and neck

muscles Prickling, tingling, or burning sensations (paresthesias) Tingling or numbness in the arms Fatigue

Internal DamageMajor organ damage is one of the most deadly of all vehicle accident injuries, in large part due to the fact that it is so difficult to detect. Internal bleeding or impaired bodily functions can quickly lead to serious medical complications and can even become fatal. Internal organ damage is often the result of blunt trauma suffered in vehicle accidents.

Financial Costs of InjuriesIn addition to the pain and suffering that victims of major vehicle accidents can suffer, the financial impact can be just as challenging. This includes:

Medical Bills Ongoing Care Physical Therapy Loss of Income From Time Off of Work Loss of Work Capacity Resulting in Lost Wages

When Another Driver Causes Your InjuryIf another driver was negligent and caused you serious injuries, they can be held responsible in the form of a personal injury claim. These claims help victims receive financial compensation for the damages and costs they suffer. If a driver’s negligence causes another person’s death, surviving family members can file what is known as a wrongful death claim to receive compensation for outstanding medical bills and end-of-life costs, like funeral and burial costs.

Do You Need Help?If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a vehicle accident in New York, the vehicle accident attorneys at Kaplan Lawyers PC can help. We will investigate your case to determine who was at fault and make sure that they are held accountable for the damages they have caused you and your family.

Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

www.kaplanlawyers.com

Client TestimonialAfter my car accident, the adjuster from the insurance company met with me and told me that they would take care of everything. At first I believed them, I was able to get some treatment that I needed and the bills were paid. But then they told me that I had to see the insurance company doctors and that is when everything changed. They wouldn’t pay for some of my doctors visits and my doctor couldn’t send me for the tests he thought were necessary.

I was frustrated and concerned that I wouldn’t get better and wished that I had called an attorney from the very beginning.

“Once Kaplan Lawyers took over my case I knew that I made the right decision to hire you. I was able to get medical care that I needed and everything was paid for by the insurance company. Kaplan Lawyers also negotiated a settlement for me and I got much more than my insurance company adjuster had offered. I even called you after my case settled with a question about a bill and they happily helped me to resolve the issue. You have a client for life!”