4 common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents

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1. Traumatic brain injury

The head is particularly vulnerable to trauma in a motor vehicle crash. A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt interrupts normal brain function or a force penetrates or fractures the skull. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that car accidents are the second most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Car accident lawyers in Chicago know that the force of the collision is enough to harm the brain even without a direct impact to the head. Bruises or bleeding beneath the skull may lead to long-term health problems and permanent disabilities.

2. Damage to the back and neck

A back or neck injury can arise from soft tissue damage, which affects the muscles or ligaments. The direction and force of the impact may also cause more serious damage to the spine. Fragments such as chips of bone or dislodged material from the discs or ligaments can bruise or rip spinal cord tissue. When nerve cells from the spinal cord are damaged, an individual often experiences numbness or paralysis.

3. Facial injury

The vulnerability of the face in motor vehicle accidentsleads to a number of sources for potential harm. Scrapes, bruises, lacerations and fractures may come from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, windows or seats. Even though air bags prevent fatalities in many cases, they can also be a source of damage to the face, especially if an individual wears glasses. Dental or jaw issues can be caused by the force of the crash, as well.

4. Psychological trauma

Regardless of the severity of a collision, a victim frequently experiences some form of psychological trauma. When the injuries are severe or there is a fatality, emotional distress can be intense. Fear, helplessness and shock often fade with time, but when these negative feelings persist and increase, an individual may be developing post-traumatic stress disorder, which has the potential to prevent a return to normal life.

Individuals who experience serious health issues due to a motor vehicle accident may benefit from legal assistance. Car accident lawyers in Chicago understand the ramifications of long-term health needs and may be able to help.