Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Thousands of people are involved in accidents in New York each year. While there are many reasons for car accidents, more often than not a car accident is caused by negligence. Because of the size and weight of cars, and because they are often traveling at high speeds at the time of the accident, victims of car accidents tend to suffer from serious, life-threatening injuries. For example, it is not uncommon for a victim to suffer a traumatic brain injury such as a severe concussion, or a life-altering spinal cord injury that leaves the victim paralyzed. Such injuries are not only physically and emotionally painful they also can cause the victim financial stress since the victim may have to miss a substantial amount of work. If you are considering contacting a New York Injury Lawyer because you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a car accident, it is critical that you immediately contact an experienced Bronx Common Injuries in Car Accidents Lawyer who will work closely with you to ensure that you receive compensation for your losses through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

If you are in a car accident there are a variety of injuries that you could possibly suffer. The type of injury that you will suffer depends on a number of factors such as the severity of the impact and the type of accident. However, certain injuries tend to occur more than others, including the following:

• Brain and head injuries. A head injury is one of the most common injuries. Car accident victims often bang their head against the dashboard or windshield. In cases where the victim was thrown from the car, he or she may land headfirst on the hard pavement. The head injury could range from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury.
• Neck injuries. An injury to the neck is also a common injury. Even in a relatively low-speed, low-impact accident, a victim may suffer whiplash or some other type of strain to the neck. More serious neck injuries involve and injury to a disc.
• Facial injuries. In a car accident the face is easily injured when it comes in contact with an airbag, dashboard, steering wheel, windshield or broken glass. The face is cut or bruised, or facial bones are broken.
• Back and spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the back and spinal cord are common in car accidents because the bodies of victims are often tossed about and twisted. In addition, the spinal cord may be bruised or crushed. As a result, victims sometimes suffer severe back and spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.

If the negligence of another driver caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries, you can pursue a claim against that person for damages. To prevail you must first show that the driver had a duty to you to drive with care. Because New York drivers are expected to drive at a reasonable, prudent speed, to keep the vehicle under control, and to obey all traffic laws in order to not cause harm to others, then all drivers have a duty to other drivers. Furthermore, you must show that the driver's negligence caused your injuries and that you suffered damages. For example, if you sue to recover damages based on a back injury and a head injury, you must show that you sustained the back injury and the head injury in the car accident and that you did not hurt your back and head in a fall two days prior to the accident. Your medical records will provide key evidence as to the injuries that you sustained in the car accident. The negligent driver may have to pay for your emergency room visit, surgery, rehabilitation, visits to the doctor, medication, assistive equipment and future related medical expenses. In addition, the negligent driver may be liable for other economic losses you sustained such as lost wages or loss of earning capacity. The negligent driver may also have to compensate you for damage to your property, such as the damage to your vehicle. A court may also award you non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

All too often victims who suffer serious injuries in car accidents lose their careers, have a diminished quality of life, and see their personal relationships suffer. A serious accident can also cause financial devastation from mounting medical bills coupled with a decrease in income. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.