Our St. Louis Lawyers Explain the Five Most Common Car Accident Injuries and How We Will Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Unfortunately, some car accidents lead to long-term or even permanent injuries, all thanks to the actions of a negligent or reckless driver. The most important first step after an accident is to care for your health, but it’s important not to put off seeking justice for your injuries. At Bollwerk & Associates LLC, our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers understand the devastating consequences of long-term accident injuries. We’re here to protect your rights and to fight with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for the compensation you need to cover the costs of recovery. Here, we explain five common car accident injuries and how we can help if you’re coping with these conditions.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a prevalent injury suffered in collisions. You may suffer from whiplash if your head is jerked quickly backward and forward during the crash.
Whiplash is a more serious injury than people realize—it’s important you seek immediate treatment to prevent your condition from worsening. Common symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck, stiff neck, headaches, and increased fatigue.
While some victims make a full recovery, others do not. If your whiplash injuries are long-term, they could affect your ability to work and your quality of life. You may have to cope with the following long-term effects of this injury:
- Chronic pain
- Frequent headaches
- Pain in your arms
- Limited range of motion in your neck
2. Traumatic Brain Injury
If you experience a jolt or blow to the head or if an object penetrates your skull, you may suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can cause profound changes to your memory, cognitive abilities, and personality.
Here are some of the long-term impacts you may face with a TBI:
- Chronic headaches
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Vision or hearing loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Limitations in mobility
- Inability to take care of your daily needs on your own
3. Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another severe type of injury that can change your life forever, especially if you become wholly or partially paralyzed. You may need daily medical and personal assistance throughout your life if an accident injures your spinal cord.
Common long-term symptoms you may have to live with include:
- Partial or complete loss of mobility
- Loss of sensation in your limbs and other body parts
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems
- Inability to control your bladder and bowels
- Increased likelihood of suffering from secondary medical conditions
4. Broken Bones
Broken legs, arms, hip bones, and shoulder fractures are common in car accidents. If you suffer a serious fracture, you could need multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. Possible complications include:
- Long-term mobility limitations
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage
5. Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and injuries can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation if you do not get prompt medical care. Common internal injuries caused by car accidents include a ruptured spleen, punctured lung, damage to the liver or kidneys, and an abdominal aneurysm.
If you suffer this type of injury, you may need extensive surgeries, an organ transplant, and medical treatment throughout your life. You may have to cope with life-long pain and permanent organ damage.
Get the Legal Help You Need If You Were Hurt in a St. Louis Car Accident
Once you take care of your immediate medical needs, your next step should be to retain a car accident attorney in St. Louis. If you suffer a long-term injury, you will need the compensation you could recover for both past and future damages. Seeking financial damages is the first step toward accessing necessary medical treatment throughout your life, replacing your income if you can no longer work, and compensating you for your pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
At Bollwerk & Associates, LLC, our legal team will help you take the proper steps after a Missouri car accident to strengthen your case. We’ll guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes, including giving a recorded statement, that could hurt your claim. We will fight to seek all the damages you deserve in your settlement with the insurance company.
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, our legal team will file a Missouri personal injury claim to sue the negligent driver before the five-year statute of limitations expires. Unlike other attorneys, we are not afraid to try your case at a jury trial, and we have a track record of success in settling and trying motor vehicle accident claims.