Motor vehicle accidents are common on our roads today. Reports from the NHTSA reveal that nearly 2.74 million Americans were injured in auto accidents in 2019.
Seeking medical attention is always recommended after being involved in an auto accident, as some injuries might not be physically visible. In addition, injuries like internal bleeding or spinal cord damage worsen over time, and the sooner they're diagnosed, the better. While car crash injuries vary based on the unique circumstances of every road accident, some damages are more prevalent than others:
- Whiplash: Whiplash injuries are ligament, muscle, or tendon injuries that can occur in severe and minor car collisions. During an accident, your head can move suddenly in the opposite direction of the impact force. Neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons strain during sudden back and forward movement. Common symptoms of whiplash include fatigue, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, numbness in the arm, and more.
- Spinal Disc Damage: The spine features several discs within the vertebrae that provide support and protection. Unfortunately, a few of these discs may dislocate in a car crash, causing pain and complications. The common spine injuries include bulging discs, herniated discs, and annular tears. Annular tears can happen when the ligament of the disc ruptures, whereas a bulging disk is when the disc shifts out of position and moves to the spinal canal. Additionally, a herniated disk occurs when a few vertebrae rupture, causing leaks to the spinal canal.
- Back Injuries: Your spine isn't built to endure heavy impacts. When you are involved in a car crash, the impact of the accident can force the muscles in the lower back to overstretch or tear. This can result in muscle spasms, tightness, and acute low back pain. The pain and complications from a severe back injury can be intense and long-lasting and negatively affect your life.
- Lacerations: Many things can go wrong during a car accident; airbags can deploy, windscreens can shatter, and seatbelts can negatively restrain and injure you. In the process, your body may encounter sharp edges and objects from the vehicles inside or outside. As a result, you may sustain minor cuts or scrapes or suffer more serious damage. Sometimes, laceration injuries may require surgery and take a long time to heal. In some cases, lacerations may cause permanent pain and disfigurement, which can heavily impact your life.
Contact a Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney for Help
You may be entitled to compensation if you've sustained injuries in a car accident. At Schwimer Weinstein, we have the knowledge and experience to help you obtain fair compensation after your accident.
Contact us online today or call us at (310) 957-2700 to speak to our Santa Monica Car Accident Attorneys, Michael Schwimer and Zev Weinstein, and to get the compensation you deserve.