Car accidents happen. But when another driver is at fault for the crash, you can pursue damages for your injuries and losses. FindLaw offers a quick reference guide, including the injuries common to car accidents, the types of damages that can be claimed, and whether you can file claims for injuries that aren’t discovered until later.
Common Injuries
While car accident injuries range from mild to severe, here are the most common ones:
- Head and back injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and herniated discs
- Neck and chest injuries
- Traumatic cardiac arrest
- Whiplash (sprains, strains and hyperextension of the upper spine)
- Injuries to arms, legs, feet and hands (most common for motorcyclists)
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Severed limbs
Emotional distress also is common following a car accident and may be pursued as a claim. Such trauma can present itself in any of the following forms: sleep loss, nightmares, moodiness, irritability, depression or social withdrawal, among other symptoms.
Damages
While the at-fault driver is responsible for medical expenses, he or she may also be liable for other costs, which may include:
- Physical therapy
- Special equipment to help with mobility, such as a wheelchair
- In-home services
- Loss of consortium
- Lost wages and diminished employment opportunities
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Delay in Discovering an Injury
It’s not unusual for injury-related pain to surface days or weeks after the accident. Pay attention to headaches, pain in the neck, shoulders or back, numbness or tingling, and abdominal pain.
The bottom line is this: car accident cases can be quite complex. You will always be best served when you are guided by a an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney. Please reach out to us if you would like to learn more, so we can learn more about your situation and see how we can help.