Car crashes can lead to many types of injuries. While many people can walk away with a few bruises and maybe minor lacerations, there are some instances in which catastrophic injuries occur.
Understanding a bit about these serious injuries may help individuals who are involved in a collision. Let’s look at five of them.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, but that’s not always the case. The extent of the effects depends on the location and type of damage. Spinal cord injuries always affect the area below the damage. Incomplete injuries still have nerves attacked through the damage, but complete injuries don’t. Typically, incomplete injuries heal better than complete ones.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can have significant impacts on a person’s abilities. The area of the brain that’s damaged determines what effects the injury has. Many people don’t realize they don’t need a hit to the head to suffer a brain injury. The brain can suffer damage when it slams against the skull.
Broken bones
Broken bones can occur with the force of the crash. These often produce considerable pain and may require surgery to reset the bone in the proper position. Some broken bones may also require physical therapy.
Traumatic amputations
A traumatic amputation occurs when a body part is severed. These can sometimes be reattached, but there’s guarantee it will work. Infection and shock are primary concerns when a traumatic amputation occurs.
Internal bleeding
Internal bleeding can stem from many causes in a car wreck. One of these is the seat belt. While the seat belt is a life-saving device, it can cause significant damage to the midsection when the body slams against it.
All of these injuries require emergency medical care and often long-term care, which can be costly. Victims may opt to pursue a claim for compensation if the crash was due to another person’s negligence. Montana law sets standards for these personal injury claims, including time limits. Anyone who wants to file a lawsuit in an attempt to recover damages should do so quickly.