Serious Car Accidents In Tri-state Area May Lead To Catastrophic Injuries
Victims of car accidents may suffer from serious injuries, which can impact their lives in many ways.
Thousands of people in the Tri-state area and around the country become victims of serious auto accidents every year in the U.S. The Tri-state area has seen significant numbers of yearly fatalities:
- 332 deaths in West Virginia
- 989 deaths in Ohio
- 638 deaths in Kentucky
Countless more people received significant injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and spinal cord damage as a result of driver negligence. While some people are able to recover from their injuries relatively quickly, others must deal with the life-changing consequences that may occur after a catastrophic car accident.
Spinal Cord Damage And Back Injuries
Car accidents are responsible for 35 percent of all new spinal cord injuries every year. This makes them one of the most common causes of spinal cord damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. When a person is subjected to a sudden jolt or blow to the spine, the vertebrae that makes up the spinal column can break, compress or become dislocated. Fractured pieces of bone can sever crucial nerves, which in some cases, can cause permanent paralysis. While some back injuries are apparent immediately after the accident occurs, others can take weeks, months or even years to show up. Spinal cord injuries and back problems caused by car accidents can also exacerbate certain chronic conditions, such as degenerative disk disease, arthritis and spinal stenosis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
In addition to neck and back damage, auto collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). When the head hits against a solid object or whips back and forth after a forceful impact, the brain can become damaged when it strikes the inner skull bone. These injuries can be mild to severe, depending on how hard the brain tissue hits the bone and where the damage occurs within the brain. Some common signs of TBI include the following, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
- Seizures and/or convulsions
- Muscle spasms or tingling in the extremities
- Sensory deficits
- Loss of memory
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Nausea, vomiting and headaches
Since each brain injury is unique, people may exhibit different signs and symptoms of brain tissue damage.
Recovering From A Car Accident
Recovering from the aftermath of a car accident can be extremely difficult, especially if you are suffering from serious injuries. You may have trouble returning to work, paying for your medical bills and completing your everyday tasks. A personal injury attorney in West Virginia can listen to the details of your case and help you look at your possible legal options. You may be eligible for compensation that can help get you back on track after your car accident.
