According to the United States Department of Transportation, the total number of fatal car accidents in 2018 was 33, 654. Out of that number, 343 were in Massachusetts. 214 were single-car accidents while 146 involved multiple cars.
Almost everyone that lives in Fall River, MA drives every day. Driving requires a certain amount of skill but we all drive at high speeds and very close to each other. This is why when someone is negligent, the consequences can be fatal.
At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, we have dealt with quite a number of car accident cases in Fall River, and below is a list of the most common types of car accident injuries we have seen. If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call us. Our car accident attorneys in Fall River are available 24/7.
5 Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Fall River, MA
Head and Brain Injuries
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the leading cause of traumatic brain injury is car accidents. On the other hand, 17% of car accidents lead to non-fatal TBI. Sudden acceleration and deceleration while driving can cause a person to slam their head onto the steering wheel, windshield, or dashboard. It can also cause a person’s head to jerk back and forth resulting in whiplash.
Our brain is usually suspended inside the skull and they do not touch. The force of sudden deceleration or acceleration causes the skull to come to a sudden stop. However, the brain will continue moving at the same speed as the car causing it to slam into the skull.
You may not notice the effects of a brain injury immediately which is why it’s always advised to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. In instances where your head injury is severe, you can seek the expertise of a car accident attorney in Fall River to help you file a car accident claim.
If you hit your head in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Doctors will assess the extent of your injuries. If you do suffer from TBI, doctors will stabilize you. This, however, doesn’t mean that your recovery will be seamless. You might need to through rehabilitative therapy and relearn how to perform basic skills.
Back and Neck Injuries
The impact of deceleration or acceleration can cause significant injuries to the spine and neck. Common injuries to the neck and back include:
- Fractured vertebrae
- Herniated disc
- Back or neck strain
- Cervical fracture
- Whiplash
Back and neck injuries can cause permanent disability or a lifetime of lingering pain. This can affect your ability to go back to work or to perform tasks as well as you used to. A car accident attorney in Fall River will factor in the cost of treating your injuries, current lost and future wages, and any cost of permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be extremely disabling because they can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation or major loss of function. Spinal cord injuries occur when the nerve cells in the spinal cord that are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the body are damaged.
According to NCBI, approximately 11, 000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to a spinal cord related injury. Approximately $9.7 billion is spent on spinal cord injuries every year. The average living expenses and healthcare is estimated to be $218, 504 but this depends on the severity of the injury.
In some cases, even after receiving medical treatment, you may not be able to conduct everyday activities or earn an income to support yourself and your family. It’s therefore extremely important that you obtain the largest settlement possible. A car accident attorney in Fall River will be able to do this for you.
Facial Injuries
Common types of facial injuries include:
Bruises
These are often not serious injuries but they can cause serious pain until they heal.
Lacerations
This is a deep puncture, scrape, or cut to your face. Sometimes a bone or a piece of the car can puncture your facial skin.
Dislocated jaw
This is a serious and painful injury. It can heal normally after the jaw is put back in place or you may need surgery.
Broken facial bones
It’s not uncommon for people to experience broken facial bones in car accidents. You might require surgery to repair the injuries.
Psychological Injuries
Some people might suffer from mental and emotional trauma from accidents especially when serious injuries occur.
Car Accident Attorney in Fall River, MA
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Fall River, MA, don’t hesitate to get in touch in touch with us for a free initial consultation. Call us today at 508-676-0001
