Car accidents often lead to a wide range of injuries from mild to severe injuries. Here are the most common car accident claims.
Summary
- Over 3 million Americans experience TBIs annually, a condition often caused by head impacts during accidents. Symptoms include headaches, memory issues, and emotional instability, affecting daily life significantly.
- Whiplash is more severe than many realize, with 50% of sufferers experiencing pain a year later. It leads to stiffness, fatigue, and requires physical therapy in some instances.
- Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis, nerve damage, or loss of sensation, depending on the area affected.
- High-impact collisions can cause sprains or fractures that may not show on imaging but cause ongoing pain due to overstretched muscles and ligaments.
- Burns from car fires or severe abrasions can damage tissues beyond the skin, often leaving victims with physical scars and emotional trauma.
Five million car accidents happen in the United States every year. While most of these accidents aren’t fatal, that doesn’t mean all motorists walk away unscathed.
If you have sustained injuries and suffered losses due to an auto accident caused by another person’s negligence, Sand Law’s car accident lawyers are here to help you file a claim. To book a free consultation today, call us at (701) 394-3697 or submit our online contact form.
Common Car Accident Injuries in a North Dakota Crash
ND Department of Transportation crash statistics show that one person suffers an injury every two hours due to an automobile accident in the state of North Dakota.
These are some of the most common car accident injuries we see in North Dakota personal injury claims:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Close to 3 million people across the country are afflicted with a traumatic brain injury on an annual basis. Riders whose heads are bumped against surfaces like car seats or suddenly jolted forward may develop a TBI. Even lifesaving airbags can cause TBIs when they’re deployed.
Half of patients endure ongoing headaches headaches following a TBI. TBIs can also impair an individual’s memory, attention span, and communication skills.
Living with a TBI is often frustrating. Damage to certain areas of the brain can make it impossible for those with TBIs to regulate their emotions. They can become unreasonably angry or upset suddenly even if they were mild-tempered before their car accident.
If you’re suffering from a TBI, you might not necessarily immediately notice these changes yourself. Friends and family who regularly spent time with you before your accident may recognize the changes more rapidly.
2. Neck Injuries
Many people think of whiplash as a mild condition that resolves itself within a few days after an accident. In reality, up to 50% of people experience neck pain and other whiplash symptoms after a year.
Whiplash commonly causes inflammation, neck stiffness, fatigue, and muscle spasms. Some accident victims need physical therapy to treat it.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can affect virtually any part of the body that relies on the nervous system. It’s possible for North Dakota accident victims to lose sensation in one or more areas of their bodies.
Alternatively, they could suffer from sudden jolts of pain because of damaged nerves due to a spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord can also leave car accident victims fully or partially paralyzed.
4. Back Injuries
High velocity accidents can severely injure the upper back which in turn can damage the ribs and chest. Sprains and fractures in the upper back have the potential to cause irreversible nerve damage.
When the back sustains excessive force in a car accident, the lower back, also known as the lumbar region, may be sprained. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles are stretched beyond their normal range. Though medical imaging frequently fails to show these injuries, the pain is very apparent.
5. Burns
Some think of burns as curable, cosmetic afflictions. They can be much more serious. Road rash can destroy all layers of the skin, exposing fat, tissue, muscle, and bone. Dangerously hot car fires and overheated car parts can also cause damages well beyond the surface level.
With that said, burn victims who do regain full physical function often still suffer severely from unwanted changes to their appearance. It’s not unusual for them to feel self-conscious or even depressed about their scars.
6. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries from car accidents can be fatal if they aren’t treated quickly. Head wounds, which may be invisible to the naked eye, put the brain under high levels of pressure.
If a head wound results in blood loss, the brain could also be robbed of the oxygen it needs to function. Anyone who develops brain damage after 15 minutes without oxygen has a slim chance of reversing that damage.
Internal bleeding can happen all throughout the body. Loose, broken bones and blunt force trauma can release blood from vessels and organs. Blood may pool where it shouldn’t be instead of transporting vital oxygen and nutrients to critical areas.
7. Soft Tissue Injuries
Trauma to muscles, tendons, or ligaments is the cause of soft tissue injuries. These body parts are commonly overextended and torn during car accidents.
While some soft tissue injuries heal on their own, others become chronic ailments. Ongoing pain and numbness as well joint inflammation can limit mobility.
8. Fractured and Broken Bones
Over 6 million bones are broken and fractured annually, according to research by OSU. Car accidents are a major source of these injuries. It’s possible for any bone to become broken or fractured in a car crash.
Arms and legs particularly are known to break when they’re twisted unnaturally in various directions. The sheer force of an accident alone can lead to these bone injuries. Trauma to the head can cause skull fractures serious enough to require neurosurgery.
9. Disfigurement and Limb Loss
Passengers may find themselves crushed under the weight of a car for an extended period of time before help arrives. If that weight restricts blood supply for too long, the affected limbs might have to be amputated.
Virtually any body part can become disfigured by the trauma from an accident. Up to 32% of people with medical conditions suffer from depression; in these cases, a common source of depression is disfigurement.
Disfigurements not only change a person’s appearance. They also compromise functionality. For instance, if your teeth are completely shattered in a car accident, you lose both your confidence to smile and your ability to eat a meal with ease.
Actions to Take After a North Dakota Car Accident Involving Injuries
Taking the right actions immediately after a car accident is critical to protecting your safety and your rights to fair compensation. By staying calm and following specific steps, you can safeguard your interests and make the aftermath more manageable.
- Ensure safety first. Check yourself and others for injuries, and move to a safe location if possible to prevent further harm.
- Call the authorities. Report the accident to the police, as their official report can serve as vital evidence later.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible car accident injuries.
- Exchange information. Collect the names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registrations of everyone involved.
- Talk to witnesses. If there are bystanders, ask for their contact details and document their accounts of the incident.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor to rule out hidden car accident injuries and create a medical record.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident promptly to avoid complications with your claim.
- Consult a legal expert. Contact experienced Sand Law car accident attorneys to better understand your rights and options for fair compensation.
How Sand Law Can Help You Secure a Settlement for Your Car Accident Injuries
Recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and financial burdens. The experienced ND car accident attorneys at Sand Law are dedicated to guiding you through the process with tested tactics.
We’ll help you secure the compensation you deserve by:
Offering Expert Legal Guidance
Dealing with the legal aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, but Sand Law’s attorneys provide clear advice tailored to your situation. We help you understand your rights, obligations, and the steps necessary to build a strong case for compensation.
Handling Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, as their goal is to minimize payouts for car accident injuries. Sand Law auto accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who advocate on your behalf, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.
Collecting and Organizing Evidence
A successful North Dakota car accident claim often hinges on strong evidence. Our auto accident lawyers work diligently to gather supporting documents, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to strengthen your case.
Representing You in Court
If settlement talks do not yield fair results, North Dakota auto accident attorneys at Sand Law are ready to take your case to court. We represent you with professionalism and determination, presenting a compelling argument to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Providing Support During Recovery
Beyond legal representation, Sand Law’s team understands the emotional toll of North Dakota car accident injuries. We offer support during the car accident claims process and help ease your stress so you can focus on healing.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer About Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
If you have sustained an accident-related injury because of a negligent party, the compassionate Sand Law team can help you secure the compensation that you need to heal. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered maximum compensation for countless clients involved in North Dakota automobile accidents.
For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (701) 609-1510.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
After a car accident, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life caused by the accident.
Can I claim compensation if a loved one died in a car accident?
Yes, if a loved one tragically dies in a car accident, certain family members may file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one. Eligibility to file a wrongful death car accident claim depends on your relationship to the deceased.
Who pays for my injuries after a car accident in ND?
North Dakota follows a no-fault insurance system. This means your own insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your costs exceed policy limits or involve serious injury, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver.