Car Accident Injury in New York City
The New York City car accident injury law firm of John O’Gara describes the most common injuries associated with auto accidents, including fractures or broken bones, head injuries, brain trauma and back and neck injuries to the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine, and the ways you can recover damages. In this article, learn about:
- Head & Neck Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Upper Limbs
- Lower Limbs
Common Auto Accident Injuries
Head & Neck injuries: Brain injuries are more common in side impact car accidents. Concussions, brain injuries, nausea, vomiting, seizures, headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, memory loss, depression or anxiety are also associated with brain injuries. Brain injuries are not always diagnosed, and any of the above mentioned symptoms should not be overlooked as they may indicate a brain injury.
Whiplash is one of the most common and annoying injuries caused by car accidents. It usually results from rear-end collisions which injure the soft tissues in the neck. This can lead to cervical disk bulges or herniation, which can cause long term damage to nerves. Whiplash creates neck pain and limits movement, affecting rotation and peripheral vision. If neck pain lasts for more than a few days after a car accident, physicians may prescribe medications or refer patients to physical therapists or chiropractors, or recommend surgery in severe cases.
Back Injuries: Cervical spine / neck injuries, as discussed above, are a common result of auto accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Thoracic (mid-back) disks and lumbar (lower back) disks may also be injured in car accidents. The spinal cord is supported by ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues which keep the spine in proper alignment and position. When that support structure is damaged, a frequent result is spinal disks moving out of their normal alignment to a position where abnormal pressure is applied to the spinal cord, causing severe disability and discomfort. Symptoms of spinal injuries include arm and/or leg weakness, paralysis, difficulty breathing, numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, feet or toes, back spasms, and abnormal bowel or bladder control. The back nerves, ligaments and muscles may be traumatized by a car accident causing pain and inflammation. Severe spinal injuries may require surgery. Surgery may involve disk removal (diskectcomy) to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion (implanting hardware to stabilize the injured part of the spine).
Broken Bones or Fractures: Broken bones or fractures to the forearms, hands, shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers often occur in car accidents. Rotator cuff and shoulder injuries also are common injuries. Hips, legs, ankles, knees, heels, and feet are also commonly damaged in car accidents, and Achilles tendon injuries, ankle sprains, ligament injuries, and stress fractures are all typical.
After being involved in a vehicle collision, you should contact an accident injury lawyer to help review your case and offer legal advice and counsel towards the possibility of recovering damages for your injuries. You should consult a physician to get help with any pain, discomfort, or swelling after a car accident. Be sure to save any medical records and documentation to prove your injuries in a possible auto accident lawsuit.
Injuries are common in almost any auto accident. If you suffered a car accident injury in New York City, consulting with a qualified attorney can help determine if you should pursue a lawsuit.
