Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents in South Carolina

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A car accident can leave the people involved with serious, potentially life-altering injuries. Many South Carolina car accidents share similarities and produce comparable injuries. At the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm in Greenville, South Carolina, our experienced Greenville car accident lawyers understand the most common injuries from car accidents and have helped many people who sustained injuries or lost loved ones in wrecks.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

Injuries from car accidents can vary in severity and type. They are also impacted by other factors, such as whether drivers and passengers wore seatbelts when the crash occurred.

Cuts, scrapes, and bruises

Many people involved in car wrecks experience cuts, scrapes, and bruises from forces of impact or broken glass.

While some cuts and scrapes are minor, they can lead to infections without proper and timely treatment.

Bruises are a common car accident injury that often results from blunt force trauma. Some bruises may be relatively minor and may heal by themselves over time. More severe bruising may indicate underlying tissue damage, warranting medical attention and monitoring to prevent complications.

In cases where facial cuts and bruising occur, seeking prompt medical treatment is also advisable to help prevent scarring or other long-term damage to the face.

Whiplash

Whiplash is among the most common injuries from car accidents. When the force of impact in a crash causes the head and neck to jerk back and forth, it can lead to whiplash injuries.Whiplash can be minor and resolve on its own in time, but it can also lead to chronic pain and debilitating mobility issues.

Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries

Many people involved in car accidents also sustain back, neck, and spinal cord injuries. Back injuries vary in terms of type and severity but might include:

  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Herniated discs
  • Fractures

Neck injuries are also common car accident injuries. While minor neck injuries may resolve over time with minimal medical care, more severe neck injuries may warrant ongoing care and physical therapy.

Spinal cord injuries can be quite serious and often result from compression or impacts on the spine. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis or a loss of feeling or function near the injury site.

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

Head and brain injuries sustained in car crashes can be especially debilitating and expensive to treat. Concussions, which occur when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to shift around and come in contact with the skull, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another common car accident injury, and they require prompt medical attention to determine their severity. Many people who sustain TBIs need regular, sometimes round-the-clock care in the aftermath. These injuries can seriously impact quality of life, potentially impacting everything from cognitive abilities to finances.

Broken bones

Broken bones are also common injuries from car accidents. The strong forces of a car wreck can cause bones to fracture or break, leading to a lengthy recovery period.

While many types of broken bones are possible, the most common breaks affect arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Broken bones require prompt medical treatment to avoid complications and even longer recovery times.

Internal bleeding

Some people injured in car wrecks experience internal bleeding. This often results from tears or ruptures in the blood vessels and can vary in severity depending on the extent of the trauma and the specific organs injured.

Mental and emotional trauma

Some of the most common injuries from car accidents are mental and emotional trauma. Many people experience post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the incident. Others find they are fearful of driving again or to travel as a passenger in someone else’s vehicle due to the trauma they experienced.

Those who experience mental or emotional trauma after a car crash may find it beneficial to seek support from a therapist or other mental health professionals. Many people find that talking to someone about their experience aids the healing process.

Delayed Onset of Injuries After an Auto Accident

While some car accident injuries are readily apparent after a wreck, others do not manifest or produce symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later. For example, many people who experience whiplash or concussion in a car crash do not realize it until some time later.

Because many common injuries from car accidents produce delayed symptoms, anyone involved in a serious car accident should seek medical attention afterward. Injured parties should see their doctors within 24 hours, even if injuries seem minor.

While seeing a doctor promptly helps ensure proper treatment, it also creates a medical record of the incident, which may prove useful if injured parties decide to pursue claims.

When to File a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit

After a car accident injury, those who intend to file claims against the responsible party must typically do so within three years of the crash. Failing to file a claim within this statute of limitations leaves those with injuries without legal recourse.

While filing a claim early ensures that injured parties meet South Carolina’s statute of limitations, it may also increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation. Evidence from the crash may be easier to access soon after the incident. Witness statements may also be easier to collect and more accurate if taken within a reasonable timeframe.

How To Reach Us

Many common injuries from car accidents leave those hurt with physical limitations, emotional hardships, and financial challenges. At the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm, we understand how injuries from car accidents can affect those involved, and we have comprehensive knowledge of South Carolina personal injury laws. Call 864-280-7660 or leave a message online to discuss your case and explore your options.

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